Prenatal Massage, Pregnancy Massage & Postpartum Massage
Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. Modern investigation and research is proving that prenatal massage therapy can be a very instrumental ingredient in women’s prenatal care and should be given careful consideration. The licensed massage therapists at Planet Massage have trained to provide the very best in prenatal and post partum massage therapy utilizing time honored and cutting edge techniques and the finest equipment for your safety and comfort. Celebrating our 10th year as Fort Lauderdale’s #1 spa as ranked by Tripadvisor. Members of the American Pregnancy Association. You may have found us while looking for “prenatal massage therapist near me” or ” In-home prenatal massage” but please read on…. and discover why Planet Massage offers a world of difference!
The Benefits of Prenatal Massage and Pregnancy Massage:
Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.
The prenatal massage therapists at Planet Massage address different needs through varying techniques. Swedish massage which aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. Swedish massage is one of the recommended prenatal massage methods during pregnancy as it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy. Mild stretching and light Swedish massage strokes are used to soothe your sore body. You will appreciate the reduced aching in stress bearing joints such as the ankles, knees, hips and the lower back. Our goal is to leave you feeling relaxed, restored, and rejuvenated!
Sometimes Prenatal massage requires a stronger touch is required with deep tissue Massage, Connective Tissue Massage or other bodywork. With some adjustments & considerations, these all can all be accomplished safely. Additionally, Active Isolated Stretching or A.I.S. has proven to be extremely effective as well in increasing flexibility, mobility and decreasing pain. Not to mention keeping the hips open and flexible, which have obvious benefits.
Your prenatal massage therapist will discuss the treatment options and help formulate a treatment plan while adjusting to your changing body and needs.
Hormone Regulation
Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered, leading to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health, when massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care. Hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced and dopamine and serotonin levels (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression) were increased in women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks. These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence points strongly to maternal and newborn health benefits when relaxing, therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care. Active Isolated Stretching or A.I.S. has proven to be very effective at preparing the muscles and tissues for the stresses of childbirth, especially when started early on, pre pregnancy.
Reduction of Swelling
Edema, or swelling of the joints during pregnancy, is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the heavy uterus. Massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints, which also improves the removal of tissue waste, carried by the body’s lymph system.
Improvement of Nerve Pain
Sciatic nerve pain is experienced by many women in late pregnancy as the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back. The pressure of the uterus spreads tension to the muscles of the upper and lower leg, causing them to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many women have experienced significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through regular massage.
Other Potential Benefits of Prenatal Massage:
Improved Oxygenation of Soft Tissues and Muscles
Better Sleep
What precautions should be taken when seeking prenatal massage or pregnancy massage?
As with any therapeutic approach to pregnancy wellness, women should discuss massage with their prenatal care provider. The best way to address the risks of prenatal massage is to be informed and to work together with knowledgeable professionals.
Body position during prenatal massage Planet Massage Spa
incorporates the use of pregnancy massage “body cushions” and hydraulic adjustable massage tables, as well as an assortment of other cushions and bolsters to ensure comfort and safety. Often, the best position for a pregnant woman during massage is side-lying., but there are options. Your therapist will discuss all of the options to ensure your comfort at any stage in your pregnancy. We often hear that being on our tables in the only way a woman can get comfortable!
Is prenatal massage safe throughout the entire pregnancy?
The latest information suggests that women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester. However, at Planet Massage, we feel that the first trimester has often been considered somewhat risky and therefore not generally recommended. With safety being our top priority, we do not offer massage during the first trimester unless specifically requested by a physician. We suggest beginning massage therapy and AIS stretching PRIOR to pregnancy, if at all possible. The benefits are amazing. At Planet Massage we have assisted thousands of clients with a more comfortable pregnancy over the last 20 years. We strive to be the top prenatal massage Fort Lauderdale, Fl has to offer!
Women with the following conditions should speak with a health care provider prior to receiving a massage:
Pressure, or Sudden, Severe Headaches
Recent Birth
Incorporating Massage Therapy Into Your Prenatal Care
The benefits of massage and AIS stretching can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement proven to improve pregnancy outcome, and maternal health. Consult your midwife or obstetrician before beginning any new therapeutic practice. Want to skip the drive? The Master Prenatal Massage Therapists at Planet Massage also offer Prenatal massage at home and services throughout Broward Prenatal Massage as well as Prenatal Massage Hollywood Fl
Postpartum Massage
During the postpartum period you may experience soreness, fatigue, and aches associated with overused birthing muscles. Typically, we use light Swedish massage strokes to encourage blood circulation, lymphatic fluid flow, and ease tired muscles. Postpartum massage and AIS stretching is wonderful for helping return the body to it’s pre-pregnancy state and can help speed recovery by promoting relaxation, providing pain relief, and has even been recognized to help improve post-surgical recovery after Cesarean births. Postpartum massage will also help alleviate the “postpartum blues”. We promise you’ll leave feeling wonderful!
Trying to Conceive? Contact Planet Massage for more information on the benefits of Active Isolated Stretching (A.I.S.). With over 40 stretches for each hip, AIS has proven to be a very effective tool in helping those who are TTC.
