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07 3003 0801Pregnancy Massage Brisbane, if you are looking for caring qualified pregnancy massage therapists in Brisbane CBD, Knead Massage can help.
Pregnancy Massage Brisbane, What is Pregnancy Massage?
Pregnancy massage, also called Prenatal Massage is designed to address the particular problems that arise for expectant mums throughout pregnancy. Techniques are drawn from a range of modalities and modified to suit the physiological changes that occur to the body during pregnancy. Pregnancy massage can include remedial, myotherapy, reflexology, relaxation, lymphatic, neuro kinetic, therapy & dry needling or a combination of some of these depending on your issues.
Booking Options FAQ
Can you get a massage while pregnant?
Yes! Many people wonder is pregnancy massage is safe? The answer to that question is yes, if you see a qualified therapist with minimum of Diploma of Remedial Massage and had some pregancy massage training. You also need to complete a client form so the therapist understands if you have any issues we need to be aware. This is why a trained therapist is important. They will know what questions to ask, the contraindications of massage and how to modify treatment for your specific needs.
What to expect during a pregnancy massage?
Your Remedial or Myotherapist will read your client form, complete an assessment and discuss any issues with you . This enables them to determine the most effective treatment. If you have a few issues we suggest a 90 minutes for your initial appointment. We also have 30, 45 & 60 min treatment times, with 60 minutes being the most popular.
At Knead we perform our pregnancy massage in the side lying position as this is the safest postion for mother and baby. Some clinics use tables with a hole and stretchy material or massage pillows with space for the belly and breasts. We prefer side lying as it places the body in the position you would naturally choose especially as pregnancy progresses. This position removes pressure from the uterine ligaments and the vena cava vein which is extremely important. At times especially in later in pregnancy we may place you in a seated position supported by pillows for some neck and shoulder issues. Pressure is adjusted to your needs and you are always appropriately draped and kept warm and comfortable.
Booking Options FAQ
What are the benefits of Pregnancy Massage?
Massage during pregnancy can be a huge support throughout your pregnancy, allowing you some time out along with help with the various aches and pains that naturally occur. Pregnancy can be an emotional and challenging time, massage can help you manage pain and stress and prepare for birth. A caring therapist provides a nurturing and supportive environment, and seeing the same therapist throughout your pregnancy means they get to know you, your body and your needs. At Knead we have therapists with a range of skills that can be combined and adapted as you progress through prengancy.
- Reduces anxiety & aids in sleep
- Stabilises hormonal changes & blood pressure
- Reduces Oedema
- Eases back, neck and shoulder pain and all joint and muscular conditions common to pregnancy
- Provides support and some much needed time out
What conditions can be treated with Pregnancy Massage?
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Rib pain and breathing restriction
- Sacral and lower back pain
- Referred ligament pain
- Aching legs
- Oedema
- General stress and tension
What kind of treatment should I book?
If you are just feeling fatigued, aching and generally having muscle tension, a Remedial treatment will be best.
For persistent knots or muscle tension that is not responding to massage, a Dry Needling/Remedial massage can help.
For more chronic pain conditions such as sij pain, sciatica, hip and lower back pain, tendonitis, you may choose a Myotherapy treatment. Bloating, swelling and fatigue will require lymphatic massage. Many of our excellent therapists can combine treatments for you.
Pregnancy and lymphatic drainage
In later pregnancy fluid retention (oedema) increases due to the pressure in the pelvic cavity, hormonal changes and increased pressure on the venous system.
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle treatment designed to promote lymphatic flow and decrease fluid retention. Improved lymphatic flow removes waste and toxins in the body making the internal environment healthier for a growing baby and helps you to feel better. It also supports immune function. Lymphatic drainage can be had at any point during pregnancy but it is most recommended the in last trimester. This is a gentle nurturing and deeply relaxing treatment with many health benefits for both mum and bub. Book with Gregor, Elena or Anna for a pregnancy lymphatic treatment.
Pregancy massage and back pain
Back pain and lower back pain in pregnancy is very common, especially in the second and third trimester. The weight of the baby and the extra fluid weight can place a heavy load and create general aches and pains as well as radiating pain like sciatica. For more chronic or painful issues we suggest Myotherapy for your back pain. You can book with on of our excellent Myotherapists Liza or Roger for at least a couple of visits. Myotherapists have a higher level of training and draw on more techniques such as needling and laser to reduce or elminiate back pain. Once pain is under control you can see our Remedial therapists for maintenance treatments.
Pregnancy massage and hip pain
Another common issue for later stages of pregnancy. It’s important to go into the later stages of pregnancy feeling at your best. Our myotherapists and remedial therapists can help ease hip and glute pain, and generally aching sore legs and feet. Pressure on the pelvis and related structures becomes much greater as the baby grows. It also becomes more fatiguing as you near birth so having some treatment to ease these pains on the lead up to birth can be very beneficial. Remedial and Myotherapists are trained to treat back and hip pain effectively.
Reflexology and Pregnancy Massage
If you want to take your relaxation to the next level why not include some reflexology in your pregnancy treatment? Our remedial therapists Gregor and Anna can all provide reflexology in your pregnancy massage treatment. They can also include some lymphatic massage for your legs if they are feeling sore and heavy. Our therapists can tailor the massage to your needs.
