Sciatica in Pregnancy
A Pain in the Backside!
Most women accept that they will get some form of backache whilst pregnant but for those that suffer from sciatica it can start to affect their day-to-day lives and be very debilitating.
Sciatica is inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. During pregnancy the nerve can be inflamed due to a combination of posture, muscular restriction, hormones, stretching of uterine ligaments and the position of the baby. Generally if you have a shooting pain in your buttock and down into your legs, then you may have sciatica. It can be painful enough to restrict movement, especially certain actions such as getting in or out a chair, or going upstairs. It is more common in the 2nd and 3rd trimester but can occur earlier, especially if you have previously suffered from low back problems.
The best way of dealing with it is to seek pregnancy massage or osteopathy where the muscles can be relieved and advice can be given on specific situations. Regular stretching and maintaining the muscles through activities such as pregnancy yoga or aquafit classes, or swimming will also help. Note that the breaststroke is not ideal for sciatica; you are better sticking to the back stroke or crawl, or perhaps just use a float and kick your feet. When doing any activity, try to work the core muscles behind the baby, as these are the ones that are important for supporting your posture.
Families Article
I have an article in the most recent edition of Fife Families magazine, which I did in collaboration with my friend and colleague, Orla Beaton. You can read the article below.
Start as You Mean to Go On
So here we are - January 2012. How are the 'new year/new you' plans going?
If you are like most people they probably only lasted a few days. Statistics suggest that 93% of people who set resolutions did so to improve fitness or lose weight but only 50% stick with it beyond January.
So, why does this happen? Why is it so hard to stick to good habits and so easy to fall back into bad?
One reason people give up new activities is the aches and pains they suffer because their body is unused to the physical effort. Many people start off full of enthusiasm, forget about the boring stuff like stretching or warming up and end up sore or even injured. This can result in those who had set their sights on a specific challenge such as a 10k, not taking part, or not doing as well as they had hoped.
Don't let that happen to you, take a tip from the pros and look after your body, especially if you are planning on entering an event.
Remedial massage can ease aches or pains after that latest gym session, help maintain your muscles health so as to avoid further pain or injuries and also help you to relax. Serious athletes use it as part of their training regime, why don't you?
Pregnancy Services Open Day
Saturday 2nd July at Synergy Yoga Centre
Interested in find out about treatments, services and classes to support you throughout your pregnancy and post-natal period?
Several therapists are holding a FREE open day at Synergy Yoga centre. You will be able to attend talks and workshops, experience a taster session of various therapies, including Pregnancy Massage and Reiki from JS Therapies.
There are also stalls for information from a variety of practitioners, midwives and shops.
Come along 11am-4pm.
See location page for directions
Families Magazine
I recently had an article in the Edinburgh Families magazine about Massage in Pregnancy. Feedback has been very positive, and I am hoping to do some more similar articles for this and other publications.Look out for the magazine in local libraries, child friendly places and GPs surgeries etc, remember its free! If you don't get the Edinburgh Families magazine, then you can read the article here.
Take your vitamins
I recently took part in an Open Day at Synergy for the Glenrothes MS Group. This was a day to allow the members to come and see what therapies and classes at Synergy might be beneficial for the group members, and let them try some taster sessions as well. This was a really enjoyable event, all the group members seemed to get alot out of the visit and hopefully will continue to enjoy classes and treatments in the future.
It was also very interesting to chat to them about the disease, and recent research, which seems to point towards Scotland's world renowned lack of sunshine as a factor in the high rates of MS and other similar diseases. It seems that our weather may not just be something to moan/joke about, it might actually be harming us. Research suggests that taking Vitamin D3 could be the answer and there is a campaign to get it given out to the population. http://www.mssocietyscotland.org.uk/news_and_whats_on/news_whats_on/summit_on_vit_d.html
New Clinic and New therapy
I am delighted to say that I have a new clinic in Edinburgh. This is in The WholeWorks which is in Jackson's Close, just off the High St. It is ideally sited for access from Waverley and buses, as well as parking nearby. The Wholeworks is a lovely Edinburgh institution, which offers a variety of therapies and counselling services.
My time slot at the moment is 10:30 until 2:30 (last appointment 1:30pm) on a Monday.
I am also currently undertaking a course in Myofascial Release (MFR). This is a very different technique to 'normal' massage but can have a very deep affect on the body. It is especially useful for ongoing, chronic conditions. I am really looking forward to being able to practise this as I think many of my clients will really benefit from it. I have completed half the course and will finish it in mid October.
SYNERGY OPEN DAY SATURDAY 10TH APRIL
Synergy is having an Open Day on Saturday 10th April 11am to 4pm. Why not come along, meet therapists and teachers, find out about classes and treatments available. Take part in a taster workshop - Shamanic Theatre, Healthy Moves, EFT, Homeopathy. Tasters in Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Flower Essences, Reflexology, Shiatsu, and more! Cafe and Fairtrade shop open for snacks and shopping!
Treat Yourself this Easter, and Discover
the sense of well-being that complementary healthcare brings!
Synergy Yoga and Therapy Centre,
5 Crompton Road,
Southfield Industrial Estate,
Glenrothes 01592 631672
NEW DUNFERMLINE CLINIC!
I am delighted to say that a wonderful new Massage and Therapies centre has opened in Dunfermline. The new centre is called Clarity House and is on New Row, just down from the Alhambra Theatre. I am very pleased to be able to offer treatments at Clarity, I will currently only be there on alternate Wednesdays between 11am and 8 pm, but this should increase in the Spring when I finish my maternity cover in Edinburgh.
Treatments available with myself - Remedial Massage, Pregnancy Massage and Reiki.
See WWW.CLARITYHOUSE.CO.UK for more information and to download a voucher for £5 off your first treatment.
Pregnancy Massage Now Available
I am very happy to say that I am now fully qualified as Pregnancy and Massage Practitioner, having received a high mark (Credit) in my 6 month course. So I am very pleased as it makes all the months of hard work, study and report writing worthwhile. Again, a big thank you to all my case studies, I appreciate being entrusted with your bumps! Appointments are available at both Synergy in Glenrothes and Napiers in Edinburgh, also at Aegon for employees there.
Pregnancy Massage Coming Soon!
I have now completed my 6 month 'Massage in Pregnancy' course. This course involved attendance at an intensive 5 day course, a practical assessment, then 6 months of consolidating this through Case Studies and a 3000 word report. I am currently waiting on my Certificate which will allow me to practise this specialist treatment and am looking forward to helping pregnant women at all stages of their pregnancy.
Many thanks to all my case studies, it was a joy and an honour to be part of your pregnancies and congratulations to all of you who have had your babies now.
If you would like to know more about the course I did, please see the links page.
Photo credit Simona Balint
