Some practitioners hesitate to be involved with manipulation techniques
and pregnancy. "Osteopathy and Obstetrics" demonstrates that there is no
scientific evidence to support such fears. During a pregnancy the
patient is going to change both anatomically and physiologically in
every part of her body. The obvious signs of this change include growth
of the abdomen, change of shape of the spine and pelvis and the growth
of the breast tissue. What is not so obvious are the changes to the
cardiothoracic system, the gastrointestinal system and the renal system.
Changes to the reproductive system are obvious only at the end of the
pregnancy. Osteopathic practitioners with their structural,
cranio-sacral, myofascial and visceral techniques are uniquely placed to
facilitate these changes. This book looks at each body system, discovers
the way that the system changes, and then suggests and demonstrates
specific osteopathic techniques and diagnostic methods to allow the
practitioner and student to practise obstetric osteopathy efficiently.
Each section contains up to date references so that science-based
medical principles are respected and followed. Safety issues are
constantly emphasised so that the treatment experience is a pleasant and
successful one for both patient and practitioner. The book is divided
into sections dealing above the diaphragm, below the diaphragm, and in
the pelvis. Each section is illustrated by photographs and supported by
text boxes and line diagrams. The author is a practicing osteopath and
has 30 years experience of teaching osteopathy and obstetrics. In 1980
he set up the first clinic to treat expectant mothers at the British
School of Osteopathy . He has written this book to satisfy the demand of
student osteopaths and mature practitioners wherever osteopathy is
taught and practised. Introduction Chapter One: The Physiology of the
female hormones during pregnancy Chapter Two: Above the Diaphragm
Chapter Three: Treatment techniques for the cervical and thoracic spine,
ribs, diaphragm and mediastinum during pregnancy . Chapter Four: Below
The Diaphragm Chapter Five: Treatment techniques below the diaphragm
during pregnancy Chapter Six: The Pelvis and lumbar spine Chapter Seven:
Treatment techniques below the pelvis and lumbar spine during pregnancy
Chapter Eight: The Pregnancy generalities regarding pregnancy and the
Osteopathic Evaluation of pregnancy KEY POINTS First textbook on
osteopathy for 5 years Outstanding expert author/practitioner Worldwide
appeal
