Pregnancy Massage
A pregnancy massage is a therapeutic technique that aims to alleviate pain and discomfort in specific areas of the body, targeting pain in injured, tense, or knotted muscles, tendons, or joints. The ultimate goal is to have our clients feeling better and create improvements in their pain and mobility.
A prenatal massage during the third trimester is highly recommended. Your body is most likely uncomfortable by now. It’s possible your feet are swelling, your back aches and you probably can’t sleep.
Relaxing massage designed for mothers-to-be with gentle massage long strokes to relax and relieve tension in the muscles in the back shoulders arms and legs during this wondrous time of change. Recommended once a month until 27 weeks, and twice a month until 36 weeks.
Benefits
Pregnancy Massage Benefits include:
- Alleviating back + leg pain
- Reducing labor pain during childbirth
- Lessening postoperative pain
- Reducing anxiety + stress
- Improving mood + lifting depression
- Easing insomnia
What to Expect from Capital Wellness Pregnancy Massage in Gungahlin, Canberra
During a pregnancy massage, expectant mothers can anticipate a soothing and tailored experience designed to address the unique needs and concerns associated with pregnancy. Here’s what you can generally expect during a pregnancy massage:
- Consultation: Your massage therapist will start with a consultation to discuss your medical history, any specific discomforts or concerns you may have, and your preferences for the massage session. This is crucial to ensure the massage is safe and effective for you and your baby.
- Comfortable Environment: The massage room will likely be set up to create a relaxing atmosphere, with dim lighting, soothing music, and a comfortable massage table equipped with bolsters or pillows to support your body in various positions.
- Modified Techniques: The massage therapist will use modified massage techniques that are safe for pregnancy. These may include lighter pressure, avoiding certain pressure points, and focusing on areas that commonly experience discomfort during pregnancy, such as the lower back, hips, and legs.
- Side-lying Positioning: For most of the massage, you’ll likely be positioned on your side with pillows supporting your head, belly, and legs. This position helps ensure comfort and safety for both you and your baby while allowing the therapist to access key areas for massage.
- Gentle Strokes and Kneading: The massage therapist will use gentle strokes, kneading, and light pressure to relax muscles, improve circulation, and alleviate tension. They may also incorporate techniques like Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage, or reflexology, depending on your needs and preferences.
- Focus on Relaxation: Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally taxing, so the primary goal of a pregnancy massage is often relaxation and stress relief. The massage therapist will work to create a nurturing and calming experience that promotes overall well-being.
- Communication: Throughout the massage, it’s important to communicate with your therapist about any discomfort, pressure preferences, or areas of focus. Your comfort and safety are paramount, so don’t hesitate to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
- Hydration and Rest: After the massage, your therapist may recommend drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and advise you to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day to fully benefit from the massage’s effects.
- Follow-up Care: Depending on your needs and preferences, your massage therapist may suggest follow-up sessions to maintain relaxation and address any ongoing discomfort or tension.
Always ensure that you’re receiving a pregnancy massage from a qualified and experienced massage therapist who has specific training in prenatal massage techniques. If you have any concerns or medical conditions, consult with your healthcare provider before scheduling a massage.
What Is A Pregnancy Massage Good For?
The healing benefits of a Pregnancy Massage extend beyond the treatment of soft tissue injuries. This technique can also be highly effective in addressing:
- Nerve compression
- Neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- Sports or other injuries
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Scoliosis
- Fatigue
- Jaw pain and tightness
- Frozen shoulder
- Sciatica
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Stress and anxiety
- Joint pain and tightness
It’s important to note that a Pregancy Massage is not a substitute for medical treatment. It’s always best to consult with your doctor before trying any new form of therapy, especially if you have a medical condition.
After The Massage
Expectant mothers can experience a range of positive effects that contribute to their overall well-being during the postpartum period. Here are some benefits you may experience after receiving a pregnancy massage:
- Relief from Postpartum Discomfort: Just as pregnancy brings its own set of discomforts, the postpartum period can also come with its challenges, such as sore muscles, back pain, and general fatigue. A massage session can help alleviate these discomforts, providing much-needed relief as your body adjusts to its post-pregnancy state.
- Stress Reduction: The postpartum period can be emotionally taxing, as you navigate the demands of caring for a new born while also recovering from childbirth. Massage therapy can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, allowing you to unwind and recharge both physically and mentally.
- Promotion of Healing: Massage therapy stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can aid in the healing process after childbirth. By increasing blood flow to the affected areas, massage can help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and speed up recovery from childbirth-related injuries or discomforts.
- Support for Breastfeeding: If you’re breastfeeding, you may experience tension or discomfort in your neck, shoulders, and back due to the physical demands of nursing. Massage therapy can target these areas, relieving tension and promoting better posture, which can in turn support breastfeeding efforts and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal strain.
- Hormonal Balance: The hormonal fluctuations that occur during the postpartum period can sometimes contribute to mood swings, anxiety, or depression. Massage therapy triggers the release of endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin, which are neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness, relaxation, and bonding. This can help stabilize your mood and promote a sense of emotional well-being during this transitional time.
- Reconnection with Your Body: Pregnancy and childbirth can bring significant changes to your body, and it’s common for new mothers to feel disconnected or unfamiliar with their postpartum bodies. Massage therapy provides an opportunity to reconnect with your body in a positive and nurturing way, fostering a sense of acceptance and appreciation for the changes it has undergone.
- Time for Self-Care: The demands of caring for a new born can leave little time for self-care, but prioritizing your own well-being is crucial during the postpartum period. A massage session offers a dedicated opportunity to focus on yourself, relax, and recharge, which can ultimately benefit both you and your baby.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Quality sleep is essential for postpartum recovery and overall health, but it can be challenging to achieve with a new born. Massage therapy promotes relaxation and can help improve sleep quality, making it easier for you to get the rest you need to recover and care for your baby.
Remember to communicate any specific concerns or preferences with your massage therapist, particularly if you’re experiencing any postpartum complications or discomforts. As always, consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any massage therapy regimen, especially if you’re recovering from a caesarean section or other childbirth-related procedures.
Contraindications
The following are pregnancy complications which are contraindications to massage, according to experts:
- Pre-eclampsia: This condition, which develops after 20 weeks, can also damage blood vessels and cause stroke or even death. Massage may be performed in affected clients with a doctor’s permission, experts note.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Check pregnant clients for DVT by looking for differences between the left and right legs, including swelling or heat in only one. If there is a DVT diagnosis or a positive screening, the massage should be postponed until it resolves.
- Placenta problems (including previa, accreta or abruption): These rare conditions involving the placenta can lead to dangerous bleeding. The massage should be postponed unless a physician okays it.
Pricing
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30 minutes $66
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45 minutes $85
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60 minutes $110
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90 minutes $165
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120 minutes $199