Therapists at Ogden Massage for Pain Relief are trained to provide safe, effective pregnancy massage for expectant mothers. There are many ways to make a pregnant client comfortable to receive massage and bodywork. And there are many benefits of receiving pregnancy massage. “A woman’s body goes through an insane list of changes during pregnancy, not the least of which is shifting pubic bones, hip and back issues, sharp stabs of round ligament pain, and even pregnancy-caused carpal tunnel syndrome. Pregnancy puts a lot on the table for moms-to-be, but massage can play an important role in keeping them as comfortable as possible.” Read the full article by Body Sense Magazine.
“Massage has many scientifically proven health benefits such as stimulating the blood and lymph systems, thereby increasing immunity and removal of toxins; stabilizing hormonal levels; and adding tone and flexibility to muscles — all of which enhance the health of both you and your baby. As pregnancy progresses, your body adjusts to a changing alignment caused by the baby’s increasing weight. This puts strain on your back and legs and increases stress on weight-bearing joints. Massage increases flexibility, enhancing the ability to carry this extra weight while also relieving aches and pains, leg cramps and muscle spasms. The effects of relaxation and tension release add to improvement in the physical state of muscles and joints, and assist in balancing emotions.
Recent studies from the Touch Research Institute (TRI) in Miami, Fla., indicates that pregnancy massage provides more than just symptom relief for the mother… In addition to experiencing a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, stress, sleep problems and back pain, the massage group had fewer complications in their delivery. Their newborns also had fewer postnatal complications. Another TRI study reported massage during labor resulted in shorter labor times for the mothers, shorter hospital stays and less postpartum depression.” – Pregnancy Massage, MassageTherapy.com
Is it safe?
According to an article on the American Pregnancy Association website discussing the safety of prenatal massage, “Research shows prenatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.” – American Pregnancy Association
Side-lying or Face-down Positions
Depending on the type of massage you desire, you may decide to wear comfortable active wear for deeper, structural work to alleviate major pain and discomfort. You may decide to disrobe, in which case the therapist will fully cover you with the drapes for a more traditional-style session.
You can use this type of pillow in a variety of ways to be comfortable on the massage table. You can use it as seen here for side-lying massage, or your therapist can help you set it up so you can lie face-down for a more traditional massage feel. The important thing is that YOU feel comfortable and love every minute of your massage!
“The miracle of motherhood is eloquently expressed when observing how perfectly the female body is designed to conceive, birth, and nurture a child. Following conception, a woman and her unborn baby unite in an oceanic blend of energy and identity. Where one ends and the other begins no one knows.”
Here Erik Dalton demonstrates use of the side-lying position.
This amazing, specialized pregnancy bolster is used in our clinic to provide the utmost in prenatal comfort. Whether you are coming in for a relaxation massage or for help in relieving major areas of pain and discomfort, you will love how you feel, resting face-down, supported by this bolster.
Other Therapies to Consider for Pregnancy
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Swollen ankles and legs
- In you feeling fatigued and tired
- Helps normalize milk flow
- To reduce puffy eyes
- Carpal tunnel in pregnancy
- If you experience painful period from sluggish lymphatic system
- After C/Section can speed up healing process
- Increase energy levels
Craniosacral Therapy
“CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.” –Upledger Institute
- The Benefit of CranioSacral Therapy for Babies
- Tongue Tie and CranioSacral Therapy
- Considering CranioSacral Therapy in a difficult situation
- Does CranioSacral Therapy Contribute to a Better Birth?
- CranioSacral Therapy for Decreasing Stress and Improving Fertility
