Your questions answered about Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy can place a lot of pressure on your body especially the lower back, hips, neck, lower abdominal muscles, calves and shoulders due to the new and exciting changes happening in your body. Therapeutic massage performed during pregnancy aims to relieve muscle tension and joint pain, improve blood circulation, reduce oedema, improve sleep, decrease stress and anxiety and help ease sciatic pain. At St George Health, we use a specialised pregnancy massage cushion to accommodate your growing belly so you can lie face down. When coming in for your visit, make sure you advise your therapist with how far along you are and when you are due. Also, advise any concerns you have such as aches, pain or discomfort, when it is worst and what activities relieve or aggravate it. Make sure you are specific about how these concerns feel, for example; sharp pain, dull ache, pins and needles or tingling down one leg. Lastly, advise any health complications such as gestational diabetes or any changes since your last check-up. If you are with private health fund and it covers massage, don’t forget to bring your card on the day so we can provide you with an instant rebate on the spot.

 

Pregnancy Q and A Sheet:

Is pregnancy massage safe?
Massage therapy is generally safe and beneficial to have throughout your pregnancy. If you have any concerns, ask your G.P or health professional for advice about whether massage is safe for you and your bub. Generally speaking though, the stress relieving aspects of massage can be great for helping your body through pregnancy. Massage lowers the circulating levels of cortisol in the body- this is the stress hormone. Our specialised pregnancy massage therapists can also speak to you about any concerns you have throughout your pregnancy before safely treating you.

How long do they go for?
A pregnancy massage ranges from 30mins to 90mins. In 30mins, a specific area such as the back or legs will be focused on. If you would like the massage to focus on a particular area all you have to do is ask! In 60mins, more areas can be focused on. This might include the neck, shoulders, back as well as the legs or arms. Lastly in 90mins, a massage can be performed on your whole body. Plenty of time, to also work on feet, hands and even your head and face.

How do you massage my back?
We use a specialised pregnancy cushion which allows you to lie face down and receive a massage to the back of your body. We have had women up to 40 weeks and even beyond lying comfortably on this cushion.

Do I need a referral from my GP?
A referral from your G.P is not required to have a pregnancy massage. However, if you have specific health concerns that you feel might not be safe for massage, ask your G.P if it is safe to have a pregnancy massage.

Can I get a gift voucher for a family member?
Yes! A pregnancy massage gift voucher is the perfect gift for anniversaries, her birthday, as a Christmas gift or just because she’s special to you.

How long into the pregnancy can you receive a massage?
Massage can be performed throughout your entire pregnancy. The pregnancy cushion allows your growing belly to be comfortably accommodated throughout each stage.

Is it good to have more than one?
A pregnancy massage is recommended to have every 1-4 weeks throughout your pregnancy to accommodate for the aches and pains caused from the increasing pressure placed on your body.

When is it safe to get a post-pregnancy massage?
It is advised to come in for a postnatal massage around 4-6 weeks post birth due to the high risk of different types of infections and other complications especially for women who’ve had a cesarean section. If you are concerned about lying on your stomach, don’t worry, we can perform a side lying massage.

 

Samantha Coert – 9553 9823
Massage Therapist