OMT for Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Early Childhood in Southlake, TX

Pregnancy and childbirth are two of the most exciting, life-changing journeys a woman can experience. While this is a miraculous time in any person's life, pregnancy and childbirth can also bring about certain medical conditions that can dampen the joyous occasion. By incorporating advanced osteopathic techniques, our team at Integrative Pain and Wellness Center in Southlake, TX and serving the surrounding areas of Midland, and Odessa, TX aims to reduce your pain and complications to allow you to make the most of this time in your life. To enhance your comfort throughout your pregnancy and the postpartum period, we combine conventional medicine with holistic techniques. Our goal is to optimize your health while minimizing the negative effects of pregnancy.

Utilizing osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), we look for areas of restriction throughout the body and employ different modalities to restore proper function. Depending on where you fall in your pregnancy, we incorporate different techniques to address your unique needs. Osteopathic physicians Dr. Matthew Barker and Dr. Melanie Gray can't wait to help make this stage of your and your baby's life enjoyable and easy.

If you're an expecting mother, have recently given birth, or have a young child with certain difficulties, you and your child may benefit from osteopathic manipulative treatment. We utilize techniques that are precise and delicate enough for newborn babies, toddlers, and adult women.

Complications that can be reduced or eliminated in pregnant or postpartum women include:

• Pain from head to toe, concentrated in the head, neck, back, joints, pelvis, and more
• Upper or lower extremity swelling
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Difficulty breathing
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Depression
• Anxiety or stress
• Decreased milk supply
• Acute mastitis

Meanwhile, issues that can be addressed in newborns and toddlers consist of:

• Feeding difficulties (latching problems, tongue/lip tie, swallowing problems)
• Heartburn
• Baby colic
• Plagiocephaly (misshapen head)
• Torticollis or other muscle tightness
• Ear infections
• Allergies or sinus problems
• Pain from head to toe
• Problems with crawling or walking
• Constipation

OMT for pregnant women, postpartum, newborns, and toddlers vary greatly because each of these groups has different needs and concerns. During a private consultation with Dr. Barker or Dr. Gray, we will ask you in-depth questions about your symptoms and any other problems you may be experiencing. Once we identify the underlying cause, we will then use our hands, the core foundation of osteopathic medicine, to relieve and address your issues. To treat newborn babies and children, our team uses a very gentle but effective approach, gently treating the target areas to improve function and give relief. 

Is OMT safe for newborns and toddlers?
Yes, OMT is considered safe for newborns and toddlers when performed by a trained and experienced osteopathic physician like Dr. Barker or Dr. Gray. They are skilled in treating individuals of all ages using gentle and appropriate techniques for their delicate bodies.

How soon after birth can newborns receive OMT?
OMT can be performed on newborns soon after birth, even within the first few days or weeks of life. Parents may seek OMT to address common newborn issues such as breastfeeding difficulties, colic, or musculoskeletal imbalances resulting from the birth process.

When should postpartum mothers consider OMT?
Postpartum mothers may consider OMT at Integrative Pain and Wellness Centervarious stages following childbirth. Some may benefit from OMT soon after childbirth to address immediate issues such as pain, discomfort, or breastfeeding challenges. Others may seek OMT later in the postpartum period to address ongoing musculoskeletal concerns, pelvic floor issues, issues with mood and anxiety, and more.

How is OMT performed during pregnancy?
OMT techniques for pregnant women are gentle and specifically designed to accommodate the physiological changes occurring in the body during pregnancy. Our osteopathic physicians may use techniques such as myofascial release, soft tissue stretching, gentle joint mobilization, and craniosacral therapy. The treatment is usually performed with the patient lying in a comfortable position, and the physician applies gentle pressure or manipulations to targeted areas of the body.

Bringing a child into this world is a selfless act that calls for many sacrifices on the part of the parent, and thanks to innovative osteopathic techniques, pain doesn't have to be one of them. At Integrative Pain and Wellness Center, Dr. Barker and Dr. Gray use manual methods to reduce pain throughout your body, relieve tension, and improve your body's overall function. Whether you're in your early stages of pregnancy, have recently given birth, or now have a full-grown toddler, osteopathic manipulative treatment can work wonders for you and your child's needs. Contact our office in Southlake, TX to schedule your appointment.