Pre- & Post-Natal Remedial Massage Benefits

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 that this type of massage is beneficial for pregnant women as it provides a number of health benefits, including:

• Reduce prenatal anxiety: cortisol (commonly known as the stress hormone) can be reduced significantly by prenatal massage, this lets you experience good or happy hormones which are known to 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 promotes a good overall effect on the body.
• 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 lower the build-up of fluids in swollen joints.
• Lessen muscle pain and cramps: a very common occurrence in pregnant women is muscle pain and cramps, due to the muscle tension and heightened motor neuron activity. Prenatal massage can help lessen and manage these common symptoms during the pregnancy.
• Reduce nerve pain: during pregnancy sciatica 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 like lying down for a massage especially if you are feeling nauseas. You may want to wait until this subsides, which is usually around the 12 -week mark. If you have any other medical issues, a doctor’s clearance is advised, however if you were having a regular remedial massage prior to falling pregnant then the massage will continue as normal.

In your second trimester, as your tummy starts to grow, lying on your front will become uncomfortable and a pregnancy massage pillow will be used at for Massage at Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health. And as your tummy and breasts grow you may start to notice some stiff and tight areas in your back as your posture changes. Booking a regular massage will help you manage these symptoms during the second trimester.

Into the third trimester, your body will have changed, and 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 lay you on your side and use pillows to make you comfortable, which allows the therapist to treat all areas.

What to expect with a Post-natal Remedial Massage

With the arrival of your baby, your body will be getting used to holding and feeding whilst also healing from the birth. Post-natal Remedial massage can help reduce the aches and pains as well as improve your mental wellbeing. You may find it uncomfortable lying on your front in the first few months post -delivery, so a pillow under your chest or hips may be used.