Seek An Appropriate Massage Therapist
It is important to seek care from a certified prenatal massage therapist. Certified therapists have received training beyond the national standards for massage therapists and know how to address specific pregnancy and massage needs.They are aware of how to position you safely and prevent strain to the uterine ligaments. They are also able to watch for symptoms of blood clots and varicose veins.Women who have recently experienced bleeding, pre-term contractions, or have any of the following conditions should speak with a health care provider prior to receiving a massage:
- High-risk pregnancy
- Experiencing severe swelling, high blood pressure, or sudden, severe headaches
- Recently gave birth
What Do Massage Therapists Say About Deep Tissue Massage During Pregnancy
There are professional massage therapists on both sides of the debate. Some therapists believe deep tissue massage is completely safe as long as the therapists understand the areas of the body to avoid during pregnancy. Few will perform a deep tissue massage or other forms of massage during the first trimester.
Description Of The Stones
The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they are smooth – they are smoothed over time by the river current.
The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heater until they are within a certain temperature range. The placement of the stones is usually at specific points on the back and in the palms of the hand but may vary depending on the client’s condition. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system. Some massage therapists place stones on points that are thought to be energy centers of the body to re-balance the body and mind. The heat of the stones warm and relax the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired.
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Is Deep Tissue Massage Safe During Pregnancy
There is some debate over whether or not a pregnant woman should have a deep-tissue massage. The easy answer is that you should always be careful to only massage areas that are safe and require attention.
Again, its not advisable in the first trimester as with other forms of massage. So second trimester onward you can make inquiries with your therapist. Often you need to gain feedback from your therapist if they are comfortable and experienced with deep-tissue massage and pregnancy.
This therapy can be quite beneficial. Its great at reducing swelling and painful joints that some women experience with pregnancy. By working on the pressure points on the wrists, hands and ankles a lot of pain can be relieved.
Larger muscle groups like the legs should not be massaged as there is an increased risk of blood clots during pregnancy. Deep-tissue work can dislodge any clots and cause some serious health risks.
Its advisable you seek medical clearance from your doctor before progressing.
What Is Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is a catch-all term for any hands-on massage during or after pregnancy .
A pregnancy massage typically lasts an hour. Some practitioners use a pregnancy massage table. That’s a table designed to accommodate a woman’s pregnant belly. Others use specially designed pillows called bolsters to position a woman comfortably on their side. This helps especially during the later stages of pregnancy. Lying on your side is often the most comfortable position.
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Medical Approval Needed Why
Some massage therapists will require a note from the obstetrician stating deep tissue massage is safe during your stage of pregnancy. This note assures the therapist there are no medical contraindications in your personal pregnancy that could be an issue during or after a deep tissue massage. Women considered high-risk, with a history of preeclampsia or preterm delivery or have issues with swelling, headaches, or morning sickness should not have a deep tissue massage at any point in the pregnancy.
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Very Early In Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a bit precarious early on until the fetus develops more fully. A massage too early on may cause problems, even potentially a miscarriage. It is not recommended by most massage experts to use massage in first trimester clients.
Pressure points on a womans body may accidentally trigger contractions that are dangerous for both the mother and child. Another potential risk in early pregnancy massage clients would be the increased blood flow that massage can cause.
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Prenatal Massage As Part Of Prenatal Care
The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement shown to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health. Consult with your midwife or obstetrician before beginning any new therapeutic practice.
Want to Know More?
Two Scenarios In Which A Pregnant Woman Should Think Carefully About Getting A Massage
1. Women in their first trimester of pregnancy
The American Pregnancy Association says that women can begin massage at any point during a pregnancy. However, many prenatal massage therapists will not accept clients until the second trimester of pregnancy. The first trimester carries an increased risk of miscarriage, and some therapists are concerned that the increased blood flow during a massage might be harmful.
Second, there are pressure points in the body that are thought to initiate contractions or potentially induce labor. Because of this, many prenatal massage therapists require a doctors release to work with women in their first trimester of pregnancy.
2. Women with certain medical conditions
Massage therapy engages the circulatory system, which can alter blood flow in the body and potentially affect certain health conditions. If you have any of the following issues, talk to your doctor before getting a prenatal massage at any point in your pregnancy:
- High blood pressure that isnt controlled by medication
- High-risk pregnancy concerns, such congenital heart disease or preeclampsia
- Recent injury or surgery
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What To Look For In A Massage Office
Pregnant women should look for a few specific details when selecting a massage therapist:
- A hygienic shop: Make sure the shop is clean and free of dirt and grime. Illness can happen easily during pregnancy if you come into contact with germs or viruses.
