Physio or Chiro?

[ll80]

I'm wondering whether it's better to see a physio or a chiro for back problems when pg.

I've got a past history of back problems and now that I am getting bigger it's all flaring up again.

Bit of History:
I've got really tight Gluteus muscles (my butt basically) and not tight in a good way that i could bounce a coin off it I can feel the muscles pulling and tightening as I walk.
I have problems with my pelvis, one hip is rigid and the other hip is super movable, sometimes I can feel it moving up or down.
I also have issues in the sacroiliac joint (lower back) which is causing me some pain and other related muscle issues due to compensating for the sore back.

I've seen a physio before, for about 18mths and that did help, but I am wondering if a chiro would be better?

[Kazbah]

Regardless, see someone who's a pregnancy specialist. I had physio during pregnancy for a dodgy back/hip and that was wonderful and I truely think it helped me achieve my VB.

[Michelle71]

Yep - I agree. Find someone who specialises in pregnancy. I saw a chiro in my last pregnancy and again this time and it was the only way to keep me functional with SPD. Either a chiro or physio will be of help.

[Junglemum]

I saw an osteo and a massage therapist throughout my pregnancy.

I had pelvis, hip and lower back pain. I had a bit of drama with my SI joints too. I found both the osteo and massage really helpful.

There are awsome chiros and there are also crap ones, same goes for physio, osteo and massage. Whatever you choose, you need to find a good one, who is experienced in treating pregnant women.

FWIW- If it took 18 months to fix your last problem i would not be going back. If you don't get positive results with a few treatments i would try something else. JMO of course!

[ll80]

thanks ladies,
I rang my midwife and asked her if she knew of someone in town as the physio association had no one listed in Toowoomba specialising in Pregnancy.

She recommended someone who also does yoga for pregnancies and with babies as well as baby massage, so sounds promising.

I don't know why I didn't think of it myself *slaps forehead*

ETA -

FWIW- If it took 18 months to fix your last problem i would not be going back. If you don't get positive results with a few treatments i would try something else. JMO of course

yeah I am dubious also, but I think half the problem was I went through public system at Angliss Hospital in Melbourne, I saw so many different physios and only got half hour appointments, after 12mths it felt like they were really trying to get rid of me. At the time I couldn't afford to see someone privately.
If one doesn't seem to be working this time I will def. be trying some other options.
Thanks heaps..

[Smoke Jaguar]

Neither, IMO!
I was recommended an Osteo clinic in my area that would help with SPD, and one that wouldn't suggest weaning my child to see a reduction in relaxin.
I went onto the ABA forum and posed the question about whether I take the physio's advice about just putting up with it (grrr) or if I'm right and that there is another angle I could pursue. An osteo responded who pointed me to the clinic nearest me that she could recommend by reputation. I've not looked back and I now have ways to mitigate SPD for my next pregnancy so that I don't have to put up with that 'sledgehammer in my pelvis' feeling!
Physio only ended up causing bruising and ongoing pain and I believe an Osteo to be more holistic and useful to me than a chiro. Just my experience and opinion
ETA: Falguni - ha, same response! I was composing while you posted yours
There's also a thing called the 'Natural Therapy' pages that lists Osteos, massage therapists etc. Google it and have a read of the descriptions in the listings. Also, Skype directory for recommendations.
Just don't take 'it goes with the territory' as an answer to back and general body pain in pregnancy and post-birth!

[ll80]

Thanks Mayaness, I just googled the woman my widwife recommended and she's not a phsyio but a reflexologist, massage therapist and doula, she must be a busy lady.

Sounds like the better direction to head rather than physio or chiro

[Michelle71]

There are holistic therapists in all areas of health - you just have to find one My chiro does minimal manipulation, believes women should not experience pain during pregnancy and provided exercises for strengthening and stability - long term but particularly during pregnancy