When you’re busy growing a human being, it’s natural to experience a few new muscular aches and pains. A woman’s body goes through an unbelievable amount of physical changes to accommodate the life growing inside her. Myotherapy and regular remedial massage can help to relieve some of those muscular complaints you experience throughout the pregnancy. It also increases the blood circulation to muscles and oxygenates the body.
When can you have a pregnancy massage?
It is safe to have a pregnancy massage at any point of the pregnancy, including the first trimester, provided that your pregnancy is ‘normal’ and you do not have any known risk factors such as pre-eclampsia, diabetes, high blood pressure, severe morning sickness or previous history of miscarriage.
If you suspect that you may have any risk factors, it is recommended that you wait until after the first trimester for your first massage, after consultation with your physician.
What can it relieve?
Myotherapy and remedial massage may relieve the following conditions associated with pregnancy:
- Headaches
- Pain due to altered biomechanics (walking/standing patterns)
- Relieves muscle spasms and cramps
- Sciatic pain
- Lower back pain
- Instability and pinching around the lower back
- Swelling and fluid retention
- Lack of sleep.
Remedial massage can also:
- Increase blood flow and lymphatic circulation
- Increase breathing capacity, both posturally and mechanically
- Improve muscle pliability and joint flexibility
- Reduce stress and calm nervous irritability.
What’s involved?
During your consultation, your therapist will ask a range of questions in order to tailor your pregnancy massage to your specific needs. We have special pregnancy massage pillows which allow for a safe front-lying position, or you can request a side-lying massage if you’d prefer. If you feel uncomfortable or that the pressure is too hard at any point, please inform the therapist immediately.
Post-massage care
During your myotherapy or remedial massage treatment, toxins are released from your muscles. It is extremely important to drink plenty of water after your massage to help your body expel those toxins. Aim to consume about 2L throughout the day and avoid caffeinated drinks. Lastly, steer clear of exercise for at least 24 hours. You may feel a little unwell after the treatment, but rest assured this is completely normal. It means your body is busy trying to flush out those toxins.
With us, you’re in safe hands…
At Muscle Freedom, our therapists are all fully qualified professionals who are trained in pregnancy massage. Please get in touch today to organise a treatment. Call (03) 9598 4873 or book online: www.musclefreedom.com.au.
