Massage Therapy Benefits During Pregnancy & Post-partum

Massage Therapy during pregnancy can help alleviate pain, stiffness, anxiety and more.  

What prenatal & postnatal issues can massage therapy treat?

When pregnant your body’s blood volume doubles, which makes you more prone to issues such as swelling or stiffness. Our massage therapist is prepared for it all, including:

• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Carpel tunnel
• C-section scar release
• Improved circulation
• Better sleep
• Reduced stress & anxiety

What are some long-term benefits of massage therapy to your pregnancy?

Massage therapy can reduce anxiety; decrease the risk of depression; and even improve labour outcomes and your newborn’s health. Remember your child can be affected by everything you and your body go through.  Any excuse/reason to have a relaxing pregnancy is a good one.

Massage therapy can also help with the body’s hormone regulation, leading to better cardiovascular health and mood. Related studies have shown a reduction in norepinephrine and cortisol hormones (hormones related to stress), and a relative increase in dopamine and serotonin. Depression is related to low levels of these hormones. In conclusion, this may result in fewer complications during birth and for newborns. 

Finally, it can lead to reduced nerve pain. In late pregnancy the uterus rests primarily on the pelvic floor muscles and the low back, which then creates tension and may cause swelling and pressure on nearby nerves. 

Are you missing lying on your belly while pregnant?

YOU CAN!  We have a BodyCushion, a specially designed support cushion for the body to rest on its bony structures, allowing the body to rest facedown, without pressure on sensitive soft tissue areas. YES … The perfect set up for a relaxing massage while pregnant, as this is something most do not do in the second and certainly third trimester.

The BodyCushion will help position you (and your baby belly) safely, so you can focus on yourself and the benefits massage therapy will bring you.

References
1. Field, T. (1999). Pregnant Women Benefit From Massage Therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mar;20(1):31-8.
2. Field, T. (2004). Massage Therapy Effects on Depressed Pregnant Women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jun;25(2):115-22.