Pregnancy

Massage therapy during pregnancy is not intended to replace prenatal care. When used as a added form of health care, some of the possible benefits of pregnancy massage are:

Reduces stress and promotes relaxation. Even welcome change is stressful. The tension caused by stress along with the physical changes of pregnancy can sap your strength and energy for coping day to day.

Pregnancy massage delivered with a nurturing touch can lower circulating levels of cortisol and norepinephrene, increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, and measurably affect pregnant woman's anxiety and depression. Pregnancy massage also lowers blood pressure, and since elevated blood pressure is a marker of potential complications in pregnancy, this intervention can provide substantial benefit for at-risk women. Treat yourself right - you're worth it!

Enjoy a relaxing, invigorating, soothing massage from our experienced medical massage therapist. $75/100 per first hour (depending on how far along you are as you will be more difficult to work with the farther along you are due to mood swings, weight, positioning, etc.,

We know which pressure points to avoid, which massage oils should and shouldn't be used and we know just how to position those pillows! The benefits of massage include: Alleviates back pain Reduced stress and tension,Reduced swelling/ edema Enhances sleep and much more!
A soothing massage can relieve physical and emotional tension, help you sleep better and boost your energy.

Provides emotional support and physical nurturing, particularly for those who are alone in the process, either literally or by the emotional absence of the partner.

Reduces and alleviates neck, back, and joint pain caused by posture, muscle weakness, tension, extra weight, or imbalance. Relieves muscle spasms, cramps, and fibrosis. Massage loosens tight muscles and calms the nervous system. It also increases circulation bringing energy producing nutrients to your cells and carrying away metabolic waste products that can make you feel listless.

· Alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints and musculo-fascial structures (sacro-iliac joint, mid-back and lumbar spine, hips).

· Relieves tension, fatigue, and headaches, soothes nerves to help with sleep problems, and possibly reduce blood pressure through relaxation and stress reduction.

· Increases blood and lymph circulation and supports the physiological process of gestation, by supporting the work of the heart, increasing cellular respiration, reducing edema, and contributing to sympathetic nervous system sedation. Reduces the possibility of problems with swelling, varicose veins, and leg cramps.

Helps maintain skin elasticity to ease stretch marks and uncomfortable tightness. · Assists with the management of digestive complaints such as constipation, gas, nausea, and indigestion. · Encourages deeper, easier breathing. · Enhances self-esteem and self image, helping the pregnant woman feel more at home in her changing body. · Develops the sensory awareness and relaxation necessary to be an active and responsive participant in the birth experience. (in order to birth, the musculature of the legs, back, abdomen, and pelvic floor must release to allow the uterus to labor with no resistance).

What to Expect

A thorough massage session takes at least one hour, usually a little longer, during which you are comfortably supported in a side-lying position and draped for your comfort. Only the body part being worked on is exposed. The room will be quiet and comfortable. It is fine to interrupt the massage to use the restroom, however, for maximum benefit and comfort, avoid heavy eating and drinking for two hours before your session.

Contraindications

Complications of pregnancy, which could contraindicate massage therapy (if resolved, participation is possible with additional midwife/physician release):

Early labor
Threatened miscarriage
Placental dysfunctions
GEPH (Pre-eclampsia)
Gestational diabetes
Eclampsia (Toxemia)

Other conditions contraindicating participation in massage therapy (if resolved, participation is possible with additional midwife/physician release):

High blood pressure
Heart disease (3rd trimester)
Kidney and bladder diseases
Any infectious disease
Cancer or undiagnosed lumps
Contraindicated for affected areas only:

Severe varicose veins Thrombophlebitis Skin irritation and/or discharge Lupus erythematosus and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Intrauterine growth retardation

High Risk Pregnancies, as defined by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (in some cases requiring additional midwife/physician release):

Pre-pregnancy diabetes mellitus
Cardiac, pulmonary, or liver disorders
Chronic hypertension
Previous problem pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy
Mother's age under 18 or over 35
Asthmatic mother
Risk of fetal genetic disorders
Convulsive disorders

Abnormal fetal movement or heartbeat

Regular massage during your pregnancy and postpartum weeks can relieve your physical symptoms and help you cope with stress. Because it supports your health and vitality, massage can help you more easily adjust to the many changes in your body and the demands of your new life.

Medical massage using myofascial release, muscle-energy technique, strain-counterstrain, assisted-resisted stretching, acupressure, and other reflex techniques can target and aleviate the sometimes disabing conditions of pregnancy.