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| Massage Modalities •Massage Modalities •Pregnancy Massage •Glossary of additional terms •Pregnancy Massage –There are many benefits to receiving massage both during and after pregnancy. Prenatal and post partum massage have documented value and are perfect ways to reduce stress, relieve pain and promote general well being. It is a form of health care that brings balance to the temporary challenges of pregnancy.  During pregnancy a woman's body experiences many changes. One way to minimize the physical and emotional discomforts of pregnancy and childbirth is to receive periodic massages. Back pain is extremely common in pregnancy, as well as during the season of breastfeeding or as a result of carrying small children. This pain can be relieved by massage to the back, the neck, legs, and feet. Therapeutic bodywork can also help alleviate leg cramps and swelling, induce deep relaxation, increase energy levels and relieve muscle tension in the areas most affected by the growing fetus and the mother's shifting center of gravity. Uniquely, massage serves a pregnant woman by providing the experience and model of loving, nurturing touch. From the moment of birth, the new baby needs gentle touches, soothing voices, and a calm environment. Once your baby arrives, you will continue to benefit from regular massage and can then introduce those benefits to your little one. The massage therapist can assist the woman with passive muscle stretches and joint movements to relieve cramping, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain, helping to increase range of motion and flexibility. |
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“A therapist certified in working with pregnant clients has furthered their knowledge of massage by studying the techniques applied to pregnant women and has studied in-depth the process of pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period.”
Massage addresses a broad range of needs, from stimulating the circulation of blood and lymph fluids reducing swelling in the lower extremities, a common symptom during pregnancy, to helping to relieve depression or anxiety caused by the hormonal changes a mom may experience.
Massage during pregnancy is safe, effective and beneficial for women with uncomplicated, low risk pregnancies. Written consent from the prenatal care provider is needed for women with high risks, such as hypertension, diabetes, multiple fetuses, previous problem pregnancy, or those under 20 or over 35.  Given the complex changes experienced during pregnancy, it is best to seek out a massage therapist specifically certified in pregnancy massage. A therapist certified in working with pregnant clients has furthered their knowledge of massage by studying the techniques applied to pregnant women and has studied in-depth the process of pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. |
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  Client Feedback: "I have always struggled with shoulder tension and lower back pain, so when I got pregnant I was concerned about how my back would handle all of the extra weight. Sandie's massages kept me tension free and really enabled me to have a very active, pain-free pregnancy up until the very end. Pregnancy massage was not just relaxing but really helped relieve back pain and pressure, especially during the last trimester. I slept much better for a week following each massage and really looked forward to each appointment. The massage helped me be relaxed and tension-free going into labor. Between sleepless nights and a sore back from endless rocking, the massages were incredibly helpful to relieve back tension and stress after the baby as well. And as my son continues to grow, I really look forward to my appointments with Sandie — there is nothing better for taking care of the shoulder tension and lower back pain!"–Mary Ann |
