Massage therapy can be safe and beneficial through all stages of pregnancy.
As with any massage therapy treatment, we collect and review your health history information to make any necessary treatment modifications based on risk factors.
Even most higher risk conditions can be accommodated while working closely with your perinatal health care provider.
I use a selection of pillows, wedges, and bolsters to make laying on the table as comfortable as possible, and adjust for comfort as needed.
When laying prone (face down, on your stomach) is no longer an option due to discomfort, these pillows make side-lying for treatment something that will make you wish you had the same setup at home!
The Set Up:
A rectangular bolster at the head of the table acts as an elevated pillow for your head to rest comfortably.
A small gap before the angled wedge allows the shoulder room to pass through without being squished forward.
The angled wedge supports the torso and rib cage, and creates a slight incline to maintain space for the lungs.
A thick bolster at the legs allows the top knee to rest, and maintains a neutral position for the pelvis to prevent any hip or groin discomfort.
Lastly, a cozy pillow to hug. This makes you feel secure, but also aids in draping when exposing the back for treatment.
*This set up of course has the regular linens that we use with all treatments for privacy and draping.
When lying supine for treatment (on your back, face up), the top two bolsters are slid together to create an elongated wedge which supports the torso and elevates the head (again, avoiding baby encroaching into your breathing space); the leg bolsters are placed under the knees; and the pillow is propped under the right hip to roll your belly off to the side slightly and prevent increased pressure in the abdominal cavity from baby.
How Massage Helps:
As your body grows and changes throughout pregnancy, massage therapy can aid in the following ways:
manage and treat discomfort through the low back, hips, and pelvis;
address tension felt through the expanding rib cage and diaphragm;
treat round ligament and lower abdominal tightness;
relieve soreness related to cramping through the legs;
decrease tension through the upper back, neck, shoulders that may occur due to altered sleep positions;
provide referrals to other great health care professionals to build a care team that will have you feeling strong throughout your pregnancy!
Have questions about how prenatal massage therapy may help you?
Email me, or send a message through Facebook or Instagram!
As an RMT in growing communities for close to 15 years, I have treated many expanding families - often through subsequent pregnancies.
It's really cool to watch your families grow.
As a student, I had the opportunity to spend a semester practicing in our prenatal specific clinic, becoming comfortable with my prenatal treatment skills early in my training.
Additionally, I have had the privilege of enjoying two of my own pregnancies, gaining first hand experience in how the body commonly feels as it grows and changes.
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