I’ve been receiving many requests lately for pregnancy massage and I think that now would be a good time to tell you what it’s all about.

What is Pregnancy Massage?
Pregnancy Massage is a lot like a Swedish Massage, also known as Relaxation Massage. It’s about the same massage on the front of your body, so the variation comes when it’s time to turn. Instead of the woman turning onto her stomach, she turns to her left and lies on her side. Pillows cushion her head, arms and knees for a cozy, comfortable experience. Often extra towels and blankets are used for her comfort.

How do I know if it’s okay for me to get a massage?
It’s important that you go to a Licensed Massage Therapists who knows all these pregnancy massage exceptions for your safety as well as your baby’s. And please, don’t get massaged if you have any of these conditions:

-Pitting edema
-High blood pressure
-Diarrhea
-Abnormal abdominal pain or bleeding
-Nausea
-Decreased fetal movement
-Infection
-Pre-eclampsia, eclampsia or toxemia of pregnancy

…unless your doctor says it’s okay.

Pregnancy Massage is relaxing and very comforting in times of pain and stress. Mothers enjoy this type of massage and often say that it helps make their lives easier in terms of dealing with the the various difficulties of pregnancy.

The massage depends on what trimester she’s in.

In the First Trimester:
It is wise not to do any deep low back work, abdominal work, deep sacral work, or use any reflexology on the hands or feet. Otherwise, the massage is similar to a Swedish Massage. Women usually find it okay to lie on their stomachs in this trimester.

In the Second Trimester:
Light massage on the feet is okay, but again, no reflexology. Working on the low back with light, soothing strokes helps decrease low back pain, while using those same types of strokes on the legs helps reduce any swelling.

In the Third Trimester:
Work is mainly done on the back, legs and arms because by now, the expectant mother is experiencing a lot of stress on her body, especially her low back. Lying on her side will be the most comfortable. Reflexology and deep work on the low back is avoided in order to keep the baby and mother safe.

How will Pregnancy Massage benefit me?

-Massage helps relax you by soothing tension.
-It brings oxygen and nutrition to the baby by increasing circulation to all the tissues.
-Pregnancy Massage assists with venous and lymphatic flow which helps decrease fatigue and stimulate your immune system and drains limbs of excess fluid.
-Pregnancy Massage helps reduce neck and low back pain.
-It alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints.
-Massage improves muscle tone and releases muscle spasms and knots.

If you’re still not sure if massage is right for you, it might be helpful to search online for what doctors and specialists recommend for expectant mothers. A lot of websites like this one recommend pregnancy massage.

If you’d like to come in and receive a massage from me, please fill out your client form so I may contact you and schedule an appointment.

Kelly Wahl of Unwind Breathe Relax has painted our room at ADIO Acupuncture and Wellness, The Water Room, for a new and brighter look. I love it!

Back to the Gym are You?
Now that the weather is better and swimsuit season is fast-approaching, it’s time to think about getting back to the gym and getting into shape. I know that it’s tough those first couple of weeks back, but a massage really makes it easier. It decreases muscle fatigue, pain, and gets all those helpful nutrients into the muscles so they can do what they do best: help those muscles heal so you can get back there and work out again!

Boost Your Energy
Or perhaps you just feel like you need the energy to be able to start your summer plans. Sometimes your body just tells you “No” when you want to get things done on your day off. Well that’s no good, is it? Massage helps rid those fatigued feelings as well.

I massaged a friend and client last week who said that when she left, she felt like she could really get something done that day, when before she was feeling very tired and “blah.”

Make Your Visits to Your Chiropractor More Effective
If you feel like your adjustments aren’t staying and you’re returning back to the Chiropractor’s more than you think is necessary, it may be because you aren’t receiving enough soft tissue (muscles, tendons, connective tissue) work beforehand. Massage helps tight muscles that are moving your spine out of alignment loosen up and adjustments will last for longer periods of time. A pre-adjustment massage also makes the Chiropractor’s work more effective and an adjustment that would be uncomfortable otherwise be quite easy.

Contact Me, Please!
If this sounds great to you, I’m your therapist. Please fill out a client form and I’ll get back to you as soon as I receive it. I’ve helped so many people already and I feel I can really help you too!

Participated in the Barton Hill Hotel & Spa’s Bridal Show today and I must say it was a success! We licensed massage therapists gave brides and their families chair massages and mini hot stone massages with Fran’s awesome rejuvenation aromatherapy scent. Many of them said it was their first massage ever! I made sure to educate them on the benefits of massage as well.

Massage:

Increases circulation and releases endorphins
Stimulates lymph flow, which increases immunity
Decreases tightness, spasms and cramping of muscles
Pumps nutrients into the tissues
Decreases pain and stress
Can eliminate tension headaches and decrease low back pain
Helps decrease painful symptoms of carpal tunnel, arthritis, PMS and migraines
Relaxes and calms the body and mind (if you let it)

The new spa, which will be attached to the Barton Hill Hotel in Lewiston, will be opening soon and I’m very excited about working there this spring.

Of course I’m still working at ADIO Acupuncture & Wellness most days- it is my true love.
See you there!

An event for friends and family only:
I’ll be doing 1-hour massages tomorrow for $40.

Please call my cell to schedule!