Pregnancy & Postpartum Massage
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey that brings significant physical and emotional changes in a woman's body. As these transformations occur, many women experience discomfort, stress, and many 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.
Pain Relief:
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.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation:
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.
Birth Preparation:
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 numerous benefits during pregnancy, some of which are often overlooked: -
Enhanced Breathing:
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.
Intra-Abdominal Pressure Management:
Massage can help loosen tight body areas that may cause imbalances or mismanaged intra-abdominal pressure. This can lead to improved comfort and support throughout pregnancy.
Postpartum Benefits:
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.
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.
Understanding that the postpartum period can be hectic, Joanna offers the convenience of in-home treatments if schedules align. This option allows her to provide care tailored to new mothers' unique challenges.
About Joanna:
With 17 years of dedicated massage therapy experience, Joanna began her journey by specialising in prenatal massage immediately after earning her remedial massage diploma in 2006. Since then, she has committed to continuous professional development, regularly updating her skills and knowledge to remain current in her practice.
Joanna has pursued further training in postpartum massage and comprehensive birth preparation techniques. Her latest certification in the Body Ready Method represents 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 and well-being, ultimately contributing to a more positive birth experience.
Throughout her extensive career, Joanna has had the privilege of treating hundreds of women, and she is passionate about reaching and supporting many more on their journey through pregnancy and beyond.
