Pregnancy Massage

Step 1 – Arrival & Consultation

A pregnancy massage session lasts for 60 mins or 75 mins, treating specific areas such as backs, shoulders, lower back, legs and necks or any areas giving discomfort, aches or pains.

The environment is important to the massage. The room will be warm and peaceful with careful consideration given to the lighting, soft music and aromas to add to the experience.

Prio to the first visit clients complete a consultation form online, where they are asked a number of questions concerning general well-being, injuries and medical conditions that the therapist should know about, in order to determine if there are any contra-indications (physical conditions that would prohibit or limit a massage treatment).

The client is asked to undress ensuring their modesty is protected, at which point the therapist will leave the room and the client will be asked to lie on the treatment couch under a large sheet and blanket. During the session, the therapist will use the sheet to expose only those parts of the body to which treatment is being applied. No body part or area will be massaged without the client’s permission.

Step 2 – The Treatment

Massage balm is the most commonly used medium. 

A good balm will nourish the skin, I prefer organic Shea Butter, it allows a free-flowing movement and it enables the hands to gain some traction over the area to do the myofascial release as well as some glide when applied in a larger quantity. The balm will be applied to the area to be massaged ensuring good coverage. The therapist will begin the techniques by starting with the effleurage(stroking) technique to warm up the muscles before any pressure is applied. The therapist applies long, smooth strokes over the body, using firm but gentle pressure to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, increase flexibility and encourage relaxation.

The therapist will be able to feel where the tension areas are and adapt the treatment accordingly by using various techniques to reduce the adhesions or tension knots that are present in the muscles

Step 3 – Finishing Up & Aftercare

The therapist will sense responses but will also ask the client about the depth of their pressure ensuring that it does not cause pain, an effective massage should not cause pain. If in discomfort or pain, the client should feel free to ask the therapist to modify their treatment.

The therapist will finish the treatment and quietly check that the client is comfortable and offer a glass of water. The client will be asked to take their time getting up and the therapist will leave the room whilst the client gets dressed. On the therapist re-entering the room the client and therapist will discuss how the treatment went and the therapist will give after-care advice.

Pregnancy massage can:

– Alleviate stress and aid relaxation
– Ease muscle tension, stiffness, reduce muscle spasm
– Improve joint flexibility
– Aids deeper and easier breathing
– Improves circulation
– Reduces blood pressure
– Strengthens immune system
– Supports rehabilitation
– Encourages peace of mind
– Relieves mental stress
– Promotes deep relaxation
– Clearing congestion in the head