Prenatal Massage: The Benefits of Massage Therapy During Pregnancy
Most women will agree that there’s nothing more relaxing and provides more relief during pregnancy than a prenatal massage. Besides the obvious relaxation benefits, there are many physiological, mental and emotional benefits as well.
Most women will agree that there’s nothing more relaxing and provides more relief during pregnancy than a prenatal massage. Besides the obvious relaxation benefits, there are many physiological, mental and emotional benefits as well.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes numerous changes in a short amount of time, which can sometimes cause pain or discomfort. Massage is a wonderful way to alleviate this discomfort, while promoting a sense of well-being.
At Restore with Awareness, we utilize a comfortable and secure side-lying position where the new mother is completely supported by pillows, keeping her top hip, knee and ankle on the same level to avoid pulling on the sacroiliac joint, and to maximize blood and lymph circulation. Gentle Swedish, deep tissue in the gluteal area, range of motion and gentle stretching, abdominal massage (after the first trimester), acupressure, reflexology techniques, as well as craniosacral therapy are integrated into the treatment.
Some of the techniques we use include:
Gentle range-of-motion and stretching movements to relieve pressure through neck, shoulders, rib cage, lower back and hips, and to promote greater strength flexibility and balance
Integrated deep tissue work in the hip and gluteal area to help alleviate chronic lower back and hip pain and sciatic pain
Abdominal massage for round ligament pain, to support digestion, increased circulation to the placenta and baby and increase awareness of the baby. The baby will feel and benefit from the massage
Lymph drainage strokes to reduce pregnancy induced edema
Craniosacral Therapy for physical/psychological/emotional/spiritual centering
Acupressure and reflexology techniques shown to be effective in treating many common pregnancy related complaints
Besides relaxation, tension release and increased circulation, prenatal massage can help to improve digestion. It helps reduce swelling and it can alleviate the stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees, which are impacted by the extra weight of a growing baby. There are also studies that have been done that indicate that regular and routine massages may lead to a decreased labor time.
Some other benefits of Prenatal massage include:
Helps the new mother prioritize a self care practice, which will benefit both mom and baby both during the pregnancy after the birth
Helps control blood pressure
Strengthens the immune system
Directly affects the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and its consequences for mother and baby
Helps mother and baby bond through relaxation and breathing
Alleviates anxiety and depression
Strengthens muscles in preparation for labor and delivery
Allows for deeper breathing and a better night's sleep
Helps keep skin supple to help prevent stretch marks
Maintains body posture and balance
Enhances self image
Reduces postpartum depression
*As with all treatments during pregnancy, we recommend that each new mother checks with her health care provider before receiving massage, especially in the first trimester, or if her pregnancy is considered “high risk.”
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How to Choose the Best Massage Style for You
I offer three types of massages: Table, Thai and Prenatal. Prenatal massage speaks for itself, but here are descriptions, guidelines and benefits to help you decide whether to schedule a Table or Thai session.
I offer three types of massages: Therapeutic, Table Thai and Prenatal. Prenatal massage speaks for itself, but here are descriptions, guidelines and benefits to help you decide whether to schedule a Therapeutic or Table Thai session.
Therapeutic Massage
Description:
Done on a massage table.
Tailored to each client’s specific needs.
Combination of different styles and techniques (including some Thai stretches, muscle compression, Swedish (what most people think of as a traditional massage), myofascial (working with the fascia), trigger point therapy, range of motion (movement), reflexology, and craniosacral therapy.
Book this style if:
you have specific issues you’d like me to work with therapeutically -- for example: lower back, neck, or shoulder discomfort, “knots”
you just want to get on the table and relax and restore
you can’t go wrong with this option!
Benefits:
People report feeling rejuvenated, restored, relaxed, looser, and relieved significantly of discomfort.
Table Thai Massage
Description:
Done on a treatment table.
You wear either yoga clothes or something stretchy or loose.
This method incorporates compression of your muscles and stretching your limbs and joints Thai massage is often referred as “Lazy man’s yoga!”
Book this style if:
You have a few knots here and there, but generally want to feel looser and relaxed.
You have tight legs, tight hips, tight back
You work out a lot, don’t work out at all, sit at a desk all day, or are simply curious about it!
Benefits:
People report feeling completely relaxed and restored, and much looser than when they came in.
The Feldenkrais Method®
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that, for those who have chronic pain such as jaw, neck, shoulders, back or pelvic/hip pain, you may be best served by receiving a bodywork method called The Feldenkrais Method®. This is a somatic method that works with the wisdom of the nervous system. It works with the root of the chronic condition and the results are more permanent than a massage, whose benefits only lasts for a few days at most. To learn more about how The Feldenkrais Method® works, click here.
Whichever bodywork modality you decide is right for you, your self care routine will reduce your stress, increase your strength and productivity, increase your self esteem and boost your immunity. To read more about how to identify the best self care practices and routine for you, click here.
When practiced regularly, self care practices can help boost your immune system, reduce your stress, increase strength and/or productivity, and increase your self esteem.
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