Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage
Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage
Pregnancy is a very exciting time, but can also be demanding on a woman’s body. The changing body brings with it aches and pains, including back pain, leg and foot pain, and other muscle pains. Massage therapy can have many of the same goals during pregnancy as during any other time, whether that be relaxing tense muscles, improving mobility or easing sore spots; however it is tailored to the specific needs and experiences of pregnant women and their changing bodies. Research has shown that pregnancy massage can be an integral part of a woman’s prenatal care, and is a safe and effective way to assist in a woman’s positive experience of pregnancy.
Mood and Outcome
In one study, after receiving regular massage therapy, women reported decreased depression, anxiety, leg and back pain. Cortisol levels decreased and, in turn, excessive fetal activity decreased. In a subsequent study, in which pregnant women were massaged for 16 weeks, in addition to all of the beneficial effects previously stated, pregnancy outcomes were improved, and there was a lower rate of premature birth.
Low-back Pain
Low-back pain is a common complaint among pregnant women, which can negatively impact their quality of life. It is estimated that 50% of women will suffer from low-back pain during their pregnancy, and one third of those women will suffer from severe. Only 50% of women experiencing pregnancy related low back pain will seek advice from a healthcare professional. Massage therapy is one of the common treatments sought for the management of pregnancy related low-back pain. There is an emerging body of evidence that massage therapy may be an effective short-term option for non-specific low-back pain. According to researchers at Group Health Research Institute and the University of Washington in Seattle, massage therapy can also help relieve chronic low-back pain more effectively than the usual medical treatment.
Massage Therapy and Pregnancy
Massage therapy can improve overall prenatal health for pregnant women, and should be considered an important option to consider along with regular prenatal care. In addition to relieving the typical aches and pains associated with pregnancy, massage therapy has also been associated with better pregnancy outcomes and a reduced risk of premature birth. Massage therapy during pregnancy, as with any condition, should depend on the needs and experiences of the individuals, and should be discussed with the RMT before treatment.
Book your massage now with one of our Registered Massage Therapists