Maternity and Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is a time of great physical change resulting from increased weight,
shifting posture, and adjusting hormone levels.
Hormones, while preparing the body for the birth ahead, also cause musculo-skeletal
changes creating heightened physical discomfort ranging from muscular tension
and headaches to pressure on the knees.
Maternity massage is a hands on treatment aimed at alleviating some of the pregnancy related symptoms, while promoting relaxation.
All Physical Therapists that administer Maternity Massage have achieved a Certificate in Maternity Massage, using techniques that are safe and effective for pregnant women.
Prenatal massage offers a wide range of benefits, which include the following:
- Eases backaches, headaches, shoulder and neck aches that may be caused by muscle tension and shifts in posture to accommodate increasing weight.
- Decreases pain in the pelvic/hip area.
- Increases circulation.
- Improves digestion.
- Reduces fatigue.
- Improves skin elasticity that can help reduce stretch marks.
- Helps reduce swelling in such places as hands and lower legs.
- Can alleviate the stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees, which are impacted by the extra weight of a growing baby.
- Promotes relaxation and deep breathing.
- Helps stabilize hormone levels by lessening anxiety.
Note:
All expectant mothers should check with their doctors prior to getting a massage.
If you have gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia pre-natal massage
may not be recommended.
Maternity Massage cannot be given in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.