Registered Massage Therapy Is Safe
Prenatal massage is (and isn’t) just that - massage therapy during pregnancy. It is the same theories, techniques, and applications that are used as in “classic” massage therapy, but it isn’t because the prenatal experience is so unique and complex. At AltaVie Health, 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.
What to expect during a prenatal massage
At AltaVie Health, we know how to help keep you feeling your best with regular self-care. Pregnancy doesn’t have to hurt, and massage can help with all of the aches and pains that come along with being a parent.
A big question around prenatal massage, and perhaps another significant difference of prenatal massage, is “how do I lay on the table?!”. We have lots of options for you here. We have and often use special cushions and tables designed to allow expectant moms to lay face-down safely while keeping babe suspended underneath them. However, if mom is uncomfortable for whatever reason, we are also able to treat any and all concerns in a side-lying position. Our tables are also equipped to support the upper body in a reclined position if laying flat on your back makes you nauseous or uncomfortable. We are trained problem solvers, so if mom is uncomfortable with any aspect of the treatment, we will find another way. We want to empower our moms to have the treatment they need and the freedom to practice expressing their wants and physical preferences.
Prenatal & Postnatal Massage Treatments
Registered Massage Therapy Treatments can improve:
- Relaxation and stress levels
- Blood circulation
- Tight hips and lower back muscles
- Headaches and neck pain
- Rib pain
- Leg cramps, muscle cramps, and charley horses
- Depression and anxiety
- Sciatic Nerve Pain
Massage can help women honor the changes of menopause. Like many health conditions, menopause symptoms will likely benefit from a broad palette of self-care habits, including proper nutrition, yoga, exercise, aromatherapy, and more. With effort, each woman can discover the best treatment combination for her symptoms.
Benefits of Massage for Women in Menopause
- Headache relief
- Tension release
- Increased range of motion
- Improved connection to the body, increasing ownership in the process, and rather than a sense of powerless victimhood.
- Activation of the relaxation response, for less frequent hot flashes. Research from Harvard Medical School’s Women’s Health Services department found that techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, such as deep breathing and massage, can be effective ways to regulate menopause symptoms.
- Reduced insomnia.
Massage can help to resolve aches and pains, stretch out the muscles and have a positive impact on a woman dealing with adverse side effects of perimenopause. It is also a great addition to their self-care routine.
Throughout the massage treatment, we will concentrate on certain acupressure points which can help to relieve symptoms. There is evidence to show that acupressure can be effective in treating hot flushes as well as anxiety-related issues which come as a result of perimenopause.
During perimenopause, acupressure and massage can help to restore balance in the body by treating you with an understanding of the energy flow within the body and how the energy flows along the meridians (the invisible pathways throughout the body).
The little people in our lives love massage too!
Massage has so many benefits for your infant or child. It can help to calm their nervous system, assist with digestive issues, and help them sleep. If your baby suffers from gas or digestive problems, massage can be so helpful in getting things moving for them. Regular massage can help your little one feel their best.
Our Infant and Child Massage Therapists can show you how to massage your child at home so that you can continue to help them feel great all the time.
Preteens - Teens and Massage Therapy
Certain elements that make up your child’s day, such as spending time on their devices, going to school, or playing sports, may take a toll on their physical and mental wellbeing. Whether they face emotional stressors, muscle tension, or injury, it can be incredibly important to address these concerns, and one way to do so is through massage therapy.
Massage therapy can be a great tool for your child to incorporate into their lives as a way to speed up the healing process of an injury, relax sore tissues and muscles, enhance circulation, and promote relaxation. Similar to adults, children can benefit from incorporating self-care into their routine, and starting early can not only help get them into a self-care mindset, but they can also benefit from the therapeutic, physical effects of massage as they grow.