Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it can also bring aches, pains, swelling, and stress as your body undergoes significant changes. Many expectant mothers wonder if massage therapy is safe during pregnancy and if it can help with common discomforts. The good news is that, when performed by a trained professional, prenatal massage can be a safe and effective way to support your well-being throughout pregnancy.
Is Massage Safe During Pregnancy? (Prenatal Massage Therapy)
Yes! Prenatal massage is generally considered safe for most pregnancies, especially when performed by a licensed massage therapist with experience in working with expectant mothers. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy, particularly if you have a high-risk pregnancy or medical concerns.
During pregnancy, your body releases hormones like relaxin, which loosen ligaments and joints to prepare for childbirth. While this is essential for delivery, it can sometimes lead to instability, discomfort, and strain on the muscles. Prenatal massage helps counteract these effects by providing gentle relief for tense muscles, improving circulation, and reducing stress.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Massage therapy during pregnancy can offer numerous benefits, including:
- Relief from Back, Neck, and Hip Pain – As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts, placing more strain on the lower back, hips, and pelvis. Prenatal massage helps ease tension in these areas, improving comfort and mobility.
- Reduced Swelling (Edema) – Many pregnant women experience fluid retention, leading to swelling in the legs, feet, and hands. Massage stimulates circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and discomfort.
- Lower Stress and Anxiety Levels – Pregnancy can bring emotional ups and downs. Massage lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone) while boosting feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, helping you feel more relaxed.
- Better Sleep Quality – Discomfort and hormonal changes can make sleep challenging during pregnancy. Regular massage can help promote deeper, more restful sleep.
- Preparation for Labor – Some studies suggest that regular prenatal massage may help the body prepare for childbirth by improving flexibility, reducing muscle tension, and supporting overall relaxation.
What to Expect During a Prenatal Massage
At Superior Spine Care, our trained massage therapists provide safe and customized prenatal massage treatments designed to address your unique needs. Here’s what you can expect:
- Special Positioning – To ensure comfort and safety, prenatal massages are typically performed with the mother lying on her side, using pillows and bolsters for support. In some cases, a specially designed pregnancy massage table with a cutout for the belly may be used.
- Gentle Techniques – Deep tissue massage is generally avoided during pregnancy. Instead, lighter pressure and gentle techniques are used to relieve tension without causing discomfort.
- Focus on Common Pregnancy Discomforts – The therapist will target areas prone to tension, such as the lower back, hips, shoulders, and legs, while avoiding any sensitive areas.
Is There a Time When Massage Should Be Avoided?
While prenatal massage is safe for most women, there are some situations where caution is advised. Women with high-risk pregnancies, preeclampsia, blood clots, or severe swelling should speak with their doctor before receiving massage therapy.
Schedule a Prenatal Massage Today
If you’re pregnant and looking for natural relief from aches, swelling, and stress, prenatal massage may be just what you need. Schedule a massage at Superior Spine Care today and experience the benefits of safe, soothing, and specialized care during pregnancy!
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HEALTH SERVICES AT SUPERIOR SPINE CARE:
CHIROPRACTIC
As a Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Neil Wensink has years of training and experience in spinal adjustments and manipulation and provides advanced spinal correction combining state of the art chiropractic techniques with traditional tried and true methods. Never in the history of chiropractic have we been able to provide the level of help and expertise that now exists. These newer correction methods are more effective and more comfortable than ever before.
MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage therapy aids in patients’ rehabilitation by focusing on manipulating and realigning the deepest layer of muscles and connective tissue. It is the most beneficial therapy to release chronic muscle spasms. At Superior Spine Care we provide specific massage and muscular therapy tailored to meet the patient’s condition and injury. The benefits of massage therapy include increased blood circulation, reduced swelling, relaxed muscles and pain relief.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical Therapy is the treatment or management of physical disability, movement, malfunction, or pain, without the use of medicine or surgery. With many years of experience and continuing education, Chrissy employs a variety of different physical therapy modalities to personalize your treatment program with a specialty in using Myofascial Release Technique to help alleviate acute and chronic pain.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese-based approach to treating a variety of health conditions. It works by triggering different points on the skin with small, one-time use, stainless steel micro-filament needles. It is based on the idea that a blockage, or disturbance, in the body’s flow of Qi (pronounced as “chee”) can cause heath issues. Dr. Chester Dickerson, Superior Spine Care’s Licensed Acupuncturist, Therapist, inserts thin needles at specific points to help with pain relief and restore proper energy flow.
