What is a pregnancy massage? Like all other forms of massage, a pregnancy massage uses some of the same techniques, only it is tailored and adjusted accordingly to the expectant mother’s needs and her changing body. It is great to help relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation and mobility, and just make you feel good. How do you lie on the table? As a massage therapist, your comfort is of utmost importance to me, in the early days for some women lying face down can uncomfortable as you may experience the discomfort of swelling tender breast. This is when I would suggest laying on your side with pillows for comfort and support. I will work on your neck, shoulders, full back and lower back, full legs, feet. Then I will ask you to turn to the other side and repeated. On the other hand, if lying face down is not an issue, I have a specific pillow for the growing belly, which enables the expected mother to lay face down, most pregnant ladies find this very comfortable and I often hear that they want one to take home!! First Trimester Massage It is possible to receive a massage while you are in your first trimester provided that your pregnancy is considered ‘normal’ and you do not have any known risk factors that classify you as high risk, such as pre-eclampsia, diabetes, high blood pressure, severe morning sickness or previous history of miscarriage. If you suspect that you may have any risk factors, it is recommended that you wait until after the first trimester for your first massage, after consultation with your physician. What kind of results can I expect from a Pregnancy Massage? Pregnancy massage is highly effective in the relief of • Headaches. • Pain due to altered biomechanics (walking/standing patterns). • Relieves muscle spasms and cramps • Sciatic pain. • Lower back pain. • Instability and pinching around the lower back. • Swelling and fluid retention. • Lack of sleep. Pregnancy massage also: • Increases blood flow and lymphatic circulation. • Increases breathing capacity, both posturally and mechanically. • Improves muscle pliability and joint flexibility. • Reduces stress and calms nervous irritability. One of the major benefits of pregnancy massage is the increase in blood circulation to muscles being treated, which results in increased oxygen and nutrient availability to these tissues at a vital time in the mother and baby’s life. What should I expect in a Pregnancy Massage treatment? Initial pregnancy appointments are 1 hour in duration (minimum) and will include: • History and assessment. • Hands on treatment. • Recommendations for home care, such as stretches (if applicable). Subsequent appointments may be shorter (30mins or 45mins), however the majority pregnant ladies feel that the best results are achieved after 60 minutes, or longer, of treatment. Many ladies comment on just how wonderful they feel it is to lay face down!
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 09:40:47 +0000
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