Many pregnant people experience pelvic, back, and neck pain as their bodies adjust to their growing babies. If this sounds familiar, consider scheduling a prenatal massage therapy appointment to provide pain relief. Here are four advantages of using this alternative therapy while pregnant.

Why Get Prenatal Massage Therapy?

1. Joint Stress

As you gain pregnancy weight, your joints face stress and often grow painful. Massage can loosen weight-bearing joints like knees and hips that tighten as they adjust to fetal growth. After a prenatal massage, you’ll likely also feel pain relief in the abdominal area as the masseuse stimulates the relaxation of the psoas muscle and core area.

2. Blood Flow

While pregnant, people may increase their total blood volume up to 50%; this extra blood provides ample oxygen to the parent and the baby. Prenatal massage uses manual stimulation to improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and promote relaxation.

3. Anxiety & Depression

Many people go through anxiety and depression when pregnant. A study found that prenatal massage decreased depression and anxiety scores while also providing pain relief from back and leg issues. Manual stimulation may decrease cortisol secretion and norepinephrine that can make you feel worried or low.

4. Quality of Sleep

Whether they can’t get comfortable due to chronic pain, discomfort, or worrying, individuals who are pregnant often have trouble falling asleep despite feeling tired. Getting more sleep can help regulate hormones and encourage relaxation, which may promote quicker labor that does not require a cesarean birth. Getting a prenatal massage may help you feel more relaxed, encouraging sleep by minimizing pain and reducing mental stress that can interrupt rest.

If you’re interested in prenatal massage for pain relief, contact Back to Health Chiropractic in Boone County, KY, to set up an intake appointment. The team of family chiropractors treats spinal misalignment, carpal tunnel, scoliosis, joint pain, and more. Call the Florence-area practice at (859) 746-2222 for information on their treatment methods, and visit the website to fill out new patient forms to prepare for your first appointment.