Physio or Chiro?

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?

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.

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.

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!

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* :D

ETA -

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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

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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..

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!

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

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 :)

Perhaps you could consider acupuncture as an option as well. It is very good for these types of problems. If you do though, go to someone reputable and make sure they know you are pregnant.
Good luck!

A chiro was reluctant to treat me when I was pregnant but then I had never had chiro treatment before ever.

So I went back to my wonderful physio who is a 'muscularskeletal' physio (can work on the joints) and was really able to work my joints and muscles differently to a chiro and that worked a treat.

I would see a physio or osteo that specialises in treating pregnant women. They can do chiropractic manipulation if necessary. I personally feel osteopaths are gentler and have more muscular expertise than that of chiropractors.

My sister is a Myotherapist and she treated me all the way through my pg.
If you are going to see someone, make sure that they not only can treat pg women (and have done it previously) but they have belly pads so that you can lie down during treatments.
I found that in the last 4 weeks i couldnt any more as i was HUGE, but it was so nice to lie on my belly supported during treatments

THT

Thanks for all the info everyone,

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There are holistic therapists in all areas of health - you just have to find one

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yeah I know, if I was still in Melbourne wouldn't be a problem but in Toowoomba there are not too many choices when it comes to specialist therapists. There isn't one listed that I could find in Toowoomba, that specialises in Pregnancy. Physio that is.

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Perhaps you could consider acupuncture as an option as well.

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Yep, if the woman I am going to see doen't work out then I will look into it.

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I would see a physio or osteo that specialises in treating pregnant women. They can do chiropractic manipulation if necessary. I personally feel osteopaths are gentler and have more muscular expertise than that of chiropractors.

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I agree which is why I was a bit reluctant about going to see a chiro.

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If you are going to see someone, make sure that they not only can treat pg women (and have done it previously) but they have belly pads so that you can lie down during treatments.

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She sure does, I'm looking forward to lying on my belly, I miss my belly sleep, not that I'll be sleeping there hehe.


SO many different therapists it can getting a bit confusing as to what they all do, as some of them do overlap each other. At least this time if one doesn't seem to be helping I can try out another therapist and go from there....

My chiro is the reason I had an under 2 hour labour. I swear by my chiro and started back pre pregnancy this time just because of the amazing results. Last time I couldn't walk up until 16 weeks when I started seeing my chiro. I was totally pain free from 20 weeks. Bliss. xo

PS My chiro does not do manipulation, he uses a gun (that's what I call it). Very very gentle but extremely effective. My appts are 1 minute long literally.

Hi, only just saw this thread, and wondered how the massage went... was it with Leah Palmer-Johnstone? I am hoping to do her mums & bubs yoga... I have never done yoga before, but it sounds like fun. I just have to get into gear and phone to enquire. Little babies take up so much time!

On the chiro note, I went to a chiro (Rogers clinic on Mary Street), and I kicked myself that I hadnt been going earlier in my pregnancy like my midwife had told me!

They also have the belly bag there, and see a lot of pregnant woman, and children. I have already taken Byron to see Mel. Evan or Mel would be great to see. They also do kinesiology to help with emotional aspects of your body and pregnancy. I slept better after my first visit.

My pelvis was rotated slightly which is the main reason I went, and my labour was great, had Byron at home with no complications!

Posting this has reminded me to make another appointment!

Hope your back is feeling better

:)

hiya EJM,

Yep Leah Palmer Johnstone, she's great.
I've been thinking I might do the yoga bub classes once bubs comes along as well.
She's one busy lady a little hard to get a hold of but worth it.

I'll keep the chiro in mind in case it flares up again, at the moment I am having a couple good days and a couple bad days, depends on if I do too much or too little, either can set it off.

In the order I would choose:

1. Osteo 2. Chiro 3. Physio

Again someone who specialises in pregnancy or is at least experienced in it. The gun is called an activator :)