Pregnancy massage

View Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses.

During pregnancy mothers-to-be can certainly benefit from the healing properties of a massage. It is simply important to ensure that you visit a qualified practitioner and explain that you are pregnant. This does mean that some forms of massage are not appropriate; however, there are still plenty of options which offer relaxation and relief from some difficult pregnancy symptoms. Pregnancy massage is also known as pre-natal massage and is geared specifically to mothers-to-be.

The key difference with pregnancy massage is the position that you lie in and the fact that some areas of the body should not be massaged. Ideally you will lie in a semi-reclining position with plenty of padding around you so that you can turn on your side to receive back massage. Some therapists offer couches with holes cut out to make space for the belly but some people consider this puts too much stress on the lower back.

Once you feel comfortable the therapist can begin work. They may play music to enhance the relaxation that you feel and the session will last around an hour in a calm, quiet space. Their touch will be light and gentle and the practitioner will certainly avoid deep tissue massage. Skin can become more sensitive during pregnancy and be sure to tell your therapist if you feel their touch is too firm or hard. The hormones of pregnancy bring about many changes in the body and may cause swelling, aches, and pains. Pregnancy massage provides a natural alternative to painkillers for back pain in pregnancy and has also been shown to help to reduce swelling in the legs and arms. It also alleviates joint aches and pains. The focus of the massage will be shoulders, back, and legs.

It may be combined with aromatherapy, with the essential oils adding to the relaxation and offering additional forms of treatment for achy hips or chronic pain. It can also help avoid stretch marks and tackle fluid retention.

Human touch during massage can have a profound emotional impact and help to alleviate feelings of anxiety or depression. It is possible you may cry during treatment and this can be cathartic and a huge release of emotions. As well as the physical benefits of massage there are mental and emotional ones too and pregnancy massage can reduce stress and strain. By promoting relaxation it encourages the production of oxytocin and prolactin. Both substances benefit not just the mother but also the unborn baby.

Pregnancy massage can also help in the preparation for labor by developing the ability to relax, encouraging deep breathing and preparing the muscles. It has been said that relaxation is one of the key elements in helping a mother through labor.

Some therapists suggest that you avoid massage during the first trimester (three months) of pregnancy. It is always advisable to check with your own doctor before undertaking a massage or course of treatment. Always go to a qualified pregnancy massage therapist who will have specifically studied massage for pregnancy and who will have specialist skills and experience.

Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses

Everest University

Diploma.
Massage Therapy.
Florida.

Everest College

Diploma.
Diploma - Massage Therapy , Diploma - Massage Therapy - Sports Specialist , Diploma - Massage Therapist - Spa Specialist .
California, Washington, Virginia, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada.

Sanford-Brown College

Learn practical and theoretical massage, anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, clinical practice, and hygiene in the Massage Therapy program at Sanford-Brown College. This program is intended to provide training in the principles of therapeutic massage, hydrotherapy and related therapeutic modalities. This includes techniques in massage, external application of water, heat ,cold, topical preparations and usage of mechanical devices.

Diploma, Certificate, Associate.
Massage Therapy, Advanced Massage Therapy.
Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, Ohio.

Sanford-Brown Institute

Massage Therapy

Through the Massage Therapy program students will receive instruction in both practical and theoretical massage, anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, clinical practice, and hygiene. Training is provided to students in hydrotherapy and allied therapeutic modalities, therapeutic massage principles. It also deals with the external application of water, heat, cold, topical preparations, massage techniques, and mechanical devices.

Diploma.
Massage Therapy, Massage Therapist.
Florida, Pennsylvania.

ATI Career Training Center

Qualified students who wish to sit for the National Certification exam should take the 200-hour Advanced Massage Therapy Program. We train students in advanced techniques such as Trigger Point therapies and Myofascial Release which will teach students how to deal with more in depth conditions.

Diploma.
Massage Therapy (MT).
Texas.