The Benefits of Prenatal Massage for Back Pain
Earlier this year, I posted a video about homecare techniques that soon to be Moms could use to help alleviate low back pain and help improve their sleep. Exercises and stretches are wonderful tools to have in order to manage discomfort but sometimes a bit of extra help is required to get the needed relief.
That’s where prenatal massage comes into play. Massage combined with stretching and exercising can aid in getting pregnant woman back to their everyday lives.
So what is pregnancy?
I’m sure that seems like a redundant question but before we can speak about pregnancy massage an understanding of pregnancy is crucial.
“Pregnancy is a state of wellness associated with many interrelated changes that occur throughout the woman’s body as the fetus develops.” [1]
The phrase “…a state of wellness…” is essential in pregnancy massage. With all the changes happening to pregnant women, physically, emotionally, socially, I like to remind them that they are in a state of wellness. It might not feel that way if their back is hurting or they haven’t been sleeping but that is why they’re coming for a massage.
Benefits of prenatal massage to relieve back pain. In photo: expecting mom laughing.
Why prenatal massage?
A study done by the Canadian Family Physicians found that as women move into their second and third trimester their center of mass shifts forward which increases the lumbar lordosis. This creates an over activity in the low back and pelvic muscles. This suggests that the cause of pelvic pain is mechanical rather than hormonal.[2]
Prenatal massage therapy can relax these overused muscles and help reduce any pain or discomfort felt. Massage therapy, also, increases circulation which can help reduce edema (swelling) and varicose veins.
In conclusion
Pregnant women are amazing. They’re growing a human being without thinking about it. For such a feat I feel that they should be able to enjoy their state of wellness, not be hampered by pain and discomfort. Massage therapy can help pregnant women in all of their trimesters.
Related Posts in Prenatal Massage Therapy
Prenatal Massage Therapists in Burnaby
If you or any soon-to-be-Moms have any questions regarding prenatal massage please do not hesitate to email our Registered Massage Therapists (RMT). Contact us at Burnaby Physio Care at 604-558-CARE (2273) or online to learn more and to make an appointment.
[1] Ludwig, Linda and Fiona Rattray. 2000. Clinical Massage Therapy: Understanding, assessing and treating over 70 conditions. Elora: Talus Incorporated
[2] Oswald, C., Higgins, C. C., & Assimakopoulos, D. (2013). Optimizing pain relief during pregnancy using manual therapy. Canadian Family Physic
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