- Prenatal massage certification: Look at the offices menu of services and ask whether it specifically offers prenatal massage. You also can look up therapists online by their name or license number to verify their license and qualifications.
- Proper equipment and techniques: A pregnant woman can experience dizziness or increased blood pressure from lying on her stomach or back too long. Offices that specialize in prenatal massage usually have women lie on their sides while propped up with pillows or use tables with cut-outs where their bellies can rest. Its also important that the therapist is aware of what essential oils or lotions are OK to use in pregnancy, as many have analgesic and calming properties. Not all are considered safe.
Is Pregnancy Massage Safe
Some doctors hesitate to advise massage during pregnancy because there is a huge variation in training. There is also a lack of certification standards nationwide. This is especially true for the specialty of pregnancy massage. Not all states have laws requiring a set minimum training for a massage therapist, regardless of whether or not the therapist’s client is pregnant.
Also, like many forms of complementary medicine, massage therapy during pregnancy hasn’t been rigorously studied with high-quality clinical research methods. One area of controversy is whether it’s safe to have a massage during the first trimester.
Many massage therapists won’t give pregnancy massages during the first trimester. The reason is the potential for miscarriage. Some pregnancy massage experts argue that pregnancy massage doesn’t, in itself, cause miscarriage, but no research has been done to show a link between a massage and a miscarriage. Because many miscarriages happen in the first trimester, some massage therapists and doctors counsel against first-trimester massage simply to avoid any potential liability issues should a miscarriage occur.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine advises all pregnant women to consult with their doctor before trying massage.
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Can I Get A Massage While Breastfeeding
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How Long Does The Massage Take
We offer both 70 and 85 minute hot stone massage treatments you can choose the one that works best for your needs and your schedule. When you consider the amount of time that you spend under stress each week, this appointment will provide you with so much stress-relief and may feel shorter than it an hour, but the deep relaxation you experience will have you counting down the days until your next treatment.
Will I Get Burned?
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Learn More Tips For Massage Therapists
Now you know that its safe to work as a pregnant massage therapist as long as you feel comfortable and have clearance from your doctor.
If you want to learn more tips to help you be the best massage therapist you can be, check out our blog. There, you can find a ton of helpful information, including our review of massage tools.
At Massagebypro, massage therapists get their own professional mini website with a powerful SEO boost so clients can easily find them on major search engines and Social Media sites. Our unique 5-star Review Portal allows therapists to easily ask for reviews, an important component to grow any business. Members get weekly business tips, social media tools and support from our Team. We connect massage clients with the best massage professionals in the United States. Find the best massage therapists in these modalities: Swedish Massage Therapists, Deep Tissue Massage Therapists, Hot Stone Massage Therapists, Prenatal Massage Therapists, Sports Massage Therapists, Medical Massage Therapists, Reflexology Massage Therapists, Cupping Massage Therapists, Lomi Lomi Massage Therapists, and Thai Massage Therapists.
How Do The Stones Feel
The hot stones are never rough. They are always flat and smooth. The hot stones used on the back are about the size of a large egg, only flat. The stones are heated in an electrical heater that either provides a temperature reading or has an adjustable thermostat control. The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot. Everyone, however, has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you. Cool marble stones are occasionally used during a treatment, particularly if there is inflammation.
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Pregnancy Massage Nicole Gillett
Many women arent sure if getting a massage while pregnant is fine for them or the baby, but it is actually great for the both of you!! There are precautions, just like any massage to take into consideration but every RMT that is trained in pregnancy massage knows the precautions to take when needed, so there is nothing to worry about.
In the early stages of pregnancy you are still fine to lay on your stomach, its not until you are at the 12 or 15 week mark that we really have to change up the way we do your treatments. At this time the only thing that really needs to change is we would be massaging you on your side instead for your stomach. You still can get a full body massage on your side so you dont need to miss out on anything. One extra part of the massage you can ask for that many people dont know about, you can get your stomach massaged! Many moms and the baby enjoy it!
As a therapist, its amazing to be able to feel the baby moving around as you massage the mothers belly. There are many benefits to getting a pregnancy massage: relaxation, keep blood pressure done, reduce swelling, help you sleep better and more, increase circulation, and reduce back pain. We know expecting mothers sometimes have a lot of pain in different areas of the body, so we wouldnt want you to miss out on a massage just because you are pregnant.
