How is Prenatal Massage Different from Regular Massage?

Prenatal Massage is different from regular massage in a few ways. Prenatal massages are more gentle than other types of massages, but they still offer many benefits.

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Prenatal massages are tailored to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies, and therapists trained in prenatal massage adjust their techniques accordingly.

Many practices offer both traditional and prenatal massages, but some differences exist. As pregnancy progresses, your body's posture shifts due to swelling; this can lead to muscle tension caused by new pressure on joints and ligaments. Under these circumstances, a regular Swedish massage won't necessarily be as effective as it normally would be at relieving muscle tension or pain. A therapist who specializes in prenatal work will likely use slower strokes that run from head to toe and target specific areas where you're experiencing pain. 

Therapists may also take extra time before beginning a session so they can gauge how you're most comfortable, and suggest other positions such as sitting up or lying on your side instead of flat on our back with legs slightly bent at hip level (this will help prevent compression against the uterus).

What is a prenatal massage?

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Prenatal massage is a special type of massage that focuses on the needs of the pregnant individual.

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also bring about a number of physical discomforts—some temporary, some more permanent. Pregnant people often experience lower back pain, varicose veins, swelling in their hands and feet, sciatica (pain that radiates from the lower back down one leg), carpal tunnel syndrome (tingling or numbness in the fingers), headaches and even heartburn. Massage therapy can alleviate these symptoms while also providing you with some much-needed relaxation during your pregnancy!

Some benefits of prenatal massage include:

  • Increased circulation - Improved blood flow will help relieve swelling and pain throughout your body; this includes areas such as hands and feet that tend to swell during pregnancy
  • Improved sleep - Massage therapy helps calm nerves while reducing anxiety levels—both things that promote better rest at night

Why is prenatal massage needed?

  • Prenatal Massage is different from regular massage in a few ways. The main difference is that it focuses primarily on the needs of pregnant people and their growing babies. While not all pregnant folks have aches or pains, most will experience some form of discomfort during their pregnancy. This can include back pain, foot pain, aches in joints and ligaments, as well as headaches and fatigue among other symptoms. Prenatal massage helps to relieve these types of stressors through targeted movements that focus on specific areas where tension resides such as the neck and shoulders but also deep into muscles that are affected by carrying extra weight throughout your body.

Prenatal Massage can also help you relax by releasing tension from trigger points in the body, which may be contributing factors for sleepless nights. It’s common for expectant parents who get little sleep at night to wake up tired during the day because they haven’t had time to relax properly before sleeping again (or if they don't sleep well at night). A prenatal massage therapist will work with you so that both you and your baby relax through this process together – allowing both parties restful nights filled with positive energy!

A prenatal massage can help alleviate stress on weight-bearing joints.

Pregnancy can cause the body to experience dramatic changes, including increased weight and swelling. These factors can put a lot of stress on joints, which can lead to pain and discomfort. In addition to helping ease back pain and leg cramps, prenatal massage also has the ability to reduce inflammation in the lower extremities by improving circulation in this area. This treatment option is great for people suffering from joint pain during their pregnancy because it helps relieve the pressure that might otherwise cause discomfort while being active or working out at home!

Many people find that massage helps with sleep during pregnancy.

If you’re like many people, you may find that massage helps with sleep during pregnancy. Prenatal massage can help you relax and fall asleep more easily. It can also improve the quality of your sleep so that when you do get to rest, it feels more refreshing and restorative.

And besides being good for your body, prenatal massage is great for helping ease some of the emotional challenges of pregnancy as well:

  • Massage can help reduce anxiety and stress by encouraging calm in both mind and body.
  • Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing often come up in prenatal massages too because they help decrease physical tension throughout the body—and this tension often leads to headaches or other aches during pregnancy.
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A prenatal massage can help ease muscle aches and joint pains.

You've probably heard that prenatal massage can help with pain management, but did you know that it can also help manage other common pregnancy symptoms like muscle aches and joint pains?

Prenatal massage is a great way to ease the discomfort of common pregnancy symptoms like backache, leg cramps and headaches. It's also a helpful treatment for mental health issues like anxiety, depression or stress relief.

If you're struggling with sleep problems during your pregnancy (which many people do), prenatal massage may be a huge help! The relaxation techniques used during prenatal massages help calm both mind and body so you can get to sleep faster.

 

Relaxation is important for pregnant people.

  • Relaxation is important for your mental health and can be even more challenging during pregnancy. When you're pregnant, your body undergoes many changes that might make you feel out of control and uncomfortable. Massage can help you feel more relaxed and in control by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
  • Your body will go through some major changes as it prepares to deliver a new life—and this includes your muscles! Prenatal massage helps relieve muscle tension, which can be especially helpful in later stages of pregnancy when you're carrying extra weight or feeling aches or pains from sleepless nights spent worrying about labor pains or getting ready for the baby's arrival.

Why get a prenatal massage

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Prenatal massage is different from regular massage in two ways: the type of massage and the frequency of your appointments. Prenatal massages are performed with specialized techniques that are tailored to benefit you and your growing baby. These techniques include a slow pace, specific positioning, and gentle pressure that can help relieve muscle tension and pain during pregnancy.

Prenatal massages also involve a lot more monitoring than regular massages. Your massage therapist will check in on you throughout the session by asking how you’re feeling, checking on your baby's position (if applicable), assessing how the pressure is, and making sure you're very comfortable.

How to prepare for your prenatal massage

  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated before the massage.
  • Avoid eating a big meal just before your prenatal massage appointment
  • Schedule a time that you can rest after if possible

The most important thing to remember is that it’s okay to ask questions. The massage therapist will be happy to answer any questions you have about the massage, their techniques, and your pregnancy. If you have specific areas of discomfort or pain, let them know before your appointment so they can focus on those areas during the session.

Book your prenatal massage with us!

Posted on Fri, Sep 30, 2022