Massage therapy uses straightforward, hands-on techniques that are known to provide a variety of benefits, including pain management, stress relief, improved sleep, and lowered blood pressure. When you are pregnant, your massage session should be different to maximize these and other benefits. Prenatal massage therapy is tailored to the needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies by utilizing unique approaches, positions, and knowledge. Here are a few of the key differences applied to prenatal massages.

Different Positions

Throughout your pregnancy, your massage therapist should use different positions that optimize your comfort, reduce strain on the uterine ligaments, and prevent harm to the baby. This is especially important in the third trimester when your belly is the largest. An experienced prenatal therapist will likely have you lie semi-reclined or on your side for sessions past the first trimester, as this minimizes the pressure on your muscles and uterus while reducing the load on your heart.

Different Symptom Targeting

Beyond different positions, prenatal massage therapy targets different symptoms than standard massage sessions. Commonly, Swedish massage techniques are used on expecting mothers because they specifically ease many symptoms associated with pregnancy. For example, hormone levels, unique to pregnancy can be regulated naturally by prenatal massage, leading to a healthier cardiovascular system for the mother and a smoother birth for the baby. A prenatal therapist should also attend to the sciatic nerve area where pain is common and focus on joint, leg, neck, and back pain management.

Different Therapist Training

A licensed prenatal massage therapist has special training beyond that of standard therapists, including what to avoid in pregnant women and what health concerns to watch for. Services like deep tissue massage, acupuncture, pressure point stimulation, and kneading of the abdomen aren’t recommended for pregnant women. They also learn what unique symptoms pregnant women experience, which positions are the lowest risk for the each trimester, and the most effective approaches to delivering a positive experience.

Hands-On Health Massage & Physical Therapy in High Point, NC, will give you a prenatal massage therapy session that will relieve your pain and reduce your stress. Since 2003, they’ve combined massage therapy with physical therapy to provide innovative, highly effective sessions. When you choose them, you’ll get an individualized treatment plan carried out by a licensed massage therapist team. View their services and rates online or call (336) 906-2040 to schedule an appointment.