This post is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. We recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.
In May, we attended the grand opening party of Refine and were completely enamoured by their beautiful rehab & wellness clinic in the heart of the Glebe.
The founders, Dr. Andrea and Dr. Meg, are both experienced chiropractors who provide holistic care through a combination of treatments, and are dedicated to helping their patients achieve their individual health goals.
While chatting with Dr. Andrea about ways in which she supports women through her work, I realized that this was a topic that she was passionate about. We were so happy that she graciously agreed to answer some more questions for our learning series!
Read on below to discover more about Refine and the benefits of chiropractic care for pregnant and postpartum women.
- Mahtab
Please tell us about yourself, both personally and professionally.
I'm Andrea, a chiropractor and co-owner of Refine Wellness and Rehab. As a chiropractor, I do not believe in quick fixes and I will work hard to get to the root of a patient's pain or injury. I use a wide array of treatment modalities from acupuncture, muscle release therapy and adjustments to proper breathing techniques. After becoming pregnant for the first time, I developed a clinical interest in perinatal care as I was able to move through my pregnancy while remaining active with the help of my chiropractor. I am passionate about movement, bodies, health and hearing everyone’s story, which means that I am in the perfect career!
I was born and raised in Ottawa but began my practice in Toronto. In 2019, my husband and I moved back to Ottawa to raise our family. I am a mother of two girls–Mae is almost four years old and Etta is almost 14 months. When Etta was about a week old, the perfect location became available for Dr. Meg and I to open a clinic. Not exactly the maternity leave I had planned, but opening our own clinic was a vision we had and I have not looked back! When not treating patients at Refine, you can find me working out at Pure Fit or at the park pushing my girls on the swings.
What are some of the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy and postpartum?
Pregnancy is a time of health; however, it can be a time when the body and postural changes are changing quickly as your body accommodates for your growing baby and it can be common to experience more aches and pains than usual. Chiropractic care is a safe option for women experiencing pain during pregnancy and there are no known contraindications to spinal and pelvic adjustments and mobilizations throughout pregnancy unless the mother is experiencing any serious complications related to pregnancy. Chiropractic care can help reduce lower back, pelvic and hip pain that many experience while pregnant. The Webster technique is a technique that I often use, which is a specific analysis and protocol with a goal of reducing the effects of sacral "subluxation" and/or sacroiliac joint dysfunction. This can translate to less pain and discomfort for the mother. It can also help ensure the pelvis is in an optimal position for delivery. Additionally, I love to help pregnant women learn proper ways of core control, which can help hugely in the fourth trimester during recovery from birth. "Birth prep" or certain exercises and stretches is also something that we cover as a patient approaches the due date.
What does a typical visit look like when someone who is pregnant or postpartum comes to you for an appointment?
Initial assessments are typically an hour in length. This gives us enough time to take a full history, do a comprehensive physical exam and do treatment. Following the initial assessment, we lay out the best possible treatment plan. Sometimes this involves coming back for a few consecutive treatments, but ultimately the goal is to have you not needing treatment regularly. Oftentimes, we make referrals to other practitioners who can fill in the gaps of care that we cannot provide; for example, pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Does chiropractic care affect sleep and if so, how?
In my experience as both a chiropractor and mother, I have experienced profound impacts with chiropractic care on sleep. Often, sleep is something that does not come easy during pregnancy, especially during the end of the second trimester and third trimester as the baby is growing. Proper mobilizations, adjustments and postural advice can hugely impact the amount and quality of sleep you can get during pregnancy.
Where can people find you?
professional IG: @refineottawa
personal IG: @andreadesg
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