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RISE
RISE
Sports & Spinal
0409 794 007
Osteopathy · Pregnancy Osteopathy

Pregnancy
osteopathy.

Safe, gentle care for the physical demands of pregnancy — from the first trimester through postpartum.

Pregnancy-related back and pelvic girdle pain is the norm rather than the exception: around 45% of pregnant women experience it, and it persists for roughly a quarter of women after birth (Wu et al., European Spine Journal, 2004). As the uterus grows and the centre of gravity shifts, the lumbar and pelvic joints are placed under load they weren't designed to sustain for nine months.

Last updated: October 2026

Pregnancy-related back and pelvic girdle pain is the norm rather than the exception: around 45% of pregnant women experience it, and it persists for roughly a quarter of women after birth (Wu et al., European Spine Journal, 2004). As the uterus grows and the centre of gravity shifts, the lumbar and pelvic joints are placed under load they weren't designed to sustain for nine months. Low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, rib discomfort, and sciatic referral are all common — and all treatable with appropriate osteopathic care. At RISE Sports & Spinal, we provide safe, gentle treatment across all trimesters and into the postpartum period, with techniques adapted to each stage.

Common causes

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP)

Hormonal changes loosen the pelvic ligaments to prepare for birth, but this also reduces joint stability. The SIJ and pubic symphysis are particularly vulnerable to shear load and pain.

Lumbar pain

The growing uterus increases lumbar lordosis and places sustained load on the discs, facet joints, and supporting muscles. This is the most common musculoskeletal complaint in pregnancy.

Rib and thoracic pain

As the rib cage expands to accommodate the growing uterus, the costovertebral (rib-spine) joints can become irritated, causing sharp or aching pain around the ribs and mid-back.

Postpartum recovery

Birth — vaginal or caesarean — creates significant physical demand. The pelvis, lumbar spine, and abdominal muscles all require rehabilitation. Many women return with neck and upper back pain from feeding positions.
Osteopath Steven Eskaf assessing a standing patient’s shoulder and arm range of motion in the Berwick clinic
Assessment first — we test movement and joint mobility before treating.

How we treat it

We use gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques throughout all trimesters — no high-velocity manipulation in contraindicated positions. Treatment typically includes soft tissue work, gentle joint mobilisation, sacral and pelvic balancing, and breathing and postural guidance. Postpartum, we address pelvic floor loading, abdominal rehabilitation, and the upper back/shoulder strain common with newborn care. Alongside hands-on treatment, we prescribe exercise: it is the one prevention strategy for pregnancy-related low back pain with moderate-quality trial evidence behind it, and it is well tolerated in pregnancy (Santos et al., Physiotherapy, 2022).

Ready to get started?

Same-week appointments available. Initial consult 60 min · $149 · HICAPS on-site.

Common questions

FAQ: pregnancy osteopathy

Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
Yes. We use pregnancy-appropriate techniques that avoid prone lying after the first trimester and high-velocity manipulation near the uterus. We treat patients safely through all trimesters.
What trimester can I start?
Any trimester. First trimester for nausea and early back pain, second and third for pelvic and lumbar issues, and postpartum for recovery.
Can osteopathy help with pelvic girdle pain?
Yes. PGP is one of our most common pregnancy presentations and responds well to a combination of manual therapy and load management guidance.
Do I need a referral from my OB or midwife?
No referral required. If your care team has specific concerns they want communicated, we're happy to provide treatment notes.
How soon postpartum can I come in?
We recommend waiting until your initial postnatal check (around 6 weeks) for postpartum-specific care, but we can treat earlier for acute pain with appropriate modifications.

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