Pubic pain in pregnancy can be difficult to deal with but it is not impossible, and it is should not something which you just have to live with. 

The pelvis can be described as being a circular shaped bone that goes all around and almost meets in the middle in front.  The two sides do not quite touch; there is a small gap between them connected by fibrocartilaginous tissue reinforced by several ligaments.  This area is called the Pubic Symphysis.  The design of this joint is essential to encourage stabilization of the pelvis while allowing a good range of motion.  

The Pubic Symphysis and the Sacro-Iliac joints (in the back of the pelvis) are especially important during pregnancy, as their flexibility allows the bones to move freely and to expand to help a baby fit through more easily during birth. 

In pregnancy it is very easy to lock one of your sacro-iliac joints – even a simple run can cause this. With time the muscles associated with the hip can go into spasm, which can cause lower back pain, movement restricted and eventually the result can be pubic pain – as the whole pelvis is mal-aligned.

The hormones released towards the end of pregnancy further encourage a loosening of the pelvis. This is essential to give  maximum space and flexibility, and to help make things easy for birth.

However, in some women, either because of excessive levels of hormones, extra sensitivity to hormones, or a pelvis that is out of alignment and/ or unstable, there is an increase of pressure on the joint. 

To summarise:  significant pubic pain is caused by the pelvic girdle area not moving as it is designed to as a result of either hormonal changes, misalignment of the pelvis, or a combination of both.  

The symptoms of SPD vary from person to person but can include:

• pubic pain
• pubic tenderness to the touch
• lower back pain, especially in the sacro-iliac (dimple)area
• general weakness and instability
• difficulty/pain rolling over in bed
• difficulty/pain with stairs, getting in and out of cars, sitting down or getting up, walking, putting on clothes, bending, lifting, standing on one foot, lifting heavy objects, etc.
• sciatica – irritation of nerve with pain down the leg
• “clicking” in the pelvis when walking
• waddling gait
• feeling like hip is out of place or has to pop into place before walking
• bladder dysfunction (temporary incontinence at change in position)
• knee pain or pain in other areas can sometimes also be a side-effect of pelvis problems

Pubic pain often comes on early in pregnancy, even as early as 12 weeks. Although pubic pain often does go away after pregnancy, many women find that it can linger usually diminished but still present. 

Hence it is important to treat this as soon as possible. It is essential to treat any malalignment or instability issues to prevent this from re-occuring in future pregnancies.

From experience of working for many years with pregnant women the Vitality osteopaths feel that this condition is probably primarily a problem of mal-alignment, although hormone levels and sensitivity to hormones may also play a role.  Many women have been treated and after one session have felt significant relief. An addition of pilates to pre and post natal care will also really help this condition.

Written by Ratna Vohora registered Osteopath

Ratna is available at Vitality Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays. To book an appointment with her, please call reception on 020 8871 4677

 Vitality Centre for the Whole Family

One of our constant aims at Vitality Centre is to maintain a very family and community orientated atmosphere whilst still being a relaxing and calming space.

 Our clients and their families enjoy a whole range of treatments and classes, such as: cranial for babies, beauty treatments for mum, sports massage for dad, kids ballet, mum & baby salsa, Pilates for seniors and many, many more.
We have whole families who enjoy visiting the Vitality Centre together on a regular basis. We have something for everyone at Vitality Centre and all are welcomed.

 
 Vitality Centre for your Pregnancy

One of the absolute joys for the Vitality Centre staff is to see someone regularly throughout their pregnancy. We have the benefit of treating clients before they are expecting, with fertility acupuncture – during their pregnancy, with pregnancy massage and yoga – and after they give birth, with baby massage courses and post-natal Pilates classes.
We love supporting women and families with treatments and advice during this exciting time.

Everything you need for your pregnancy under one roof:

*Exercise – pregnancy yoga and Maternally Fit exercise classes
*Nutrition – stay on a healthy path during you pregnancy
*Pregnancy Massage – we have a special pregnancy couch with a supported hole for your bump, which allows you to lay comfortably on your front while enjoying your massage.
*Osteopathy to ease your back pain and other symptoms.
*Acupuncture to help with morning sickness, heartburn and other complaints

Baby Friendly

 Many centres (or spas) are anything but baby friendly, but here at Vitality Centre it’s okay to bring your little one to the centre with you while you’re having a manicure or a massage.

Some of our regular clients even feel comfortable enough to let our friendly staff watch their kids while they relax and enjoy their treatment.

