The Benefits of Remedial Massage During Pregnancy
When you’re in the midst of pregnancy pains and aches, few things will seem more tempting than a massage. However, massage therapy whilst pregnant can be a cause of apprehension for some, who may experience concern about the health of the mother or child. In reality, when left in the hands of a skilled prenatal massage therapist, pregnancy massages can be safe and incredibly beneficial for an expecting mother.
This blog explains the safety of pregnancy massages, outlining the symptoms they can address in pregnant women and the precautions that should be taken by all involved. To book your own remedial massage session, contact 13th Beach Health Services today.
Common Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy can involve a variety of different symptoms for every woman. Some of the most common causes of discomfort might be debilitating for some, whilst others may not experience it whatsoever. The most common symptoms that can leave expecting mothers considering massage therapy are typically back, neck, and shoulder pain. Massages can be a great way to manage symptoms of muscle soreness, to relax tension and tightness, improve circulation, and address emotional shifts due to hormone changes.
Other common pregnancy symptoms that may have you considering massage treatment include:
- Sciatic nerve pain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Heartburn
- Digestive problems
- Depression, anxiety, or emotional changes
Is Massage Safe During Pregnancy?
Most health professionals recommend that a pregnancy massage is safest after the first trimester. Due to increased health risks during this period and the heightened risk of miscarriage, the increased blood flow stimulated by massages could be potentially harmful for some women. After this, massages are deemed ultimately safe and beneficial for women in their second and third trimesters. A relaxation massage is safer than more intense massages like a deep tissue massage, as these may potentially have negative effects on blood pressure.
Working with a professional massage therapist will ensure that you are as safe as possible throughout your massage. Your therapist may recommend precautions such as laying on your side to ensure your comfort and safety, and turning to a remedial massage expert will ensure that the safest prenatal massage techniques possible are being utilised. Ultimately, massage therapy is best left to be used during the later stages of pregnancy, when pain and symptoms such as back pain begin to worsen. Medical advice is advised before getting a remedial massage during pregnancy if you have any of the following issues:
- Recent surgery
- Recent or ongoing injury
- Congenital heart disease
- High blood pressure
Top Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints about pregnancy. Remedial massage therapy can alleviate and manage not only back pain, but also sciatic nerve pain and various other areas of stress during pregnancy. Beyond that, pregnancy massages play an important role in self-care, helping a mother-to-be take care of her physical and emotional stress. A massage therapist can help explain pain management techniques, both for support throughout pregnancy and for advice during labour as well.
Here are just a few other benefits pregnancy massages can offer expecting mothers:
- Improved circulation
- Better sleep
- Stabilised hormone levels
- Easing of pain throughout neck, shoulders, and joints
- Increased flexibility
- Improved posture, important for supporting baby weight
- Natural pain relief
- Can teach self-massage techniques for home use
Contact 13th Beach Health Services to Book Your Remedial Massage Appointment
You don’t deserve to just ‘put up’ with painful pregnancy symptoms. If you’re past your first trimester and looking for a safe, natural pain relief alternative, the benefits of remedial pregnancy massages are endless. Take some time for yourself, and reap the positive effects of receiving a massage from a prenatal therapist. Over at 13th Beach Health Services, we have a team ready to step in, hear about your symptoms, and give you a massage to ease the stress. Contact us today to book your first session.