The Benefits of Massage Therapy During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Kaitlyn Swartz MPT, B.H.K (Hons), RMT, CAT(C)

Alongside the joy and anticipation of motherhood, there can be discomforts, and pains throughout the body, as the body adjusts for the growing baby. Pelvic health becomes a crucial aspect during this time, and integrating massage therapy can offer numerous benefits, supporting both the physical and emotional well-being of expecting and new mothers.

Understanding Pelvic Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about numerous changes in the body, with a significant focus on the pelvic region. The pelvic floor, consisting of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues, plays a pivotal role in supporting the uterus, bladder, and bowel. It is important to consult with your pelvic health physiotherapist at Proactive Pelvic Health throughout your pregnancy if you are experiencing any symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and discomfort.

Alleviating Pelvic Pain and Discomfort throughout Pregnancy

Massage therapy can be a valuable tool in addressing pelvic pain during pregnancy. Skilled massage therapists can target specific areas of tension and discomfort, providing relief to the muscles surrounding the pelvis and the low back region. Gentle techniques, such as Swedish massage or myofascial release, help alleviate muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation in the pelvic region. By promoting relaxation and easing muscle strain, massage therapy offers much-needed comfort and relaxation to expecting mothers.

 Massage therapy increases circulation and lymphatic drainage to facilitate the elimination of excess fluids. Tissue stimulation assists your body to shift water to the right places. This is a great natural treatment option at the near the end of pregnancy, if you are experiencing swelling in the lower legs and ankles.

Supporting Pelvic Floor Function and Recovery Postpartum

After childbirth, the body undergoes a remarkable postpartum recovery. The pelvic floor muscles may become weakened or strained due to the stress of labour and delivery. Integrating massage therapy into postpartum care can aid in pelvic floor rehabilitation and recovery by increasing circulation to the pelvis, relaxing muscles, and relieving pain by promoting faster healing and restoration of function.

Adding breast, chest or bottle feeding can intensify shoulder, upper back, and neck pain in postpartum parents. Massage therapy offers a holistic approach that relaxes muscles and relieves pain without the use of medications. Therapeutic touch can alleviate soreness and tension in these areas, providing relief from postpartum discomfort. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects, massage therapy supports women in their postpartum journey, enhancing overall well-being and promoting a smoother transition into motherhood.

Complementary Approach to Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

While massage therapy offers numerous benefits for pelvic health during pregnancy and postpartum, it is essential to integrate it as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Pelvic floor physiotherapy, conducted by specialized pelvic health physiotherapists, focuses on assessing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction through targeted exercises, manual techniques, and education. By combining massage therapy with pelvic floor physiotherapy, women can experience holistic care that addresses both muscular tension and functional issues related to pelvic health. It’s important to book in with your pelvic floor physiotherapist at Proactive Pelvic Health after your 6-week check-up with your OB/GYN or mid-wife to assess your pelvic floor, and help to aid in your recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, massage therapy emerges as a valuable support in promoting overall well-being during pregnancy and postpartum. By addressing muscular tension, promoting relaxation, and supporting overall mother’s-to-be massage therapy offers a natural and non-invasive approach to managing pelvic discomfort, body aches and pains and promoting recovery. Integrating massage therapy into prenatal and postpartum care plans can contribute to a smoother, more comfortable journey through pregnancy and early motherhood.

Ready to be spoiled by our massage therapist Kaitlyn Swartz? Book your blissful treatment here.

References:

National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/research-funding/at-niddk/labs-branches/pelvic-floor-disorders-network-pfdn

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2020). Physical Activity and Exercise During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: ACOG Committee Opinion, Number 804. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 135(4), e178-e188.

Fitzgerald, M. P., Thom, D. H., & Wassel-Fyr, C. L. (2004). The Impact of Incontinence on Quality of Life in Older Women. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 198(5), 548.e1–548.e5.

Braekken, I. H., Majida, M., Ellstrom Engh, M., & Bo, K. (2009). Pelvic floor function is independently associated with pelvic organ prolapse. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 116(13), 1706–1714.

American Pregnancy Association. (2021, December 9). Postpartum massage. American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/first-year-of-life/postpartum-massage/