Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in any woman’s life. Bearing a child comes with discomforts that range from pains in different joints to swelling and expectant mothers, and the problem becomes a major one that cannot be ignored. Do you know that massage therapy can play a critical role during pregnancy? Pregnant women need prenatal massages, which help in pain relief along with many other post-pregnancy health benefits.
Pregnancy is a unique time in a woman’s life that requires special care, and this is why our pregnancy massage in Calgary at AlphaOne Physio is carefully tailored to help them through this stage of their pregnancy.
What Is Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage is a massage treatment specially designed for pregnant women because it addresses specific issues related to pregnancy. Here’s how it benefits them:
- Enhances Blood Circulation: Massages during pregnancy are also essential because they facilitate blood circulation, which is paramount as it give nutrients to the baby and the mother.
- Reduces Swelling and Blood Pressure: Gentle mobilisation promotes blood circulation and helps alleviate oedema or inflammation of the soft tissues.
- Relieves Pain in Muscles and Joints: Because of the changes in the body during this period, joint pains and muscle rigidities may occur, and this is where prenatal massages can help.
- Supports Mental Health: The different techniques of massages have been known to have psychological benefits such as reducing stress and anxiety.
- Prepares for Labor: Frequent massage is recommended because this will help increase flexibility and muscle preparedness, which is vital during the delivery process.
How Can Massage Benefit A Pregnant Woman Throughout Her Pregnancy?
Early Pregnancy: Easing Morning Sickness and Fatigue
During the first trimester, a pregnant woman often battles morning sickness and overwhelming fatigue. Pregnancy massages in Calgary, especially those involving gentle Swedish Massage techniques, can significantly alleviate nausea and help restore energy levels.
Second Trimester: Alleviating Back Pain and Improving Circulation
As the baby grows, back pain becomes more common due to the shifting center of gravity. Regular massages during pregnancy can relieve back strain and enhance blood circulation, ensuring both mother and baby receive essential nutrients and oxygen.
Also Read : Physical Therapy Techniques to Alleviate Back Pain: An Overview
Third Trimester: Preparing for Delivery
In the final weeks of pregnancy, massages focus on preparing the body for delivery. Techniques that gently stretch and strengthen the pelvic area can ease the delivery process, helping manage discomfort and anxiety about labour.
Throughout Pregnancy: Reducing Swelling and Preventing Varicose Veins
Pregnancy massage helps manage fluid retention and reduce swelling in the legs and feet, which in turn can help prevent varicose veins—a common issue among pregnant women due to increased pressure on blood vessels.
Mental And Emotional Well-being: Stress Reduction And Emotional Support
Massage therapy for pregnant women offers more than physical relief; it also provides immense mental and emotional benefits. Regular sessions can lower stress hormones and foster a peaceful, restorative mental state, essential for both mother and child.
Enhancing Sleep Quality
Many expectant mothers struggle with sleep disturbances. A relaxing massage can improve sleep by easing muscle tension, calming the nervous system, and setting a restful mood, which are crucial for an expectant mother’s health.
Safety And Specialization: Working with Prenatal Massage Therapists
Choosing a Registered Massage Therapist who specializes in prenatal massage ensures that all massages during pregnancy are performed safely and effectively. These professionals are trained to accommodate the unique needs of pregnant women, ensuring quality care and comfort.
What Massage Techniques Are Safe During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it’s important to choose massage techniques that are safe and effective for both the mother and the developing baby. Here are some specific massage techniques that are considered safe during pregnancy:
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is highly recommended during pregnancy due to its gentle nature. Long, flowing strokes relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation. This technique is especially beneficial for reducing stress and enhancing relaxation.
Deep Tissue Massage (Customized)
While traditional deep tissue massage may be too intense, a modified version can be safely used. This technique focuses on relieving tension in specific areas that can become strained during pregnancy, such as the lower back, without applying excessive pressure.
Side-Lying Position Massages
As pregnancy progresses, lying on the back can become uncomfortable and even unsafe due to pressure on deep blood vessels. Side-lying massages are ideal as they avoid pressure on the vena cava and provide easier access to the shoulders, hips, and other areas that might require attention.
Foot And Leg Massage
Giving foot and leg massages can assist in easing inflammation as well as suffering in the lower limbs due to factors such as excessive body weight and water buildup. A specific focus on the technique and pressure guarantees safety during the procedure and efficacy afterward.
Craniosacral Therapy
This is a non-interfering procedure that involves frequently patting the head, neck, and back to relax the client. It is particularly effective in regulating the quality of sleep and minimizing headaches, which are a rather widespread problem during pregnancy.
Myofascial Release
This technique involves the usage of a constant yet light touch on muscles and other body components to lead to a loosening of the muscles. It especially applies to cases where pain is felt in the lower back and in the pelvic area of the woman’s body, areas that bear most of the weight during pregnancy.
Guidelines For Safe Prenatal Massage
- Consult with Healthcare Providers: A pregnant woman who plans on getting a massage should first seek her doctor’s permission regarding her condition.
- Choose a Qualified Prenatal Massage Therapist: Make sure the massage therapist is certified and has had prior preparation/focusing exclusively on pregnant women to avoid harm.
- Avoid Deep Pressure on Certain Areas: A pregnancy massage should not be applied over the region containing deep pressure because this might hurt the baby. Some points around the ankles and wrists contain pressure that triggers the pelvic muscles.
- Monitor for Comfort: Pregnant women should never forget to speak to the massage therapist to express their discomfort during the massage, especially regarding the amount of pressure exerted and the positions adopted.
- Avoid Massage in High-Risk Conditions: Concerning circumstances like hypertension, pre-eclampsia, or previous history of preterm labour, one should not have a massage or consult the doctor only if allowed to have a massage with certain conditions.
Summing It!
Bearing a child can be a transformative process that impacts a woman physically, mentally, and spiritually. At AlphaOne Physio, we are committed to making this journey as comfortable and healthy as possible with our specialized pregnancy massages in Calgary. We ensure that every massage session we provide is up to standard in quality services that can be offered in the market and business practices and ethics that should be embraced in any business venture.
Ready to embrace the benefits of prenatal massage? Contact us today to schedule your session and experience the nurturing touch you deserve!
