Pregnancy massage can be very beneficial and is an important component of prenatal care. The massage therapist focuses on the specific areas and can really tailor each massage experience. Therapists are trained to know the specific areas to target to provide relief and the other areas to stay away from. Prenatal massage differs in that a woman most likely will not lay face down on the table. The therapist can have a special table with a hole cut in the middle, or have the client lay on their side. Studies have shown that pregnancy massage can provide relief from back aches, stiffness, leg cramps and swelling. Below are the incredible benefits of prenatal massage.
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
- Relief from headaches.
- Reduce swelling
- Relief from stiffness and pain
- Relief from muscle tension and cramps
- Improves circulation
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improves outcome of labor and labor pains
- Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues
- Provides relaxation
If continued after pregnancy, the benefits of having a postpartum massage are:
- Reduced stress of caring for a newborn
- Restores body to its pre-pregnancy condition
- Relief of sore muscles from delivery
- Reduces swelling
- Better sleep (even for the few hours you actually get)
Why Pregnancy Massage Is Included in our Massage Therapy Curriculum
At USTA we include pregnancy massage in our massage therapy curriculum. We understand and teach that having the knowledge of prenatal massage is beneficial for not only a client but also for a massage therapist and their business. In addition to prenatal massage, we cover many other techniques including hot stone massage, elderly massage, lymph drainage massage, disability massage, Swedish and sports massage. Our school educators bring years of practical experience in bodywork as well as a holistic and hands-on approach to massage.
To learn more about the massage techniques, head to our previous post on 6 massage techniques and how they are different. Classes are starting soon! Call to reserve your spot at 630-968-6800, option 1.