During pregnancy, your body changes at a rapid pace. Back pain, pelvic complaints, or radiating pain are therefore not uncommon. Many women wonder: for these complaints, do you choose chiropractic care or physiotherapy? The short answer: both can help, but the approach and focus differ.
Why pregnancy-related complaints are so common
Pregnancy-related complaints usually arise from a combination of:
- hormonal changes (softening of ligaments and joints)
- changes in posture and centre of gravity
- increasing strain on the back and pelvis
- adaptation of muscles and movement patterns
Your body has to constantly adapt, and that doesn’t always happen smoothly on its own.
What does physiotherapy do for pregnancy-related complaints?
Physiotherapy mainly focuses on:
- strengthening muscles
- improving stability
- teaching exercises
- guidance with movement
For pregnancy-related complaints, the focus is often on:
- pelvic floor
- core stability
- muscle control
- day-to-day functional capacity
This can be particularly helpful if you struggle with strength, fitness, or specific movements.
What does chiropractic care do for pregnancy-related complaints?
Chiropractic care primarily focuses on the function and coordination of:
- spine
- pelvis
- joints
- nervous system
The focus is not only on muscle strength, but mainly on:
- how joints move
- whether the pelvis is balanced
- how the nervous system controls the muscles
- how load is distributed throughout the body
The techniques are gentle and fully adapted to pregnancy.
The most important difference in approach
The difference mainly lies in where the treatment begins:
- Physiotherapy
Often focuses on training and strengthening the muscles around a problem area. - Chiropractic care
Focuses on restoring movement function and control, so that muscles can work more efficiently again.
With pregnancy-related complaints, you often see that muscle problems arise as a result of a changed position or movement of the pelvis and spine.
When should you choose physiotherapy instead?
Physiotherapy may be suitable if:
- you are mainly looking for guidance with exercises
- you want to build strength or fitness
- your pelvic floor needs extra attention
- moving feels uncertain after a period of inactivity
When should you choose chiropractic care instead?
Chiropractic care may be suitable if:
- your back or pelvic complaints keep coming back
- you experience misalignment or instability
- pain occurs when turning, walking, or sleeping
- symptoms radiate to the leg or groin
- you have the feeling that “something doesn’t feel quite right”
Often, this involves a functional issue, not just a muscle issue.
Can chiropractic care and physiotherapy be combined?
Yes, and that happens regularly too. In some situations, a combination works really well:
- chiropractic care to restore function and balance
- physiotherapy to build strength and stability
Which order is best depends on your symptoms and situation.
What matters more than the choice?
More important than which care you choose, is:
- that your symptoms are taken seriously
- that the treatment is tailored to pregnancy
- that the bigger picture is considered
- that you feel safe and heard
Pregnancy-related complaints are not a “side issue” and don’t just have to be accepted.
Not either/or, but looking at what you need
Chiropractic care and physiotherapy each have their own strengths. The best choice depends on the cause of your symptoms, not just on where you feel pain. By looking at function, load, and control, you reduce the chance of symptoms coming back.
Questions or personal advice?
Not sure what best fits your situation?
At Chiropractie Blaauw we’ll look together at what your body needs during pregnancy.
Feel free to get in touch via the contact form or call 0182 – 570124.
