Massage therapy during pregnancy is not intended to replace prenatal care. When used as a added form of health care, some of the possible benefits of pregnancy massage are:

Reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

Even welcome change is stressful.  The tension caused by stress along with the physical changes of pregnancy can sap your strength and energy for coping day to day. 

Pregnancy massage delivered with a nurturing touch can lower circulating levels of cortisol and norepinephrene, increase  levels of serotonin and dopamine, and measurably affect  pregnant woman's anxiety and depression.  Pregnancy masssage also lowers blood pressure, and since elevated blood pressure is a marker of potential complications in pregnancy, this intervention can provide substantial benefit for at-risk women.
 

Treat yourself right - you're worth it!

Enjoy a relaxing, invigorating, soothing massage from our experienced massage therapists.
 
At Intense Therapy we know which pressure points to avoid, which massage oils should and shouldn't be used and we know just how to position those pillows! The many benefits of massage include:

A soothing massage can relieve physical and emotional tension, help you sleep better and boost your energy.

 
Provides emotional support and physical nurturing, particularly for those who are alone in the process, either literally or by the emotional absence of the partner.

Massage loosens tight muscles and calms the nervous system.  It also increases circulation bringing

energy producing nutrients to your cells and carrying away metabolic waste products that can make you feel listless.
 

·    Alleviates stress on weight-bearing joints and musculo-fascial structures (sacro-iliac joint,
     mid-back and lumbar spine, hips).

·    Relieves tension, fatigue, and headaches, soothes nerves to help with sleep problems, and
     possibly reduce blood pressure through relaxation and stress reduction.

·    Increases blood and lymph circulation and supports the physiological process of gestation,
     by supporting the work of the heart, increasing cellular respiration, reducing edema, and
     contributing to sympathetic nervous system sedation. Reduces the possibility of problems
     with swelling, varicose veins, and leg cramps.

·    Helps maintain skin elasticity to ease stretch marks and uncomfortable tightness.

·    Assists with the management of digestive complaints such as constipation, gas, nausea,
     and indigestion.

·    Encourages deeper, easier breathing.

·    Enhances self-esteem and self image, helping the pregnant woman feel more at home in
     her changing body.

·    Develops the sensory awareness and relaxation necessary to be an active and responsive
     participant in the birth experience. (in order to birth, the musculature of the legs, back,
     abdomen, and pelvic floor must release to allow the uterus to labor with no resistance).

What to Expect

A thorough massage session takes at least one hour, usually a little longer, during which you are comfortably supported in a side-lying position and draped for your comfort. Only the body part being worked on is exposed. The room will be quiet and comfortable. It is fine to interrupt the massage to use the restroom, however, for maximum benefit and comfort, avoid heavy eating and drinking for two hours before your session.

Contraindications

Complications of pregnancy, which could contraindicate massage therapy (if resolved, participation is possible with additional midwife/physician release):

Other conditions contraindicating participation in massage therapy (if resolved, participation is possible with additional midwife/physician release):

           Severe varicose veins

           Thrombophlebitis

           Skin irritation and/or discharge

           Lupus erythematosus and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

High Risk Pregnancies, as defined by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (in some cases requiring additional midwife/physician release):

 Abnormal fetal movement or heartbeat

 Systemic lupus erythematosus and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Regular massage during your pregnancy and postpartum weeks can relieve your physical symptoms and help you cope with stress.  Because it supports your health and vitality, massage can help you more easily adjust to the many changes in your body and the demands of your new life. 

Medical massage using myofascial release, muscle-energy technique, strain-counterstrain, assisted-resisted stretching, acupressure, and other reflex techniques can target and aleviate the sometimes disabing conditions of pregnancy.

© 2006 Intense Therapy, LLC 

                 617 E. Bidwell St., Folsom, CA 95630