PRENATAL MASSAGE
Prenatal massage, also known as pregnancy massage, is a therapeutic massage tailored specifically for expectant mothers. This specialized form of massage therapy addresses the unique physical needs and changes that pregnant women experience during their pregnancy. Prenatal massage at Black Rock Therapies has been shown to offer a multitude of benefits for both mother and baby. First and foremost, prenatal massage can help to relieve common pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, muscle tension, and swelling of the legs and feet. Additionally, regular pregnancy massage has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and increase relaxation levels for the mother.
Prenatal massage can also have positive effects on the developing fetus. Studies have shown that regular massage during pregnancy can lead to lower rates of complications during childbirth and decreased levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) in the baby. Furthermore, prenatal massage has been linked to increased levels of oxytocin (a hormone that promotes relaxation and bonding) in both mother and baby.
Prenatal Massage at Black Rock Therapies
What are some benefits of Prenatal Massage?
Research suggests that receiving massage therapy during pregnancy offers numerous benefits. It can alleviate anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and enhance both labor outcomes and newborn health. Different techniques are employed in massage therapy, such as the renowned Swedish Massage.
Swedish Massage specifically aims to unwind muscle tension while improving lymphatic and blood circulation. This gentle application of pressure to muscle groups caters to the common discomforts associated with skeletal and circulatory changes resulting from hormonal shifts. For an expecting mother, Swedish Massage is highly recommended as it addresses these specific needs and promotes overall well-being.
During pregnancy, swollen joints, also known as edema, can be a result of reduced circulation and increased pressure on major blood vessels due to the heavy uterus. By stimulating soft tissues, massage helps alleviate fluid build-up in the joints, facilitating the removal of waste through the body's lymph system.
Additionally, late pregnancy often brings about sciatica nerve pain as the uterus exerts pressure on the muscles in the pelvic floor and lower back. Consequently, tension spreads to the muscles in the upper and lower leg, causing swelling and putting pressure on adjacent nerves.
Massage therapy effectively addresses the inflammation of these nerves by releasing tension in nearby muscles. Many women have experienced remarkable relief from sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through the use of massage.
In addition, we also offer the Prenatal Thai Yoga Massage, which is another beneficial massage therapy for expecting mothers. Click below to learn more!
Other Potential Benefits of Prenatal Massage
Reduced back pain
Reduced joint pain
Improved circulation
Reduced edema
Reduced muscle tension and headaches
Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
Better sleep