Proper Way To Perform A Foot Massage While Pregnant
Undergoing a foot massage during the third trimester of your pregnancy can bring the right benefits when done correctly. Using the right massage oil and massage technique is just as necessary. Here are a few steps your partner or caretaker can follow to perform a foot massage properly.
The first step is to apply a good amount of oil to the pregnant womans feet and the partners hands. This will make it easier to massage the feet.
Beginning from the feet, start massaging from the toes to the ankle while applying pressure. Make sure the partners grip isnt too firm. Keep massaging the feet for about 5-8 minutes.
Once that is done, move upwards from the ankle. Focus on the section from the ankle to the knee and begin massaging it. Make sure to use both hands to cover as much area of the legs and the calves as possible. Keep the pressure steady for both hands and maintain a pace of broad strokes, right from the ankle up to the knee in a single, non-stop motion. Continue doing this for about 10 minutes or so.
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Is A Foot Massage Safe During Pregnancy
Many women wish to opt for a pedicure foot massage while pregnant and get relief from the pain, especially after knowing that there are specific massages meant for pregnant women. However, these have not been approved by any medical authority, so their benefits cannot be fully determined. Many spas do not accept pregnant women, and many doctors avoid recommending a massage therapist as well.
But a well-experienced professional performing the right kind of pregnancy massage will be safe for the mother as well as bring the necessary benefits along with it. These professionals undertake specialised training and certification and have the right knowledge of where to massage and which areas to avoid.
What Is A Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage integrates strong pressure and long strokes to relieve tension in deeper muscle tissues. Massage therapists warn that the massage could cause pain for one to two days after the massage. Pressure points may be used as focal points during the deep tissue massage depending on the particular reason for scheduling the appointment. For instance, lower back pain deep tissue massage therapy may be different than leg pain deep tissue massage.
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Is Foot Massage Safe During Pregnancy
While a foot massage sounds tempting, you might wonder if its safe during pregnancy. Fortunately, as long as you avoid specific areas on the foot and ankle that may trigger uterine contractions and cervical ripening, you can enjoy the soothing foot massage youre already dreaming about.
There are concerns about pregnant women whove developed blood clots in their legs. Changes to your blood flow put you more at risk of them during pregnancy.
If you have reddened, swollen, or warmer spot on your lower legs, dont get a massage and see your doctor immediately. And if you have a history of blood clots, be sure to consult your doctor before getting any lower extremity massaged.
If your doctor has cleared you for massage, youve got several options to choose from, with varying levels of safety.
Try Our Prenatal Massages Today
The staff at The Massage Studio can provide you with a prenatal massage regimen to improve your quality of life during pregnancy. Our unique, four-piece prenatal massage cushion allows you to receive your massage while lying on your stomach and ensures youre properly supported. Book your prenatal massage today!
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Is The Facial Safe During Pregnancy
The facial is considered safe during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the skin can become dry, very sensitive to sunlight and develop pigmentation patches.
Usually, gentle sebum-balancing and skin-nourishing facials are preferred.
Oxygenating masks or herbal clay masks can be used.
Also, deep cleanse and balancing or hydrating masks are considered safe.
Steaming the face only should be safe. But any other form of treatment that can raise core body temperature such as steam rooms etc must be avoided .
What About Body Mechanics
As your belly grows and hormones cause shifts in ligament length to prepare for delivery, you will need t accommodate your body mechanics.
Methot did have to excuse herself to use the restroom while doing 90-minute or two-hour sessions. In trying to avoid interrupting sessions, other therapists sometimes found themselves dizzy, which happens due to dehydration or the growing uterus putting pressure on blood vessels, or having Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions, due to a full bladder.
Having to do hands-on massage while growing a baby in your body is no easy feat, mentions Caitlyn Pitre of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While she expected to work until delivery, she was only able to make it through eight months.
Modified body mechanics, the extra weight, the hormonesthese things greatly affect our work and can become an issue if were not very careful. But I love being a therapist and am grateful I was able to continue as long as I did throughout three pregnancies.
I attribute the benefit of no swelling of my hands to the daily workout that improves circulation overall, meaning better supply for my baby and better health for my body, reports Hollie Vanderheide of Afton, New York.
Vanderheide was able to accommodate the shifting of gravity and the size of her belly by squatting versus bending over. Having snacks at the office and being able to lie down to rest periodically during the day also kept her healthy.
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