Procedure Aids in Symmetry and Balance

Pregnancy may be a joyful time, but it can take a toll on the body.  That’s why osteopathic family physician Jeffrey Kim, MD, provides a special kind of care for pregnant women known as Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT).

During the course of pregnancy, there are a lot of body changes – both mechanically and hormonally – that cause muscles and ligaments to balance differently and stretch, losing some of their tone.  These changes can lead to pain.  In addition, the hormone that relaxes the muscles increases during pregnancy, which can lead to subtle shifts in the bones and also cause pain.

“OMT uses gentle manipulation to optimize muscle and ligament balance and help regain symmetry, which in turn reduces pain and allows the patient to be more active,” said Kim.

Hormonal changes increase the amount of fluids in the body and, in some women, too much of the fluid is stored in the hands and feet.  OMT can help the body disperse the fluid more evenly, relieving swollen extremities.

Dr. Kim generally treats patients once a week, but treatments may need to increase as the pregnancy progresses and the mechanical changes are greater. Dr. Kim also works with athletic trainers to provide customized exercise programs appropriate for pregnancy. To learn more or make an appointment for OMT, call 814-835-2035.