FAQ > Massage Appointments

PRENATAL MASSAGE THERAPY: BENEFITS

Q: What are the benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy?

A: There can be several benefits to massage therapy during pregnancy including:

• Relief of muscular tension, especially in the lower back and hips, upper back, shoulders and neck • Reduced stress on weight-bearing joints • Enhanced body awareness for better posture and less discomfort • Assistance with body mechanics and movement during structural change • Support of birth process by relaxing muscles involved in labor and birth • Ease of anxiety and stress during time of transition • Emotional support and nurturing

Q: Are there any benefits to having massage therapy during childbirth?

A: Massage therapy during childbirth can help the laboring woman achieve a level of relaxation that allows her body to function efficiently and her labor to progress. Having a massage therapist or doula present also allows the partner to be more available to the laboring woman, supporting her in other ways, such as with breathing and visualizations. The addition of a massage therapist or doula may also provide the partner with both support and relief.

POSTPARTUM MASSAGE THERAPY: BENEFITS

Q: What are the benefits of massage therapy during the postpartum period?

A: Women may experience many physical, hormonal, and emotional changes during the postpartum period, which includes the entire first year after their baby is born. Massage therapy may help ease and prevent many of the issues that come up for the postpartum woman including:

• Relieve muscular strain and fatigue which may result from labor and birth • Reduce and prevent neck and back pain due to new mothering duties • Help with realignment of the spine and pelvis through release of muscular tension • Enhance flexibility due to improved circulation • Increase body awareness for better posture and less discomfort • Tone the skin on overstretched areas of the body • Relieve headaches • Produce a revived emotional state

PRENATAL MASSAGE THERAPY: CONTRAINDICATIONS

Q: Are there times during pregnancy when I should not be getting massage?

A: There are some circumstances under which massage therapy during pregnancy would not be advisable. These may include complications in pregnancy such as:

• Early labor, miscarriage threat, placental or cervical dysfunction • Gestational Edema Proteinuria Hypertension (GEPH) • Eclampsia • Gestational Diabetes

Q: Are there symptoms that may indicate that massage is not recommended?

A: Since massage therapy is contraindicated for the above complications, it is also contraindicated for women experiencing any of the following symptoms/signs related to the above complications:

• Bloody discharge • Continual abdominal pains • Sudden gush or leakage of amniotic fluid • Sudden, rapid weight gain • Increased blood pressure • Protein or sugar in urine • Severe back pain that does not subside with the change in position • Visual disturbances • Severe nausea and/or vomiting • Severe headaches • Excessive hunger and thirst • Increased urination in the second trimester

Please note: Some additional conditions that contraindicate massage therapy are any phlebitis, thrombosis, or suspected clotting conditions, any kidney, liver or spleen compromise or infection. Local massage on areas with severe varicose veins and swelling are avoided due to clotting risk.

Q: If my pregnancy is considered high risk, can I have massage therapy?

A: The following pregnancies which are often characterized as high risk must be closely observed by the physician in order to determine the advisability throughout the pregnancy of massage therapy:

• Women under 20 or over 35 • Rh Factor or genetic problems • Asthma • Liver or renal condition • Previous problem pregnancy • Multiple Births • Diabetes • Heart Disease • Hypertension

Q: How will I know for sure if I should not be having massage?

A: While there are few circumstances under which massage is truly contraindicated, it is always recommended that all women who plan to have massage therapy treatments speak with their doctor or midwife first, particularly if her pregnancy is considered high risk.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: How will the massage therapist know the specifics of my pregnancy?

A: At the massage appointment, new clients will be given an intake form to fill out to provide the massage therapist with information that will help them best suit the treatment to the client’s individual needs. The intake form includes a statement that requires the client’s signature before massage can be received. It is therefore recommended that all new clients check with their doctor/midwife before scheduling a massage therapy appointment.

Q: Can my partner get massage at Isis, too?

A: Yes! Anyone is welcome to have massage here – dads, partners, doulas, friends – anyone.