In an emergency, we are always here to help. Just ask. Mothers and their little ones are always welcomed with open arms at Vitality Centre

We also offer classes where you can bring baby along while you exercise. Pilates for New Mums on Mondays (10-11am with Poppy) and Wednesdays (1-2pm with Jane) offer a unique opportunity to have baby with you while you are exercising. This means no childcare costs or hassle, and it’s also a great place to meet like-minded new mums.

Vitality for Beauty

 If you already visit us for massage, osteopathy or yoga classes – why not come in for your monthly beauty treatments!

We have hot/strip waxing, amazing Dermalogica facials, eye treatments and our beauticians are always on hand for free skin care advice or free Dermalogica face mapping.

Our friendly and experienced beauticians Gabrielle, Karleen and Marlene here to make your visit special.

Why not pair a relaxing massage with a Dermalogica facial? Or a reflexology treatment with a lovely pedicure? Ask at reception for treatment packages to suit you – pamper yourself, you deserve it!

Weekly Yoga at Vitality Centre

Make Vitality Centre your yoga centre! With classes to suit every level and ability; we have regular yogis who enjoy classes as much as three times a week!

No membership fees, no booking, no fuss!! Simply drop in for a class and pay as you go!

We also have wonderful progressive pre-book Beginners Yoga courses, and discount bulk buy drop in class vouchers. Just ask reception for more details. 

To keep up-to-date with our drop in classes – why not join us on our facebook fan page! Just search “Vitality Centre” and click LIKE. This is the perfect way to stay informed about any changes to our classes, instructors, class times or cancellations.

Pilates Equiptment Studio

Our Pilates Equipment Studio offers you the chance to refine your exercise
and concentrate on specific areas of your body, such as your core musle group. 

The difference of attending Pilates Studio sessions at Vitality Centre are:

• No membership required
• Well qualified instructors
• Individual attention
• Private or Semi-private sessions
• Sessions available for Pregnancy (Pre and post natal)
• Sessions for Rehabilitation (all instructors work closely with osteopaths
to ensure the best programme for you)
• Elements of Gyrosynthesis incorporated – this encourages a circular
range of movement which enhances the fluidity of the spine and helps
reduce muscular tension

Our shared sessions offer you the chance to save some money while still
getting individual attention from your instructor. There is a maximum of
only ONE other person, so you get the best workout for you.

Private session offer you even more of a chance to work towards your
personal goals quickly and effectively.

Shopping at Vitality Centre

Skin care products, gift vouchers, vitamins, back care – we stock some wonderful products in the Vitality Centre shop. You are welcome to come in and browse any time!

We also stock the whole high quality Dermalogica range and are one of the few places in this area that does.

Remember that if you wish to reserve or order anything, just ask at reception or call/email us. We can even take your payment over the phone and post your item to you! For details and price list, please visit our website.

No VAT Increase

We are committed to offering you the most affordable treatments in the area; and therefore we have decided we are not putting our prices up with the recent VAT increase!

At £45 for a 60min massage – we are one of the cheapest centres for massage and other treatments in South West London!

Despite our low prices, our staff are committed to excellent, professional service and a high standard of treatments – both relaxing and remedal.

What you are saying:

We always welcome feedback and comments from our clients!

“First hot stones massage – WOW! I have just had a solid hour of positive, happy thoughts. That was extraordinary – thank you Marlene!” ~ Juliette O

“I have been learning pilates and gyrotonics with Dylan for several years. When I started I was suffering from chronic back pain that regularly flared up and restricted my movements. With gyrotonics in particular that has almost completely gone and I a fitter and more pain free than I have been for years. Dylan is a great teacher. He works you hard but always makes the class fun.” ~ Deb Collins

“Seriously, may I just say what good teachers you have. In particular Poppy and Jane. Different styles, but both dedicated to their classes, and both expert teachers.” ~ N. Vyas

“Isabelle’s massages are wonderful as she really wants to ensure the person has the full benefits of the massage whilst being healed. So you are physically, emotionally and mentally better, a true holistic massage! Also I love the fact that all her products are natural and tailored made for each individual’s needs. I came out of both massages relaxed, happier and much lighter, and I have told all my friends to go and see her. I am extremely happy to recommend highly Isabel to anyone who wants to experience something very special and truly feel better.” ~ C.B

Biofreeze Pain Reliever offers temporary relief of minor aches and pains related to:
*Back, Shoulder, and Neck strains
*Ankle, Knee, Hip and Elbow joint discomfort
*Muscle sprains and strains

And temporary relief from pain associated with:
*Arthritis
*Bursitis
*Diabetic neuropathy
*Plantar Fasciitis
*Tendonitis

(Vitality Centre stocks 110g tubes of Biofreeze)

Lily has extensive experience and qualifications working with babies and children, as well as adults. She is also qualified in cranial work as well as pregnancy and deep tissue massage.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a holistic (whole body) non-invasive, manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework – joints, muscles, ligaments and spine.
Its aim is to positively affect the body’s nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems, as well as helping to treat specific problems.
Osteopathy can be useful in treating many conditions and can be beneficial to people of any age.

