Prenatal massage is (and isn’t) just that - massage therapy during pregnancy. It is, in that the same theories, techniques, and applications are used as in “regular” massage therapy, but it isn’t because the prenatal experience is so unique and complex. At AltaVie, we acknowledge the intricacies of each mom’s pregnancy journey, previous birth experience, and future birth wishes to provide a holistic, personalized treatment plan.
When treating prenatal clients, we take into consideration that the women we are supporting are not just one but two bodies, growing and changing at a dramatic pace, with implications that surpass the muscular system. Pregnancy is a time of immense physical change but it also a time when women experience a wide range of emotional and hormonal changes that can affect their day-to-day experience, both positively and negatively.
Prenatal Massage is a safe and effective way that we can support women through the gamut of changes that they are experiencing during this phase of life. We commonly see women who are are experiencing muscle pain and discomfort due to the weight gain and postural changes their body makes to accommodate the baby growing inside. Often times, these physical changes can lead to headaches, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and a variety of other symptoms (think sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling, and the list goes on). Prenatal massage can also help with overall wellbeing by helping to balance out the nervous system and manage the bodies response to stress.
Alongside the hands-on aspect of prenatal massage, we also like to balance the treatment with specific home care to help maximize the benefits. For many women, that includes strengthening exercises and specific stretches while for others it may take the shape of relaxation and breathing techniques to help with sleep and stress. We may even add kinesiology tape to support your body in between massages. Again, no pregnancy experience is the same (even in the same person!) so we believe that each treatment and home care routine should be focused on the woman standing in our treatment room at that moment.