Written by Remedial Massage Therapist, Pilates & Natal Pilates Instructor & passionate Mum, Katie Harders
Remedial massage during your pregnancy can help change your experience, for the better, during the most amazing time in your life.
Once perceived as a form of alternative therapy, remedial massage is increasingly becoming a popular way for women to reduce pregnancy discomfort.
Research has shown remedial massage has multiple health benefits during pregnancy, including helping you feel revitalized and allowing you to remain active and feeling great during this time.
What are the Health benefits of Massage during Pregnancy?
• Reduce prenatal anxiety- cortisol (commonly known as the stress hormone) can be reduced significantly by pre-natal massage. This allows you to experience ‘good’ or ‘happy’ hormones which improve mood, vitality and immunity.
• Help improve sleep – remedial massage can help increase the production of melatonin and serotonin hormone in the body which will regulate sleep rhythms. This can improve the quality of sleep which we know is important for all body systems to function.
• Reduce joint swelling– this is a common occurrence during pregnancy and is caused by low circulation and extra pressure on the blood vessels. Remedial massage can stimulate the soft tissues and decrease the build-up of fluids in swollen joints.
• Lessen muscle pain and cramps- these are a very common occurrence in pregnant women due increased muscle tension and heightened motor neuron activity. Prenatal massage can help lessen and manage these common symptoms during pregnancy.
• Reduce nerve pain –– during pregnancy, many women experience sciatic nerve pain. This can arise if the growing uterus and baby put pressure on the sciatic nerve causing inflammation and pain. This is more common during the later stages of pregnancy as the baby gets bigger. Our therapists can help with management of sciatic nerve pain.
What to expect when you’re expecting from a remedial massage?
During your first trimester you may not feel comfortable lying down due to nausea. If this is the case, you might decide to wait until these symptoms pass (usually around the 12 week mark). If you have any other medical issues, other than nausea, a doctor’s clearance is advised before commencing treatment. If you were attending for remedial massage prior to falling pregnant, it is usually safe to continue as normal.
In your second trimester, as your tummy starts to grow, laying on your front will become uncomfortable. A pregnancy massage pillow will be used during your treatment. As these changes take place and your tummy and breasts grows and your posture starts to adapt, it is quite common to notice some stiffness and tightness in your lower back, hips and shoulders. Booking a regular massage will help you manage these symptoms during the second trimester.
In the third trimester your body will undergo significant changes. Often the aches and pains may be more noticeable, particularly in your lower back, upper back and pelvic area. At this stage of pregnancy, the therapist will lie you on your side and use pillows to make you comfortable, this allows the therapist to continue to treat all areas.
What to expect with a post-natal Remedial Massage
With the arrival of your baby, your body will begin healing from the birthing process, but will also have to adapt to new postures such as holding and feeding your baby.
Post-natal remedial massage can help with these aches and pains, as well as improve mental wellbeing during this period. During the first few months after delivery we understand it can be uncomfortable to lie on your front. We are able to use pillows under your chest or hips to help make you comfortable during your session with us.
At Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health we offer pre and post-natal remedial massage at both linics with Katie Harders and Paige Single. Please call the clinic to book an appointment 07 5500 6470 or use our online booking system through our website, www.mygcphysio.com.au
