Are you an expectant mother in Edmonton or St. Albert, looking for a way to reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and enhance your overall well-being during pregnancy? Look no further than Got Knots Massage. Our expert team of massage therapists specializes in pregnancy massage, also known as prenatal massage, designed to cater to your unique needs during this precious journey.
Understanding the Essence of Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy is a transformative time, both physically and emotionally, and it comes with its own set of challenges. Our pregnancy massage services are tailored to provide you with the utmost comfort and support throughout this incredible journey. We understand the physical discomfort, anxiety, and muscle tension that can accompany pregnancy, and our skilled massage therapists are here to address these issues.
The Benefits of Our Prenatal Massage Therapy
Pregnancy massage offers numerous benefits for expectant mothers, and at Got Knots Massage Edmonton, we aim to maximize these advantages for you:
- Stress Reduction: Our specialized techniques are proven to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a more relaxed and enjoyable pregnancy.
- Swelling Reduction: We can help decrease swelling in your arms and legs, ensuring you feel lighter and more comfortable.
- Pain Relief: Pregnancy often brings aches and pains in muscles and joints. Our massage therapy can provide much-needed relief.
- Improved Circulation: Our techniques enhance blood flow, which can lead to better sleep and overall well-being.
At Got Knots Massage, our commitment to providing exceptional prenatal massage services extends to our highly trained and experienced massage therapists. Our therapists who specialize in the intricate techniques of prenatal massage, ensure that they are well-versed in addressing the unique needs of expectant mothers.
With over 5 years of hands-on experience in performing this specialized massage therapy, our therapists possess a deep understanding of the physical and emotional challenges that pregnancy can bring. This level of expertise and extensive experience guarantees that you’ll receive top-notch care and support throughout your pregnancy journey, making your well-being our utmost priority.
Read more about the benefits of pregnancy massage on the American Pregnancy Association website.
How Pregnancy Massage Supports Infant Sleep and Development
Massage therapy isn’t just beneficial for expectant mothers—it also plays a crucial role in helping infants develop healthy sleep patterns. Research suggests that regular massage during the perinatal period helps regulate an infant’s circadian rhythms, leading to higher nighttime melatonin production and more synchronized rest-activity cycles (Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics).
By promoting relaxation and supporting natural sleep-wake cycles, massage therapy contributes to better overall sleep quality. Just as it helps infants develop healthy sleep patterns, massage for insomnia has been shown to enhance melatonin production, regulate circadian rhythms, and improve restfulness for individuals struggling with sleep disturbances.
Addressing Back Pain During Pregnancy
Back pain is a common complaint among expectant mothers, and we understand the need for effective pain relief options. Our prenatal massage has been found to be highly effective in reducing lower back pain and improving overall function in pregnant women.
Emotional Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
Beyond the physical benefits, our pregnancy massage can be emotionally supportive during this significant time in your life. Human touch can be comforting and reassuring, and massage therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, which are common during pregnancy.
And for the dads reading this, a prenatal massage is the perfect gift for expecting moms to be. Instead of a gift certificate, we could arrange a surprise massage for the soon to be mother. Call our office and speak with one of our clinic therapists.
We are here to provide you with the emotional support you need. If you’re in need of some special technique, please visit our complete massage services page to learn more.
Looking for Prenatal Massage Near Me? Look no Further.
Use our online form to schedule a massage or give us a call to speak in person.
Common questions about prenatal massage
Is it OK to get a massage while pregnant?
It is OK to get a massage while pregnant unless a medical professional has deemed your pregnancy ‘high risk’. You can receive a massage as soon as you feel you need or want a massage and continue with massage for your entire pregnancy.
Massage during your entire pregnancy is safe, however it is important to let your therapist know how far along you are as some therapists are not comfortable doing prenatal massage in the first trimester. If your are considered ‘high risk’ then a discussion and possibly a note from you doctor may be necessary before you receive treatment.
When should you not get a massage when pregnant?
First things first: Massaging certain acupressure points is rumored to trigger miscarriage or preterm labor. No evidence supports this belief, but studies show it may decrease the length and painfulness of labor. (Where Not to Massage a Pregnant Woman: Areas to Avoid (healthline.com))
There is no magic eject button, just ask any woman at the end of her pregnancy or that his gone past due. Assuming you are healthy and you are having a heathy pregnancy, there is not really any specific areas that should not be massaged during a pregnancy or prenatal massage, it is more about not over stimulation of areas that theoretically could initiate labor such as heels of the feet which in reflexology are considered to be points connected with the uterus, ovaries and endocrine glands, not stimulating acupressure points, for the same reason, and abdominal massage in the first trimester as a precaution.
However, your doctor may advise against massage if you are considered high risk, if you are at risk of preterm labor, if you have heart disease or untreated hypertensive disorders (high blood pressure), if your have preeclampsia, if you have placental dysfunction, such as placenta previa, if you are prone to blood clots or have a clotting disorder, if you have gestational diabetes or if you are experiencing a miscarriage.
You will want to avoid hyperextending your joints. If you are on bed rest, avoid leg massage. If you are not on bed rest, use caution with varicose veins and deep pressure to medial leg (inner thigh) especially if you are prone to blood clots. In this case light pressure can be used to assist with fluid flow, or you or your therapist may choose not to treat your legs at all.
Ultimately, if you are nervous or uncomfortable having someone touch you during your pregnancy, don’t do it!
What is the difference between a pregnancy massage and a regular massage?
The biggest difference between prenatal / pregnancy massage and a massage for someone that is not pregnant is body positioning on the table.
During a pregnancy or prenatal massage pillows and bolsters are used for client comfort. At Around 20 weeks, when you are lying your back you will be in a semi-reclined position as opposed to flat on your back and your right hip will have a small bolster under it to shift the weight off the uterus and baby off the inferior vena cava (a large vein that carries blood from the torso and lower body to the right side of the heart).
For massage treatment of your back, you will be placed in a side lying position so the therapist can access and treat your back.
As a side note, Side-lying massage can also be used for non pregnant clients such as post-operative clients, elderly clients or clients with physical handicap, illness or injuries where lying face down is uncomfortable.
Prone position or on your stomach is a possibility if it is available at the clinic you are going to on a table with a cut out and ‘hammock’ support for the belly or pregnancy pillows that go on top of the table could also be used, depending on your comfort level.
Both regular massage and pregnancy / prenatal massage treatment should work with in your pain /pressure tolerance, keeping in mind your (the clients) goals for the treatment. ( relaxation, pain or stress management, therapeutic massage, circulation, etc.)
Do I need to tell my massage therapist I’m pregnant?
Yes, you should make your massage therapist aware of your pregnancy.
Elevate Your Pregnancy Experience with Specialized Massage
At Got Knots Massage, we are dedicated to ensuring your pregnancy is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Our specialized prenatal massage therapy is designed with your well-being in mind. If you’re looking for expert prenatal massage services in Edmonton, Ab or St. Albert, contact us today to schedule your appointment. Your journey to relaxation and well-being begins here.
