If you’re pregnant while reading this, congratulations! I get lots of questions from clients, either those who are currently pregnant or those whose family members are pregnant; questions like “Is it safe to get a massage while pregnant”, “What makes pregnancy massage different”, “Can I get a massage after a c-section?” or “How can I get a massage if I can’t lie on my stomach?”. I’m writing this blog to discuss all the benefits of massage therapy in relation to everything pre- and post-natal.
So, let’s start with the first and most often asked question: “Is it safe to get a massage while pregnant”. The answer is an easy and simple YES! Unless your doctor has specifically advised against massage there is almost no reason a pregnant person wouldn’t be a good fit for massage therapy. All Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario (and any other regulated province) are well trained in massage therapy and the treatment of clients who are in any condition, including those who are expectant parents. The first trimester is a tumultuous time for the birthing person and massage therapy can help lower anxiety, reduce stress on the body, and help your body prepare for the changes that are to come by increasing relaxation and decreasing muscle tension. During the second trimester an expectant parent can expect a few new aches and pains, and an inability to lie on their stomach, which in itself can cause problems for the natural stomach sleeper! We have special pillows designed to cradle and support the growing bump from it’s first showing all the way through the rest of the pregnancy if desired. We are also trained in side-lying massage for those who still feel uncomfortable on their stomach, there is no one size fits all when it comes to treatment, everything is adjustable to one’s needs.
By now you might be asking “What makes pregnancy massage different”, I’ll be honest with you; nothing! With one exception, we cannot treat the root cause—as the root cause is a baby. With any massage therapy treatment, there is a complaint, a goal set, an assessment and a treatment of the issue and its underlying causes when possible. Pregnancy can cause a whole host of aches and pains on the body that is completely different for each pregnant person and for each pregnancy in general, we tailor each treatment to respond to these ever-changing symptoms. We also have a wide knowledge of home-care exercises, and a referral base to other health care practitioners (ie. Pelvic floor physiotherapists, doulas, etc) that can help any expectant parent throughout the pregnancy.
Let’s talk a little about post partum now! Massage therapy can significantly improve your pain and help revitalise your muscles throughout your healing process; don’t get me wrong, the body heals itself, Massage Therapy can just give it a little boost. Massage can especially be good for scarring, such as after a c-section! If you’re coming in for c-section scar work within 6 weeks of having the c-section we may only work with compensating muscles and connective tissue, however, post 6 weeks we can begin treatment directly on the area within your comfort—this can speed healing and reduce some permanent scarring. More importantly you get to lay in a quiet room for 30-60 minutes where you’re the focus and not you lovely screaming bundle of joy.
