Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 15 April 2015

If you are having a particularly difficult time with aches and pains during your pregnancy, your obstetrician may refer you to a physical therapist who is skilled in massage therapy for help. Although not widely accepted by the medical community as an effective treatment for many years, modern studies have shown that massage therapy during pregnancy can be quite beneficial to both the mother and the baby. If you have an appointment for a prenatal massage therapy session, it is normal to have a few questions. Here are a few of those questions and the answers that you will definitely want to know.

Besides pain relief, what are some of the benefits of prenatal massage therapy?

Massage therapy during pregnancy may be typically prescribed for joint and muscle issues but is also beneficial for other reasons. Massage in general can help with your overall well-being and relaxation. Some doctors suggest that massage therapy can even be helpful for those who suffer with depression.  Therefore, if you are feeling stressed and anxious, which is never good during pregnancy, massage could be a healthy form of treatment for you.

How will you have to position your body during the massage?

During the massage you will be positioned in a way that is most comfortable for you and your growing belly. In most cases, your massage therapists will have you lie in a side position. However, pregnancy-focused massage tables with extra room for your rounded belly can be used so the therapists can easily tend to your spine or the back of your legs.

Is it ever too early in your pregnancy to receive massage therapy?

There is always an increased risk of miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, some massage therapists will not treat you if you are in this fragile stage of your pregnancy.  However, if you are having major issues with joint pain and stiffness during this time in your pregnancy, gentle massage therapy can still be safely used. The professional will likely avoid any abdominal stimulation and only focus on specific joints and extremities that are giving you problems.

When it comes down to it, massage therapy is a good aspect of a comprehensive care plan while you are expecting. If you have further questions and concerns about massage therapy while you are pregnant, it is always a good idea to speak with your doctor about your worries.