Pregnancy Musculoskeletal Care
Pregnancy is a miracle, but let’s be honest—it can also be a literal pain in the back.
As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts forward, your posture changes, and your body releases a hormone called Relaxin, which loosens your ligaments in preparation for birth.
While these changes are natural, they often result in:
Lower Back Pain: Due to the "swayback" (lordosis) posture.
Sciatica: Sharp shooting pain down the leg.
Pelvic Girdle Pain (SPD): Intense pain at the front of the pubic bone or deep in the hips.
Many mums-to-be in East Auckland are told, "It's just part of being pregnant, it will go away after the birth." We disagree. You do not have to suffer through your pregnancy.
At Velca, we offer specialized, gentle care to keep you comfortable from the first trimester to the delivery room.
Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?
This is the #1 question we get. Yes, it is highly safe when performed by trained professionals.
We do not use the same techniques on a pregnant woman as we would on a rugby player.
No squashing the tummy: We use special pregnancy pillows (like the "Belly Pillow") that allow you to lie face down comfortably without any pressure on the baby. Once your bump gets big enough we transition to side-lying or sitting treatments.
Gentle Adjustments: We use low-force techniques (like the Activator tool or Drop Table) to restore pelvic balance without harsh twisting.
While we assess the whole spine, we pay special attention to the Sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine). If the joints around the sacrum are stiff, it can create torsion (twisting) in the pelvic ligaments. This restricts the space in the pelvis. By aligning the sacrum, we ensure the pelvis is balanced, which may give the baby more room to move into the optimal position for birth.
Physiotherapy for the Pregnant Body
While the Chiro help you move, the Physio supports the muscles.
Treating SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) If you have sharp pain at the front of your pelvis when you roll over in bed or get out of a car, you likely have SPD.
The Fix: We teach you how to activate your deep core (Transversus Abdominis) and pelvic floor to hold the pelvis together.
Support Belts: We can fit you with a specialized pregnancy belt (SIJ belt) to physically support the weight of the bump.
Lymphatic Drainage for Swelling In the third trimester, many mums suffer from "cankles" (swollen ankles) and fluid retention. Our massage therapists use Manual Lymphatic Drainage to gently clear this fluid and reduce the heavy feeling in your legs.
The "Fourth Trimester" (Post-Natal)
Care doesn't stop when the baby arrives. The weeks after birth are physically demanding—you are lifting a car seat, breastfeeding (often with a hunched neck), and carrying a baby on your hip.
The "Mummy MOT" Check We recommend coming in 6 weeks post-birth for a check-up.
Check for Diastasis Recti: The separation of the tummy muscles.
Neck & Shoulder Release: Fixing the "breastfeeding hunch."
Pelvic Check: Your pelvis went through a lot during labour; let’s make sure you get some attention so you can lift your baby without injury.
Why Choose Velca?
We are a family-focused clinic. We understand that if Mum is in pain, the whole household is stressed.
Comfort: We have special pillows for your bump
Experience: We are happy to work alongside your midwife and or obstetrician.
Convenience: We are located right in Howick with easy parking (essential when you’re 9 months pregnant!).
Enjoy your pregnancy, don’t endure it.
Our Chiropractor Shanaya, Senior Physio Simone and Massage Therapist Lisa, will give you the support you need.
