Osteopathy During Pregnancy in Kyoto
Pregnancy changes everything about how your body moves and carries load. Back pain, pelvic discomfort, rib tightness, difficulty sleeping — these are common, but they’re not something you just have to put up with.
At OQ, Yusuke Sakata BSc(Ost) has worked with pregnant women throughout all trimesters and into the postnatal period. Sessions are conducted fully in English, in a calm ground-floor clinic in central Kyoto.
Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when practised by a qualified osteopath who is experienced with pregnant patients. Osteopathy during pregnancy does not involve manipulation or high-force techniques. The work is gentle, hands-on, and adapted to each trimester. Yusuke holds a BSc(Ost) from Swansea University, Wales — a four-year undergraduate degree in osteopathy — and has worked with pregnant patients throughout his clinical career.
What symptoms can osteopathy help with during pregnancy?
Common reasons pregnant patients come to OQ:
- Low back pain and sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) and pubic symphysis discomfort
- Rib and mid-back tightness as the uterus grows
- Sciatic pain or leg discomfort
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
- Headaches related to postural changes
- Preparing the pelvis and soft tissues for birth
How does osteopathy approach pregnancy?
The body adapts enormously during pregnancy — hormonal changes increase ligament laxity, the centre of gravity shifts forward, and the pelvis, spine, and ribcage all adjust to accommodate a growing baby. These adaptations are normal, but they can create strain patterns that cause pain and restrict movement.
Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy focuses on supporting these adaptations rather than fighting them. That means assessing how load is being distributed through your pelvis and spine, releasing areas of excessive tension, and helping your body find more ease in the positions it has to maintain.
Treatment is hands-on, gentle, and conducted with you positioned comfortably — on your side if needed in later trimesters. Nothing forceful or uncomfortable.
What about postnatal care?
The postnatal period is equally important — and often overlooked. Birth, whether vaginal or by caesarean, places significant stress on the pelvis and surrounding structures. Recovery can be complicated by feeding positions, carrying a newborn, and disrupted sleep.
Postnatal osteopathy at OQ helps address pelvic floor and sacral strain, thoracic stiffness from feeding postures, neck and shoulder tension, and general recovery of pre-pregnancy movement. We also treat newborns — see our infant osteopathy page.
About Yusuke Sakata
Yusuke holds a BSc(Ost) from Swansea University (Wales, UK) and is the only Asian practitioner to have completed EVOST — a five-year postgraduate programme in evolutionary medicine and osteopathy at morphologicum in Belgium. Sessions are conducted fully in English.
First visit (60 min): ¥14,300 / Follow-up (40 min): ¥11,000
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to have osteopathy in the first trimester?
We take a cautious approach in the first trimester, as with any hands-on therapy. If you are in early pregnancy and have concerns, please mention this when booking. Yusuke will discuss your situation and adapt accordingly. In general, gentle osteopathic work is considered appropriate throughout pregnancy when conducted by a qualified practitioner.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on when your symptoms started, how long they’ve been present, and your stage of pregnancy. Many patients find significant relief in two to three sessions. Some come monthly throughout their pregnancy as a preventive measure. We’ll give you an honest assessment at your first visit.
I’m a foreign resident in Kyoto — can I come in for the whole pregnancy?
Yes, absolutely. A number of OQ’s pregnancy patients are foreign residents or partners of Japanese nationals. Full English sessions are available throughout your pregnancy and postnatally.
Book your appointment online →
No referral needed. No Japanese required.
→ Back to English top page
→ Infant osteopathy
→ Back pain treatment
→ Fees & access
After your baby arrives, postpartum care is just as important. If you’re looking for support after birth — pelvic floor recovery, diastasis recti, or c-section scar tissue — visit our Postpartum Osteopathy page.