Post-natal massage therapy is a form of bodywork that can help women recover from the physical and emotional effects of childbirth.
Post- Natal massage focuses on releasing tension in the lower back, hips, and buttocks as well as strengthening abdominal muscles. It also helps alleviate pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back, knees, and feet.
Women who have had cesarean sections may experience discomfort around their scar area which post-natal massage therapy relieves.
This type of treatment is ideal for any woman who has given birth but it's not just limited to new mothers as it can benefit those who are pregnant or considering having children too.
Post-natal massage therapy is also effective at making women more aware of their postural habits.
It can be difficult to change the way you stand, pose, and sit when you are used to being in a certain position for years, but this work can help your muscles remember what they should do so that you do not have to think about it.
Is it Safe For Pregnant Women To Get Massages?
Generally, massages are safe for pregnant women as long as they are given by a therapist who is experienced in pregnancy massage. However, it is always best to consult with your health care provider before getting a massage if you are pregnant.
Post-natal massage therapy is safe for women who have given birth within the last 6 months. It's important to note that there are some risks associated with receiving massages if you have just had a baby, particularly in the first 24 hours after delivery.
Studies show that early mobilization of mother and baby helps decrease their length of hospital stay, but massage could significantly increase their length of stay. Always let your doctor know if you are getting a massage and what type of massage (relaxation, deep tissue, prenatal, etc.)
Post-natal massage therapy is also not recommended if:
* You have an active third-trimester uterine bleed
* If the uterus is ruptured or perforated
* If you are experiencing premature uterine contractions
* Your water has broken
What Are The Benefits Of Post-Natal Massage Therapy?
Post-natal massage therapy is beneficial for several reasons. It helps mothers recover using techniques that assist the body in eliminating toxins.
It also provides them with relaxation, improves blood circulation, and eases muscle tension. It also increases a mother's sense of well-being which then impacts her ability to provide for herself and her baby.
Post-natal massage therapy benefits the baby too. Babies are greatly impacted by their mother's moods and state of well-being.
A mother who is relaxed will produce hormones that help her bond with her child, which then helps the infant to relax as well. Massage has also been known to aid in decreasing excessive crying, colic, and constipation.
What Precautions Should Be Taken Before Getting A Post-Natal Massage?
There are a few precautions that should be taken before getting a post-natal massage. First, it is important to consult with your health care provider to ensure that you are not experiencing any complications that would prevent you from receiving a massage.
* If you have a blood clot in your leg or lungs
* If you have an active bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or a staph infection
* If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge
It is also important to let the person performing your massage know if you suffered from any major traumas recently as they may evoke emotional responses during the massage.
This can help your therapist better address your needs and adjust the type of pressure they use so that you are not in discomfort.
What Types Of Post-Natal Massage Are There?
There are several different types of post-natal massage therapy techniques. The choice depends on what you prefer, what your therapist recommends, and what is available in your area.
* Swedish massage – This type of massage uses long strokes and gentle pressure to help improve circulation and reduce tension.
* Deep tissue massage – Deep Tissue Massage is a type of massage that uses slower, more intense strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is beneficial for relieving chronic pain and stiffness.
* Prenatal Massage – Prenatal Massage is a type of massage is specifically designed for pregnant women and uses light pressure and gentle strokes to help reduce tension, stress, and muscle aches.
* Cranio-sacral therapy – This type of massage uses very light pressure to manipulate the bones of the skull and spinal column. It is beneficial for relieving pain as well as helping with depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
* Trigger point therapy – This type of massage allows your therapist to target trigger points that are located in dense muscle tissue.
These points often refer to pain in other parts of the body and can be a source of chronic tension or pain. It is beneficial for relieving migraines, jaw pain, and TMJ.
* Lymphatic drainage – This type of massage helps encourage the movement of lymph fluid throughout the body. It is especially helpful for mothers who are experiencing swelling in their bodies.
It is beneficial for relieving pain as well as improving muscle tone.
Side Effects.
There are some side effects that can occur after a post-natal massage. Most of these are minor and can be resolved by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and eating healthy foods.
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Nausea
* Muscular aches and pain
If you experience any serious side effects after your massage, it is important to contact your doctor promptly.
What Should I Look For in A Massage Therapist?
It is important that you find a qualified massage therapist with post-natal training before scheduling an appointment. Search for members of the International Association Of Healthcare Professionals (IAHCP) or American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) who hold post-natal certifications.
But one main thing to keep in mind is before taking Post-Natal Massage Therapy you should concern with the doctor. If your doctor says that you are fine then you can take Post-Natal Massage Therapy or any other therapy for getting relief from back pain, muscle aches, etc.
Conclusion
To conclude, post-natal massage therapy is a wonderful way to address the tension and pressure experienced in women's bodies after pregnancy.
It is great for relieving stress, muscle aches, and pains, improving circulation, and reducing fatigue. It is also a wonderful way to relax and bond with your newborn baby. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any post-natal massage therapy to ensure that it is safe for you.