Massage Therapy Chicago IL

Introduction

There has been a growing trend of massages during pregnancy. However there have been a lot of concerns regarding the safety of a body massage during pregnancy. There are several benefits of massage during pregnancy and this is the reason as to why a lot of women are opting for body massages during pregnancy. A massage is a great chance to relax and aid in deep breathing. This helps in relieving stress and in the process helps in relaxing the body. The sensory awareness is developed and as a result when the child is born the mother is more responsive.

Benefits of massage during pregnancy

Regular massages during pregnancy help in controlling blood pressure and also improve blood circulation. The main aim of a massage is to eliminate waste products like uric acid, by promoting the lymphatic and circulatory system. The body muscles are strengthened as one tones them gently. A massage releases stress on joints that beard the weight of the body like neck, lower ankle, pelvis and lower back. Swelling in the hands and feet are reduced as there is an increase in blood circulation. Emotional support is the most important thing a woman needs during these times of depression. A woman longs for a nurturing touch by the partner. A massage eases pain during labor, prepares the muscles and in the process improves outcome of labor.

A recent study has found that the risk of birth before maturing is reduced. There is sufficient sleep for the mother and in the process depression is reduced. A massage by the partner gives a better bond with the mother and the unborn child. A proper posture of the uterus is maintained by massaging. Chances of post natal complications are greatly reduced.

Precautions

Though there has been no miscarriage risk by having a massage during pregnancy, it is better to consult a doctor before a massage. There are cases when certain health conditions may not suite a pregnancy massage. During t...

Therapeutic massage has been around for hundreds of years, and can be used to relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and to improve your overall health. In the past, health professionals were somewhat ambivalent in accepting the benefits of therapeutic massage for pregnant women. However, modern research is showing that this type of massage can be an important part of a woman’s prenatal care.

The Benefits

Studies indicate that therapeutic massage during pregnancy can relieve muscle aches and pains, reduce the symptoms of depression, and decrease anxiety.

The massage technique shown to provide the most benefits to a pregnant woman is the Swedish massage. This particular type of massage reduces muscle tension, improves circulation and is the most recommended for pregnancy, since it focuses on the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on as a result of changing hormone levels in a pregnant woman’s body.

Therapeutic massage studies have shown that pregnant women who received massages twice a week for a five-week period had significantly lower levels of the stress hormones norepinephrines and cortisol. They also showed high levels of serotonin and dopamine – the body’s “feel good” hormones. This evidence strongly suggests that therapeutic massage incorporated into normal prenatal care can give the mother some very substantial health benefits.

Swelling, or edema, of the joints is very common during pregnancy, and is caused by increased pressure on major blood vessels from the heavy uterus. Massage can help soft tissues release these trapped fluids, aiding in the removal of waste products from the body.

In addition, many women experience sciatic nerve pain in the late stages of pregnancy. The weight of the uterus can put pressure on the muscles of the lower and upper leg, causing swelling and pressure on the nerves. Therapeutic massage has been demonstrated to help relieve this pressure and significantly reduce sciatic nerve pain.

Precautions

Women should discuss the benefits and risks of therapeutic massage with their individual prenatal caregivers. You need to be informed about the benefits and risks of therapeutic massage – so it’s best to work with a knowledgeable professional before adding therapeutic massage to your pregnancy care.

If therapeutic massage is recommended in your case, you should only seek services from a certified prenatal care massage therapist. These professionals have been trained beyond what is required of national standards for massage therapists and they know specifically how to address the sensitive areas of the pregnant body.

If you have any of the following condition, you should speak with your health care provider before you receive a massage: high risk pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, hypertension due to pregnancy, previous pre-term labor or severe swelling. In addition, most therapists will refuse ...