The Osteopaths at Vitality Centre:

Lily, Ratna and Maria use a variety of manual treatment techniques including deep tissue manipulation, mobilization, harmonics (a passive rhythmical mobilization), acupuncture and cranial osteopathy – this combination makes osteopathy at Vitality Centre a unique experience. It allows the treatment to be effective, deeply relaxing, remedial and suitable for people of all ages and conditions.

Osteopath can assist with many conditions including:

*Back pain, sciatica, joint pain/strain, muscular aches/pains
*Minor sporting injuries
*Rehabilitation
*Headaches
*Stress
*Conditions relating to pregnancy (such as nausea, heartburn, backache and SPD)
*Arthritis
*Mobility problems
*Shoulder and neck pain (eg: frozen shoulder)
*Respiratory conditions
*Abdominal conditions
*Postural and ergonomic advice (for the workplace)
*Sinus congestion & sinusitis
*Colic and sleep problems in babies
*Glue Ear
*Irritable bowel, IBS

The amount of treatment that a patient will require is dependent upon his or her characteristics and history.

The Vitality Centre team has had a lot of experience working with:

*Babies and toddlers (cranial)
*Teenagers with sporting injuries
*Children with behavioral issues
*Children who’ve been adopted
*People going through cancer
*Sporting injuries and soft tissue injuries (discs, RSI, headaches).

Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a very gentle form of treatment that is safe for children and babies and used to treat the whole body. Additional advice on hydrotherapy, exercises and nutrition might be given. This unique treatment is tailored to suit each individual. The result is a reduction in pain and inflammation, an increase in mobility and co-ordination, and a balance of strength and total well-being.

Osteopathy is an established system of clinical diagnosis and manual treatment recognized by the British Medical Association. BUPA, PPP, AVIVA, PRU Health and other health insurance covers are accepted – please ask when booking, if your osteopath is covered by your specific insurance group.

Lily and Ratna are fully qualified and registered Osteopaths.

In FEB 2010, the osteopaths at Vitality Centre were awarded the second most loved osteopaths in the UK as voted by local people (www.thebestof.co.uk)

Treatment Cost:
(Adults) *£45 – 45mins *£55 – 60mins
(Babies/children up to 12yrs) *£40 – 45mins

UK Health Centre
registered

Ratna has trained with the Southerland Craniosacral Board and has been working with children with learning disabilities, autism and babies. She has also trained in dry needling with AAGH.

She assesses the posture of an individual, the way they walk, the movement of the joints and the function of their systems and nutritional status using diagnostic kinesiology. Her treatments include a combination of deep massage, mobilisation of the joints, manipulation, cranial osteopathy, nutritional, herbal and Kneippe hydrotherapy advice. She uses exercises based on yoga and Pilate’s to help stretch and strengthen key postural muscles. All of the above is tailored to the requirements of the individual.

Ratna has written nutritional articles for an Internet Company, appeared on Channel East TV as a Naturopath.

Ratna has specialised in pre and post natal care as well as having had experience working with midwives. This allows for care for mum’s from the start of their pregnancy, through out and then ratna works with babies. Some of the sessions can be tailored to teach partner’s how they can help treat their wife during pregnancy and assist during labour.

A clicking jaw indicates that the TMJ is stiff, not moving as well as it should do. This causes all the muscles relating to the jaw and neck to tighten up. Some people confuse this with head aches, tooth pain or even eye strain.

The treatment to relieve this includes back and head massage, neck mobilisation, work to the jaw and sinus drainage. It is a unique combination leaving most people surprised as to how easy and possible it is to hold so much tension!

This treatment is suitable for people of all ages – it also a great treatment to experience if you have been having some dental or orthodontic treatments. The prolonged treatment with your mouth open whilst the specialist is carrying out their work can again cause the muscles to stiffen.

For this treatment please book a session with the experienced osteopaths who will ease you through the discomfort leaving you feeling relaxed, lighter and able to take a bite!