Today’s pregnant women have the option of regular pregnancy massage therapy to ease their aches and pains while preparing their bodies for childbirth. Pregnancy massage therapy is available at professional therapeutic massage spas that provide reflexology, deep tissue, sports, and Swedish massage in Warrington PA and other locations throughout Bucks County, including Doylestown, Warminster, Horsham, Willow Grove, Abbington, Ambler, Chalfont, New Hope, Newtown, Richboro, South Hampton and Lansdale. Pregnancy massage is a great way to give the expectant mother some relief from all the new aches and pains that come along with pregnancy. Because every pregnancy is different, though, there are more guidelines to comply with for this massage modality.
Before availing of pregnancy massage therapy, it is advisable for a pregnant woman to get clearance from her obstetrician. This is to ensure that all contraindications for pregnancy massage therapy have been cleared. Just as important is to confirm that the massage therapist in the massage facility has been specifically trained in prenatal massage. Request for proofs of certifications and licenses as part of your due diligence.
One of the things that pregnant women should avoid is excessive heat. Therefore, pregnancy massage therapy should not include hot stone massage, body wraps, saunas and electric blankets.
Pregnant women should avoid hydrotherapy as it may be dangerous due to the possibility of the cervix being open.
It’s important to only receive a leg and foot massage from an expert who is also well-versed in acupuncture. This way, they’ll know which areas of the leg and foot to avoid so as not to stimulate uterine spasms and induce early labor. In general, these points are located near the heel, the web of the big toe, the ankle, and the knee.
Being pregnant comes with a lot of changes and new challenges, one of which is finding positions to sleep or relax in that won’t be harmful to you or your baby. When it comes to getting a massage, there are also certain positions you should avoid. For example, you shouldn’t lie flat on your back on the massage table as the weight of the uterus can impede the flow of blood to your heart, making you feel dizzy or causing you to faint. Another position to avoid is lying face down on a massage table with a stomach cut out as gravity will pull the uterus down and put strain on the ligaments connecting it to the sacrum. When getting a massage during pregnancy, be sure to communicate with your massage therapist about any positions you’re uncomfortable with and what positions would be best for you and your baby’s safety.
The best position for a pregnant woman during pregnancy massage therapy is lying on her left side, leaning forwards at a 45-degree angle. This is the same as the standard first aid position. Special cushions and pillows may be provided to support the woman and help her feel more comfortable during the massage.
When it comes to pregnancy massage therapy, you want to make sure you’re getting the services of a highly qualified and specially trained massage therapist from a reputable therapeutic massage spa. This is especially important for pregnancy massage therapy, but also for other types of massage therapy such as deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and Swedish massage therapy. A good therapeutic massage spa will have locations in Warrington PA that serve Bucks County, Doylestown, Warminster, Horsham, Willow Grove, Abbington, Ambler, Chalfont, New Hope, Newtown, Richboro, South Hampton and Lansdale.
