The centuries-old practice of massage therapy can be used for a variety of purposes: to provide pain relief, relieve stress, and improve your overall health. While health practitioners have debated the relative risks and benefits of receiving a massage during pregnancy, modern research suggests that massage can be beneficial for pregnant women administered carefully and professionally. Here is some more information about massage during pregnancy so you can be fully informed before booking your next spa day while you’re expecting.
The Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Studies have shown that prenatal massage can be used to relieve muscle aches and pains, reduce anxiety and depression, and help contribute towards an easier labour. By applying mild pressure to various muscle groups around the body, massage helps to improve blood circulation, which can ease tension and encourage physical and emotional relaxation. Massage can also help balance hormone levels during pregnancy, which can improve your mood and reduce newborn complications such as low birth weight.
Prenatal Massage Precautions
As with any physical therapy done while pregnant, prenatal massage should be approached carefully and professionally. Before booking a massage therapy appointment, talk to your doctor or prenatal health care specialists to determine if it’s right for you. If you’re experiencing a high risk pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension, severe swelling, high blood pressure or extreme head aches, massage therapy may not be right for you.
Once you’ve determined with your doctor that massage is a low-risk alternative therapy for you to try, it’s important that you book an appointment with a registered massage therapist who have received special training to safely guide pregnant women through massage.
At RelaxZone, our team of registered massage therapists can help you make your pregnancy more comfortable and relaxed through careful and delicate massage. We work with each client to assess their individual needs and determine a treatment plan that best suits your needs. For more information about our prenatal massage and other massage therapy services, contact us today at RelaxZone.