Postnatal Osteopathy and Massage

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Postnatal treatments

About Postnatal Osteopathy and Massage

Supporting your recovery and restoring strength through specialist manual therapy and postnatal rehabilitation.

Whether you had a straightforward delivery or a more complex birthing experience, childbirth is a significant physical event that leaves the body with unique muscular tensions and postural changes. At GW Osteopathy, we provide expert care and postnatal osteopathy to help you navigate the postnatal period, focusing on pelvic floor health, core restoration, and overall physical recovery.

Postnatal treatment tailored to you

Postnatal treatment is tailored to the individual. Every woman’s birthing experience is unique, and the related muscle tension or positional issues left behind require a bespoke approach. We don’t just focus on the symptoms; we look at the “whole body picture” to help you return to your pre-pregnancy levels of strength while fully recognising and respecting the incredible physical changes your body has undergone.

Our treatments combine gentle osteopathic techniques with targeted postnatal massage to release tension in the back, neck, and shoulders (often exacerbated by breastfeeding and carrying a newborn) and to address pelvic and abdominal health.

Addressing Birth Trauma

If you have been through a traumatic birthing experience, our practitioners provide a safe, supportive environment for your recovery. Please feel free to discuss this with your therapist so that they can recommend the most appropriate and gentle corrective treatment to help your body heal.

Postnatal treatments faq

Postnatal Osteopathy and Massage FAQ

How soon after birth can I come in for treatment?

You can generally come in for gentle postnatal osteopathy or massage as soon as you feel comfortable and mobile enough to attend the clinic, typically from 2–6 weeks post-delivery. If you have had a C-section, we usually recommend waiting until your 6-week GP check-up, though we can work on your neck and shoulders sooner if needed.

Yes. While we do not perform internal examinations, osteopathy is excellent at ensuring the bony structures of the pelvis are aligned and that the surrounding muscles are not overly tight or inhibited, which allows the pelvic floor to function more effectively.

Absolutely. Once the wound is fully healed, we can use gentle soft-tissue techniques around the scar area to prevent adhesions and ensure the abdominal tissues remain supple and mobile.

Postnatal massage is specifically designed to address the postural shifts of a post-birth body. We focus on areas like the mid-back (the “nursing hunch”), the hips, and the lower back, while being mindful of your healing abdominal area and hormonal changes.

Just yourself! However, if you have specific notes from your midwife or consultant regarding your delivery that you feel are relevant, please bring them along.

We understand that finding childcare for a newborn can be difficult. You are welcome to bring your baby in their car seat or pram. If they need a quick feed or a cuddle during the session, we are more than happy to accommodate that.

Physical trauma can often “lock” tension into the pelvis or ribcage. Gentle osteopathic release can help the body let go of these physical patterns, which can be an important part of your overall recovery process.

Yes. A key part of postnatal care is education. We will help you understand how your body has changed and provide you with simple, safe movements to help rebuild your strength at your own pace.

In one of our three clinics in Surrey. Click here for more information.n.
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Why use GW Osteopathy?

  • Specialist Knowledge: Our team, including Jennifer Beck (who is also training to become a midwife), has a deep understanding of the physiological demands of pregnancy and labour.
  • Whole-Body Approach: We assess how your pelvic alignment, spinal posture, and abdominal strength are working together.
  • Pelvic Floor Support: We offer guidance and help with pelvic floor function to ensure you regain confidence in your body’s core stability.
  • Compassionate Care: We understand the emotional and physical exhaustion of the “fourth trimester” and provide treatments that soothe the nervous system as well as the muscles.

Postnatal Osteopathy and Massage Benefits

  • Pelvic Alignment: Correcting imbalances in the pelvis that may have occurred during delivery or late-stage pregnancy through postnatal osteopathy.
  • Relief from “New Mum” Aches: Targeting the upper back and neck tension caused by feeding, rocking, and lifting your baby.
  • Abdominal Recovery: Supporting the healing of the abdominal wall and helping you understand how to safely re-engage your core.
  • Improved Circulation: Postnatal massage helps reduce swelling and encourages the body’s natural healing processes.
  • Restored Strength: We provide a roadmap to help you transition safely back into exercise and daily activities.
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postnatal osteopathy top tips

Top tips

  1. Mind Your Lifting: When picking up your baby or car seat, try to exhale as you lift and engage your pelvic floor. Avoid “holding your breath,” which increases internal pressure.
  2. Feeding Posture: Use pillows or a nursing support to bring the baby up to your breast or bottle, rather than leaning your chest down to the baby. This protects your mid-back.
  3. Rest is Rehabilitation: Your body has done an incredible job. Prioritise rest in the early weeks; “doing nothing” is an active part of the healing process for your connective tissues.
  4. Gentle Pelvic Tilts: Simple, gentle movements of the pelvis while lying in bed can help encourage blood flow and mobility without straining your core.
  5. Listen to Your Body: If an activity causes a “heaviness” in your pelvis or an ache in your back, it’s your body’s way of saying it’s not quite ready yet. Scale back and seek advice.
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We are based in 3 locations in Surrey:

  • Dapdune House: central Guildford location with free onsite parking
  • Willow Health Therapy Rooms: Stoughton, Guildford with free onsite parking
  • Surrey Holistic: Godalming
More about our locations

We are open Monday – Saturday and every other Sunday. If you have any further questions, please do get in touch.

Want to find out more?

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Get in touch with Esther directly to request an appointment. You can find out more about her at www.estherholford.com

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