Pregnancy Massage FAQs
The benefits of pregnancy massage are well documented but the most obvious ones are:
- as improved range of motion
- reduced pain
- increased blood flow
- increased lymphatic flow (reduced swelling)
- resolution of nerve pain
- improved sleep
- easier movement
During pregnancy and the postpartum period back, neck and shoulder pain are extremely common. Multiple studies indicate a reduction in stress hormones in both the mother and child, leading to fewer premature births, higher birth weight and decreased physical discomfort in the mother.
Qualified pregnancy massage is incredibly safe. There is ample scientific research proving that there are FEWER complications in the pregnancies and newborns of individuals receiving qualified pregnancy massage from those that do NOT.
… women given massage therapy had fewer prenatal complications, including a 75% lower prematurity rate and an 80% lower incidence of low birthweight [2]. They also reported decreased depression, anxiety and back pain. Surprisingly, postpartum depression and cortisol levels decreased in the massaged women. Their newborns also had lower cortisol levels than the newborns of the control mothers, which may relate to their mothers’ lower cortisol levels…
Excerpt taken from an article in Expert review of obstetrics and gynacollogy 2010: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2870995/
Yes you can. Due to inconsistent messaging of professional massage bodies there is a great deal of confusion around this.
The science indicates that qualified pregnancy massage has no negative impact on the well being of an expectant mother and her child at ANY STAGE OF PREGNANCY.
There is no evidence suggesting qualified pregnancy massage is harmful to the baby. Qualified pregnancy massage is incredibly safe. There is ample scientific research proving that there are FEWER complications in the pregnancies and newborns of individuals receiving qualified pregnancy massage from those that do NOT.
… women given massage therapy had fewer prenatal complications, including a 75% lower prematurity rate and an 80% lower incidence of low birthweight [2]. They also reported decreased depression, anxiety and back pain. Surprisingly, postpartum depression and cortisol levels decreased in the massaged women. Their newborns also had lower cortisol levels than the newborns of the control mothers, which may relate to their mothers’ lower cortisol levels… Excerpt taken from an article in Expert review of obstetrics and gynacollogy 2010: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2870995/
This is a false belief. A standard pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease pain and prepare the body for childbirth.
The stress and pain of every individual is unique, as are the techiniques used to remedy them. A qualified Pregnancy Massage Therapist provides a safe and effective method of relieving physical pain and discomfort and reducing the swelling associated with pregnancy. At Knead massage we offer two main types of pregnancy treatment:
- A flowing and relaxing style that uplifts the body, mind and soul (effective for muscular pain, swelling and anxiety)
- Pregnancy myotherapy – a no nonsense treatment for people in severe physical pain (more like a physiotherapy treatment – focused hands on therapy that effectively reduces pain – this type of treatment is especially effective at resolving sciatica [shooting pain down leg], carpal tunnel, severe back, neck and shoulder discomfort and pain associated with pubic symphasis diastasis – not for those who want a spa experience).
Massage techniques SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED TO THE BELLY of a pregnant woman unless performed by a specialist physiotherapist, midwife, or graduate of the specialist Pregnancy Massage Australia courses. At Knead Massage Anna Dawson is qualified to apply massage techniques to the abdomen.
In Australia, pregnancy massage performed by a qualified Remedial Massage therapist or Myotherapist is eligible for on the spot health fund rebates with all funds.
Massage techniques SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED TO THE BELLY of a pregnant woman unless performed by a specialist physiotherapist, midwife, or graduate of the specialist Pregnancy Massage Australia courses. At Knead Massage Anna Dawson is qualified to apply massage techniques to the abdomen.
Post partum massage addresses the pain states assosciated with reduced core strength, frequent forward bending and picking up and severe neck and shoulder pain from the positions of breast feeding.
This would depend on the area(s) of tension. Qualified massage therapists practice professional draping standards designed to provide a sense of safety and complete privacy. It is not uncommon to receive pregnancy massage in your underwear while professional draping techniques are used. If the neck and low back are the areas of concern trousers or shorts may be worn if you prefer. Most pregnancy massage techniques are “skin on skin” techniques requiring the use of oil or some other balm.
A professional pregnancy massage will involve:
- you filling in a form that lists your health and pregnancy information/risks
- discussing your areas of concern with your therapist
- an assessment of your pain sites
- the therapist will leave and ask you to lie on the table ina sidelying position, arm and leg bolstered over the fullbody pregnancy pillow and place the sheet on top
- the therapist will then knock and enter when you say so
- hands on techniques will then be applied depending onthe type of treatment you are after there may bequestions or simply a chance for you to relax and unwind.
It is safe to have QUALIFIED pregnancy massage at any time during pregnancy. The science indicates that qualified pregnancy massage has no negative impact on the well being of an expectant mother and her child at any stage of pregnancy.
Signs you need a pregnancy massage
include:
- aching in your neck and shoulders – commonly
immediately after or while breastfeeding - tension headaches
- aching in the lower back
- distrupted sleep because of neck and shoulder pain
- disrupted sleep due to low back pain
- disrupted sleep due to calf cramps
- A sharp “nervy” pain starting in the low back that
travels into the glutes - A dull ache or a sharp pain at the line of the bra
strap
A qualified pregnancy massage therapist will almost always treat a pregnant woman in a sidelying position or facedown in a special pregnancy table. The neck, shoulders, middle back, lower back, gluteal muscles, leg muscle and feet are ok for massage. Massage techniques SHOULD NOT BE APPLIED TO THE BELLY of a pregnant woman unless performed by a specialist physiotherapist, midwife, or graduate of the specialist Pregnancy Massage Australia courses. At Knead Massage Anna Dawson is qualified to apply massage techniques to the abdomen.