It's almost Xmas! I hope the last year has been a healthy and happy one.


Pregnancy & Chiropractic
A little info on the importance of keeping the body during pregnancy and adapting to changes in the body

Research
Another reason to eat more berries! Research is finding that they help clear toxins from the brain. In 2011, the SMH printed an article on the benefits of berries which highlighted specific benefits relating to different types of berries. It is well worth the read.

Dry Needling
I am now offering dry needling both as an adjunct to treatment and on its own. It works really well for shoulder complaints, golfers or tennis elbow and muscle/ligaments sprains and strains.

Xmas Presents
Struggling for Xmas present ideas? I will be ordering in some more Massagers, Pillows and Heat Packs but only if requested. I also have heaps of quirky ideas....

Recipes
I loved this post of meals in a bowl. They all look delicious, healthy and relatively easy to make. I am definitely going to try some of them. Let me know if you do too.

Supplements
If you need any more supplements or have been thinking about trying a supplement from Bioceuticals (fish oil, magnesium, multi-vitamin) please let me know asap as I need to get the order in before deliveries become super slow. 

Xmas Appointments
The diary is starting to look pretty full so please let me know asap if you are wanting to come in for an adjustment before Xmas. I will also be working reduced hours between Xmas and New Year and the 1st week of January. My hours are on the website.

Have a great few weeks in the lead up to the end of year!

Amy

A woman’s body changes to accommodate the demands of pregnancy and the several changes that occur. There are particular biochemical demands for the purpose of growing a healthy baby; these require attention with us of dietary changes. Starting to be more conscious of a balanced pattern of eating regularly each day at every three to four hours is a good idea. For example, morning sickness can require that you eat a little but more frequently to settle the stomach. Additionally, increasing quality proteins in your daily diet such as fish, lean meats and eggs and eating mineral rich foods such as celery, beans and carrots is a good habit to develop during the pregnancy.  It is also a good idea to try avoid excessive sweet or rich foods that you may be cravings and rather try to simulate these flavours using vegies and fruit.                

With all these biochemical changes there will be physical changes to the whole body during pregnancy. There will be increased pressure on the body when standing, moving and even sitting. These demands will cause changes in joints and can result in aches and pains through the lower back, pelvis and legs and result in joint dysfunction of the spine and related joints.

A misalignment of the lower body can cause a twist in the pelvis with a distortion of the abdomen and internal ligaments of the pelvis, such as the round ligament. This twist in the body can cause pressure and torsion internally through the uterus. Changes in a pregnant woman, such as a protruding abdomen, an increased back curve, pelvic ligament stretching and changes in gravity all cause changes in the body. The body has to adapt to these changes. As this occurs, pain and stiffness can follow. Spinal dysfunction is greatest during the second and third trimester, when posture and the body distortion of pregnancy is at its greatest. In fact, it is likely that the state of ‘Pregnancy’ is one of the most stressful periods of a woman’s life. The period of nine months brings physical, emotional and biochemical pressures that the human body never experiences otherwise.

Chiropractic care can be helpful during pregnancy as it keeps the body moving well and in postural balance for the nine months. A chiropractic treatment can re-set the balance of the pelvis and unwind any twist or misaligned joints caused by day–to-day activity. The chiropractic goal is to have one functioning optimally during their pregnancy and towards the day that labour commences! Chiropractic care is a gentle and can be beneficial in the treatment of back, pelvic or hip pain.

Adapted from article by Dr Sue-Ellen McKelvey , PhD

References:

(1) Fallon, J. DC.  The Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Pregnancy and Labour:  A Comprehensive Study.  Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic, 1991:24-31. Fallon, J. DC. Chiropractic and Pregnancy; A Partnership of the Future.  ICA Review Nov/Dec 1990.

(2) Henderson, I. MD. American Medical Association records released in 1987 during trial in U.S. District Court, Northern Illinois, Eastern Division, No. 76C 3777. May 1987.