Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy can be a very stressful time in a woman’s life, on the physical level as well as on the emotional. Prenatal massage is beneficial for both the body and the mind.
Therapists who perform massage therapy on pregnant women must be specially trained and certified accordingly. A trained Prenatal massage therapist is familiar with all the changes that are expected and not expected during pregnancy.
For the great majority of the time, pregnancy massages are perfectly safe and much advised. However, under certain very specific conditions pregnancy massages should not be attempted without consulting a medical specialist. Those conditions may be (but are not limited to): women who are at risk of preterm labor and women with blood clots or related blood clotting disorders.
What Are the Benefits of Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage improves circulation of blood and lymph when your body is feeling increased pressure. It helps you sleep better from increased comfort and relaxation. Many moms to be also report feeling less stress, anxiety, or fear associated with anticipating their little ones arrival.
Prenatal massage also relieves common pregnancy symptoms such as muscle cramps, spasms and myofascial pain commonly experienced in the lower back, neck, shoulders, hips and legs. Swelling of the extremities (arms, hands, legs and feet) can also be reduced.
Many independent studies have conclusively shown that the beneficial effects of massage therapy during pregnancy also benefit the growing child in the mother’s womb. Techniques learned on the massage table also promote easier labor and a less painful delivery.
Our Approach to Prenatal Massage
Every expectant mother-to-be brings to their pregnancy all their previous health conditions, injuries and use patterns. We use a combination of assessment techniques and feedback from our clients to develop a treatment plan that is unique to our clients’ needs. Every person also responds differently to the techniques we use so we rely on feedback from our clients to ensure that their body is responding in a productive way that supports their goals for the session.
What makes prenatal massage different at Loosen Up?
- Certified practitioners
All our prenatal practitioners are certified and receiving ongoing professional development. - Focus on learning about our clients’ health goals
We love learning about what motivates our clients and helping them achieve their health goals by creating unique treatment and self-care plans to suit their needs. - Collaboration with our clients and their health team
We work with many local Doctors, Physical Therapists, and Chiropractors to ensure that our clients are getting care that supports the plans that they have developed.
What to Expect From a Prenatal Massage Session
There are obvious physical adjustments that need to be made for pregnant women when their belly starts showing. Adjustments to position can also be utilized early on in pregnancy to accommodate for things like nausea, discomfort, or even heart burn.
At Loosen up we prefer to use a side lying or semi reclined position to the tables with cutouts for the abdomen. The tables with cutouts or even the pillow propping systems can put more stress on the lower back than is already present during pregnancy.
A wide variety of pillows (body pillows and extra padding pillows) are used set in a few strategic places under the pregnant woman’s body to add to her comfort. Learning different ways to use pillows can also be helpful for pregnant women when trying to get comfortable while sleeping.
Learn more by reading our blog post about truths and myths surrounding prenatal massage.
What to Do Before Your Session
This helps inform new customers or existing customers considering trying new services.
- Always discuss your health history with your massage professional and your physician to make sure that prenatal massage is appropriate you and your coming baby.
- Take note of activities that aggravate or provide relief for you.
What to Expect During Your Session
While we stress this with all our clients, communication is crucial with prenatal massage. It’s important to tell your therapist if you are feeling yourself tense up or if you are holding your breath. If your body is fighting the work because it’s too intense, the work can become counterproductive. This helps inform new customers or existing customers considering trying new services.
Book Your Prenatal Massage Session Today
Whether you just learned that you are pregnant or you are already months along, book your prenatal massage appointment today!
