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Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy MassageFAQ

pregnancy massageMassage Therapy
Provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions.

Pregnancy massage is beneficial throughout the entire nine months of pregnancy; however, if you are having a high risk pregnancy it is best to discuss your condition with your midwife or physician before seeking a therapist.

A typical massage session takes at least 60 minutes and can go on up to 90 minutes. The mother will be supported with pillows as she lies on her side.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage:

  • Reduces swelling in hands, feet and ankles
  • Lessens sciatic pain
  • Eases muscular discomforts in areas like the low back & neck, calf cramps; also helps with tension and tightening throughout the body
  • Relaxes tense muscles, and can help increase flexibility.
  • Helps with relaxation (which in turn can decrease insomnia)
  • Increases blood and lymph flow which can increase the elimination of toxins through the circulatory and lymphatic systems (this can also help with fatigue)
  • Increases oxygen in the blood, sometimes on up to 10-15% after a massage
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Stimulates the release of endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers) into the brain and nervous system
  • Helps relieve anxiety or depression
  • Helps increase blood circulation, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the mother and baby
  • Can be used during the birth as well as after, making both experiences
  • easier and more comfortable
  • Eases the stress mothers often feel after the birth

What is Massage Therapy?
Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. Massage therapy helps alleviate the soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions. If employed early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury, massage therapy can greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning.

What is a Registered Massage Therapist?
A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is a regulated health care professional. RMT’s governing body in Ontario, the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) sets Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Registered Massage Therapists are regulated under the Regulated Health Practitioners Act and the Massage Therapy Act. Massage Therapists have completed many hours of education at accredited schools and have extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neurology, assessment, manual techniques and pathology.

Benefits of Massage Therapy during pregnancy?
Studies support what more and more women are discovering about massage therapy during pregnancy – it has been shown to:

  • improve maternal mood
  • decrease depression and anxiety
  • decrease fatigue and insomnia
  • decrease swollen hands and feet
  • decrease pain and stiffness (low back, neck, shoulders, feet and legs)
  • decrease stress hormones in pregnant women (including those suffering from depression)
  • decrease obstetrical complications
  • improve neonatal health and development

What to expect during my first visit?
On the first visit you will complete a confidential health history as part of your assessment. This is important as the Massage Therapist needs to know if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications. The Massage Therapist will listen to your concerns, assess your individual needs as well as other factors that may be contributing to your injury (lifestyle, nutritional status, etc.). The Massage Therapist will then develop a treatment plan with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment that will help you return, as much as possible, to your normal activities.

Most prenatal massages will be done in a side lying position with pillows supporting the legs and belly for comfort, this gives the massage therapist easy access to the back as well as the hips and legs. You will start on one side then turn to the other and end positioned on your back (only if you are comfortable) for a relaxing foot, and head and neck massage, as well if you are comfortable a belly massage to relax and sooth baby.

Does OHIP/Extended health insurance cover Registered Massage Therapy?
OHIP unfortunately does not cover Massage; however most extended health insurance benefits do cover massage treatments. Please contact your provider to obtain details on the extent and conditions of coverage.