Are you currently pregnant? It goes without saying that pregnancy takes a toll on your body. You may be feeling all types of aches and pains right now! Musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the belly and back, is common among pregnant women. Back pain affects the majority of pregnant women, especially in the second half of their pregnancy. Fortunately, through prenatal massage, you can help relieve those undesirable aches and pains, so you can get back to comfortably doing what matters most – preparing for your new bundle of joy!
To learn more about how prenatal massage can benefit you, contact Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Bedford to schedule an appointment today. Our therapists are skilled experts who know exactly how to pinpoint the cause of your pregnancy-related pain and help you find true relief.
What is prenatal massage?
It comes as no surprise that there are many reasons why pregnancy can cause pain, especially as the pregnancy progresses. Just a few of these reasons include:
- Changes in posture. Your center of gravity shifts when you’re pregnant. Most women will modify their posture and movement patterns to adapt for this, often without even recognizing it.
- Changes in hormones. The hormone “relaxin” is produced by your body during pregnancy. This enhances joint laxity, allowing the ligaments and joints in the pelvic area to relax, as the term implies. However, the relaxin hormone can release ligaments in the spine, which is your body’s natural method of preparing for vaginal birth.
- Increased weight. During pregnancy, most women gain 25-35 pounds. Because the spine is responsible for bearing your weight, this puts additional strain on it. The strain on the nerves and blood vessels around your back and pelvis is increased by the growing baby in your uterus.
- Separation of muscles. Your “rectal abdominis” muscles are put under stress when your uterus expands throughout your pregnancy. From the rib cage to the pubic bone, these muscles run parallel to one another. It is possible for these muscles to separate along the middle seam as the uterus expands, a condition known as “diastasis recti.”
Prenatal massage aims to relax tense muscles, improve circulation, increase mobility, and ease pregnancy-related pain. It is tailored specifically toward the needs of expectant mothers.
All of these reasons for pain can be alleviated with prenatal massage. There is a common notion that deep massage is unsafe during pregnancy; nevertheless, this type of physical therapy is extremely safe in terms of assisting you in finding comfort and relief. In fact, according to the American Pregnancy Association,
“Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Massages during pregnancy have often received ambivalent responses from the health community regarding their safety and purpose. Modern investigation and research have shown that prenatal massage therapy can be an instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal care and should be [carefully considered.]”
How is a prenatal massage performed at Beyond Therapy and Wellness?
Our physical therapists are well-versed in a variety of massage techniques. The sort of massage your physical therapist recommends will be determined by the severity of your discomfort, its location, and the reason behind it. This could involve the following:
- Deep tissue massage. This type of massage loosens up your muscles and their connective tissues.
- Swedish massage. This type of massage relaxes any stiff or tense muscles you may have, allowing increased blood flow and fluid drainage from swollen areas.
- Myofascial release. This type of massage creates room for tissues that may be trapped by distortions or fascial adhesions, freeing them from constriction.
One of the numerous advantages of prenatal massage is that it aids in the natural healing of your tissues, allowing you to find immediate relief and recover faster from pregnancy aches and the delivery process. It works to relax, loosen, and mobilize regions that are bothering you so you can concentrate completely on your and your baby’s needs.
Prenatal massage may be incorporated into your physical therapy plan or it may be offered to you as a standalone remedy for your discomfort. Your Beyond Therapy and Wellness physical therapist can discuss the best options for you during your appointment.
Request an appointment to get started with prenatal massage in Bedford
If you’re interested in receiving prenatal massage treatments, contact Beyond Therapy and Wellness in Bedford today to consult with one of our physical therapists. We’ll prescribe the best massage treatments for you to comfortably continue your pregnancy and prepare for the newest addition to your family.
