christchurch osteopathy acupuncture :: Pain Management

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Pregnancy & Childbirth

For Fertility and IVF read more here.

Although the material in this chapter was originally written for those living with persistent pain, Pregnancy and Childbirth can also be mentioned here. During pregnancy, and when breastfeeding, one would hopefully want to avoid all analgesics and medications. If you are unfortunate enough to also have muscle and joint pain, headaches, migraines, etc, when pregnant or breastfeeding — then using analgesics may no longer be appropriate. Physical Therapy (e.g. Osteopathy) and Acupuncture can be used to help reduce pain during all stages of pregnancy. Acupuncture may also be able to reduce pain from endometriosis, fibriods and period pain.

Other strategies to manage pain might also include the Breathworks type approach (breathing, mindfulness, and body awareness practice), stretching, yoga and gentle exercise, (Please see Self-care rehabilitation). You might also like to look at the CALM website.

As a drug-free option for pain relief, TENS machines can be used safely during pregnancy and childbirth. These machines can often be hired from local pharmacies. (You might also like to ask your midwife about this.) It is also possible to buy them. Often cheaper from buying online, I have found this UK company to have a good selection, and postage seems to take around two weeks (sometimes sooner) see TMS Healthcare.

Your midwife is the best person to talk to about your birth plans — as there are various methods for pain relief during the birth. You might however like to look at these sites.

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