The body is complex and the conditions we experience are numerous. To list all we treat would be exhaustive.
Instead it would be easier for you to call our clinic (416) 503-2569 or email Richard Gibbon at: osteopath@rogers.com with your questions.
If you have any type of pain: whether joint, muscular, referring, vague, acute, chronic, etc... we would love to see you.
If you are having difficulties with your systems ie. digestive, respiratory, circulatory, etc... then Richard Gibbon would love to see you.
If you are have nerve type pain or discomfort then please call and book an appointment.
We live by the quote, "We don't care how much you know until we know how much you care".
You will find at Gibvey: that we care and that we know.
Richard dedicates this next section to inform you of his various treatment approaches. This month he discusses his work with the obstetrical patient.
The Obstetrical Patient
Treatment for this patient focuses on the musculoskeletal and physiologic stresses that occur in pregnancy. First appointment should occur at 10 - 12 weeks.
The Structural Stage: 0 - 28 weeks
Muscles and ligaments become more vulnerable to mechanical stresses as the biological effects of increased levels of hormones weaken their strength. Compensatory changes occur to offset the "forward" pull of the abdomen causing muscles to strain under an increased load.
During this time the patient undergoes minor to moderate changes to her body structure which cause pain and discomfort. Advanced manual therapy, massage therapy and acupuncture can help lessen the extent to which these changes could worsen in weeks 12 - 28.
The Congestive Stage: 28 - 36 weeks
During this time the uterus pushes up against the respiratory diaphragm and lower ribs compromising respiration and fluid movement. Tissue congestion occurs thus decreasing oxygenation and nutrition of the cells. I use manual lymph drainage to assist in reducing the congestion.
The Preparatory Stage: 36 weeks to Delivery
I continue treating tissue congestion and discomfort from structural changes. I like to include cranial-sacral work to aid in normal hormonal and neural function that occurs during labour and delivery.
The Recovery and Maintenance Stage: Delivery to 6 weeks postpartum
Ligaments begin to return to their normal tension and strength so it is important to address any structural compensations, especially at the base of the spine, that may linger during this time. Manual Lymph drainage is effective in reducing breast congestion and cranial sacral can reduce the incidence of "postpartum blues". I also like to include a cranial assessment of the newborn.
I have been treating the obstetrical patient for 15 years and often see pregnancies that are considered hig risk, such as, gestational diabetes, gestational choleysistitis and eclampsia. I do not use a pregnancy treatment table as I find it promotes the physiologic changes I am trying to reduce in the chest, abdomen and pelvis. I understand some mothers-to-be appreciate the comfort of the pregnancy table so that she can receive a back massage, however, the back can just as easily be treated with her on her side or seated.