Massage for Pregnancy & Postpartum
Be confident in your choice with Joanna.
Joanna has 17 years of dedicated experience in massage therapy. She started her journey by specializing in prenatal massage immediately after earning her remedial massage diploma in 2006. Since then, she has committed to continuous professional development, completing three additional pregnancy and postpartum massage training courses. Joanna regularly updates her skills and knowledge to stay current in her practice.
Her most recent training in pregnancy massage was with Pregnancy Massage Australia (https://pregnancymassageaustralia.com.au/), where she achieved the highest level, becoming a ‘Practitioner of Pregnancy Massage.’ Additionally, Joanna has pursued further education in postpartum massage and comprehensive birth preparation techniques. Her latest certification in the Body Ready Method (https://bodyreadymethod.com/) marks a significant milestone in her career, enhancing her ability to assess the unique needs of the pregnant body. This training has equipped her with practical strategies to promote balance within the body, contributing to a more positive birth experience.
Throughout her extensive career, Joanna has treated hundreds of women and is passionate about reaching and supporting many more on their journey through pregnancy and beyond.
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey that brings significant physical and emotional changes to a woman's body. As these transformations occur, many women experience discomfort, stress, and other challenges that can impact their overall well-being. To support women during this pivotal time, pregnancy and postpartum massage therapy has emerged as a beneficial practice, addressing not only the physical discomforts but also the emotional strains that can accompany pregnancy and motherhood. Massage can be beneficial for the following:
-
As pregnancy progresses, the body undergoes numerous changes that can lead to discomfort and pain. Pregnancy massage is specifically designed to alleviate or manage pain associated with these changes in the musculoskeletal system. This includes relief from common ailments such as lower back pain, shoulder and rib discomfort, pelvic pain, sacroiliac dysfunction, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
-
Pregnancy can be a time of heightened emotions and stress. Massage fosters deep relaxation, effectively reducing stress levels. Notably, this therapeutic approach promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, which help to calm the nervous system and enhance overall well-being.
-
Regular massage sessions can help prepare the body for childbirth. In addition to its stress reduction benefits, massage can promote flexibility and ease in the pelvis, potentially leading to a smoother birth experience.
Massage therapy offers other benefits during pregnancy & postpartum, some are often overlooked, such as:
-
Focusing on the ribcage during massage can help release tight muscles that restrict breathing. This is particularly beneficial for optimising oxygen intake, which is essential for the mother and the developing baby.
-
Massage can help loosen tight body areas that may cause imbalances in posture or mismanaged intra-abdominal pressure. This can lead to improved comfort and support throughout pregnancy.
-
Following childbirth, massage therapy remains beneficial, particularly for addressing physical restrictions stemming from breastfeeding. Common issues include tightness in the shoulders and chest, post-operative pain in the back and legs, and the need for abdominal massage to aid in the recovery and toning of abdominal muscles. A small study showed promising effects of bodywork for relieving back pain(1).
-
Additionally, massage therapy can effectively address scar tissue, helping to ease discomfort and improve mobility. Joanna offers personalised guidance on self-care techniques to manage scar tissue at home, ensuring ongoing recovery support.
-
Zhang J, Pang T, Yao J, Li A, Dong L, Wang Y, Wang Y. Clinical application of myofascial therapy in the treatment of postpartum pain-related functional disorders: A review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Oct 4;103(40):e39869. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000039869. PMID: 39465751; PMCID: PMC11460933.
