What to Expect During Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage therapy is a massage treatment type that can be a beneficial part of prenatal care. Pregnant women can enjoy a healthy way to reduce stress as well as enjoy an overall wellness while with child. Massage treatments will relieve the common discomfort you feel when pregnant, such as backaches, leg cramps, stiff neck, and headaches. Stress is relieved on weight bearing joints as well as helping to encourage better circulation of blood and lymph nodes. Nervous tension is relieved which provides better sleep.

Many pregnant women do not understand how prenatal massage is possible due to the standard massage techniques. With a standard massage table, the individual lies on their stomach, which is not feasible due to a pregnant belly.  At Academy Massage, we use special prenatal pillows that are specially designed to alleviate many areas of discomfort, and accommodate the belly during pregnancy.  We find the pillows work better than a traditional prenatal massage table since they can be adjusted and customized to fit the individual receiving treatment.

Focus Areas

Depending on the individual patient’s needs, treatment can vary. It is important to discuss your pain areas or treatment needs with the therapist. Everyday symptoms such as headaches and muscle tension can be relieved if you discuss what your problem areas are with the therapist.

One focus area for many pregnant women is headaches. With massage focusing on the head, shoulders, and neck, headaches can be relieved. Stress levels can be controlled with trigger points relaxed to avoid any tension or migraine headaches.

Fatigue and cramps are common symptoms for pregnant women. Backaches, leg cramps, and swelling can also be relieved via several massage techniques. By discussing with your therapist which issues you face, the problem can be alleviated.

Muscle tension is a big problem with pregnant women as the baby creates extra weight and strain on the body. This tension can be reduced with pressure applied to certain areas to encourage blood flow. Nutrient-rich oxygen is produced in the body with the flow of lymphatic fluid increased. This will sweep away the toxins and metabolic waste in the body.

Enjoying Rest

Prenatal massage can ensure that your aches and pains are relieved and you will be able to enjoy a bit of rest. With regular therapy, you will be able to experience a better night’s sleep as your body is relieved of tension and stress. Discomfort will be relieved, and relaxation boosted. Overall, you will see an improvement in sleep patterns, where you will feel better and be able to enjoy your pregnancy instead of feeling uncomfortable all the time.

If you are still not at ease about prenatal massage, speak to a licensed therapist. You will be able to learn more about the techniques used so that you can feel better about scheduling an appointment. Once you have experienced a prenatal massage and the benefits, you will find your pregnancy is much more enjoyable, and you can focus on bringing your baby into the world instead of any pain, discomfort or stress you feel while pregnant.

How is Swedish Massage Different from Deep Tissue Massage?

When scheduling a massage, you have the option of choosing a variety of treatments. Two of the most popular are Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. There are differences between the two as well as benefits, so it important to understand what you will be receiving when booking either treatment. Below is a simple explanation of each so you can decide which treatment option will work best for you.

Swedish Massage

Starting with Swedish massage, this treatment type uses firm pressure on the muscles with long and gliding strokes. Oils, sometimes infused with essential oils, are used to reduce friction during the treatment as well as providing aromatherapy benefits.

This type of massage is used to increase the circulation of blood as well as ease tension in the muscles of the body along with improving flexibility. The treatment will stimulate the skin and nervous system to soothe nerves which can lead to a reduction in physical and emotional stress.

Deep Tissue Massage

With deep tissue massage, the goal is to reach the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue that surrounds muscles. The treatment is a top choice for athletes who suffer from a sports injury or individuals suffering from whiplash. Muscle tension and spasms can also benefit from this treatment type.

During this treatment type, the therapist will be concentrating on releasing chronic muscle tension in specific areas. Slow and precise strokes will be used to treat the patient as needed. A good massage therapist will know how to provide treatment that will be beneficial and listen to the patient’s cues to know which strokes are working and when to apply more pressure as well as hold back.

Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are both offered by Academy Massage, with qualified therapists providing the best in massage techniques. Schedule an appointment today to enjoy the massage type that will be of the best benefit for your individual needs.