Therapeutic Massage And Pregnancy.
How the structure of the woman’s body changes in pregnancy:
Changes In The Muscles During Pregnancy.
There are a lot of changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. This post will focus on the muscular changes and how remedial massage can assist in alleviating the strain that these changes cause in the body.
The main structural change is an anterior pelvic tilt. This is when your hip is tilted forward to accommodate the new center of gravity. The woman’s center of gravity is moved forward as the foetus grows. An anterior pelvic tilt increases the curve of your lumber spine referred to as a lordotic curve. This places strain on your lower back muscles which cause back pain.
Another contributing factor to your back pain is the deactivation of your gluteal muscles which weakens them. Your gluteal muscles stabilize your body and so when they are weak your back muscles take the strain of supporting you. Along with the weakening of the gluteal muscles general bad posture also plays a role in the aches and pains felt in the knees, hips and neck.
The abdominal muscles are stretched as the foetus grows. This places strain on the round ligament. The round ligament is the ligament that attaches the womb to the pelvic bone. As the womb expands so does the ligament. Round ligament pain is a sharp, jabbing pain felt in the abdominal area when sneezing, coughing or making any sudden movements.
Sciatic pain can be attributed to the tightening of the piriformis which can aggravate the sciatic nerve causing the sciatic like pain down your leg. Leg cramps are also common in pregnancy. Another change in the body is a natural increase in body weight, this causes extra strain on the joints and ligaments. Along with the increase in weight, the skin is stretched and can result in stretch marks.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt and Lordotic Curve.
The Round Ligament.
Can I Receive A Remedial Massage When I’m Pregnant?
Yes, however, you should consult your doctor before starting treatments, especially if you are uncertain. Remedial massage has many benefits to the body and this extends to the aches and pains of the pregnant body.
You should not have a massage if you have deep vein thrombosis, pre-eclampsia, or placenta problems.
Remedial Massage Benefits Extend To Pregnancy Discomforts.
What Are The Benefits Of Remedial Massage On The Body?
Eases back pain. Using myofascial release and trigger point therapy techniques to relieve tension in the lower back muscles.
Eases leg pain. By releasing the piriformis muscle, below your gluteal muscles, the sciatic nerve will no longer be impinged and the pain down your leg will ease.
Increases seratonin and dopamine hormones (the feel good hormones).
Decreases stress levels.
Can reduce labour time by 3 hours due to the increase in blood flow, “feel good” hormones and relaxed ligaments.
Ease round ligament pain.
Massage increases blood circulation which can improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Kinesiology Taping And Pregnancy
We offer Kinesiology taping which can be used to lift your stomach up to relieve the strain on your lower back.
Kinesiology Taping To Alleviate Back Pain.