Prenatal Massage Therapy
Bolsters allow for provided to allow women to lie on their stomach, side or back to accommodate growing bellies and provide relief through safe positioning.
There are many physiological changes that occur in a womans’ body during pregnancy. Symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, low back and pelvic pain, carpal tunnel, sciatica, edema ( swelling) in feet / breasts, rib pain, and indigestion to name a few. More serious symptoms can include gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
The hormone Relaxin starts to circulate throughout the blood stream just after ovulation, peaks after the first trimester ( 12 weeks) and continues until 6 months after giving birth. Relaxin functions to relax ligaments and the cervix in order to widen the birth canal, anticipating labor. As hips widen, the gluteus muscles are stretched and become weak but sore! All joints are affected, becoming more mobile, so it is important not to over stretch during yoga.
As the baby grows, the womans’ organs are pushed upwardly into the thorax, compressing the diaphragm causing shortness of breath, as well as compressing organs into the lateral rib cage resulting in indigestion. This also requires the lateral rib cage to flare out, compromising the rib joints, and ultimately causing sharp pains.
Prenatal yoga can help relieve these symptoms, by creating space within tight and compromised areas, strengthening weakening glutes and pelvic floor therefore; alleviating and preventing pubic symphisis subluxations. Along with pain relief, prenatal yoga can help decrease stress associated with labor and post partum.
Post Natal Care
After pregnancy, it is important to re-strengthen the core and pelvic floor with gentle range of motion and specific muscle isolation strengthening exercises. Depending on how delivery went, it is important to get clearance from your medical provider before beginning any strength exercises.
Once cleared by a medical provider, exercises such as yoga and specific post natal physiotherapy can be beneficial in recovery. Doing these exercises with your baby near, is an excellent way to bond while filling up your own cup of health and recovery.
Massage Therapy may help:
Reduce general muscle tension and pain
Manage symptoms of edema and sciatica
Decrease stress, depression and anxiety
Improve sleep and mood
Decrease pelvic and low back pain
Reduce headaches
