Pregnancy Complementary Therapy
What you can expect during a treatment
The more popular appointments are for women who are moving in the second to third trimester. The routine is adapted for pre-pregnancy and post-natal but they work on the routine described below.
Here is what to expect:
Massage is the core of the treatment, during pregnancy you will lie on one side (in the recovery position), supported by a long bolster pillow (and a pillow for your head). I will drape you with a large sheet and an additional large towel over your torso. (Clothing will need to be removed down to the underwear).
Massage begins on the back , shoulder, arm then hip and pelvis; then additional neuro-lymphatic points are used on the lumbar spine and sacrum ( this assists in draining any extra fluid that can build during pregnancy and add to any discomforts felt by Mum).
Fully draped again, I shall uncover the bent leg, and massage the whole leg and foot and glutes. Covering the leg I then uncover the lying leg, and massage the whole medial leg and again apply neuro-lymphatic massage to adductors, assisting the drainage in any built up fluid in the legs.
To turn you over, we work together to find the most comfortable and suitable way to assist you to access your other side, and the routine begins again.
If you are able to and happy to, you may then lie on your back, fully supported by as many pillows as you wish! Here- still draped by the beautiful cloth and large towel- I will massage and gently stretch your neck and then I have special training to massage your bump! These techniques are designed to help relax and tone the muscles of the abdomen and help ease discomfort on the digestive tract.
It is ok if you choose not to have this part of the massage, I will use the time on other areas of the body.
If you are lying on your back, (or still laying on your side) I shall move to the feet- cleansing them and then begin a gentle and specific reflexology treatment accessing meridians (and avoiding others!) whilst invigorating reflex points, balancing the body from the inside.
You are given time at the end of the treatment to rest and refresh (with your own drink at this time), and allow yourself to come back into the present without feeling rushed.
To Book a treatment
Pregnancy Treatment FAQs
What are the benefits of Complementary Therapy during a Pregnancy Journey?
'There is a lack of randomised controlled trials but some evidence does show benefits, there is room for better clinical trials, some health organisations recommend pregnant women to not have therapies during pregnancy but luckily research has shown that an average of 62% of pregnant women received complementary therapies, the most popular treatment being massage therapy'.
Why Complementary Therapy and not Massage?
I call my treatments Complementary Therapy, because I use different modalities techniques during my treatments.
Massage is the core of the treatment, but I also apply neuro-lymphatic drainage and reflexology, alongside very specifically safe aromatherapy blends.
If I fall pregnant whilst having pre-natal therapy, can I continue receiving treatment?
YES! I change my routine to specifically treat you as a 0-12 weeks pregnancy.
What if I have a pre-paid treatment plan and move into the next stage of my journey?
Depending on the treatment plan that you have booked, the likelihood is that the remaining balance will be used in the next booked appointment, until that remaining total is used. Then if you wish to discuss further bookings it will be discussed and mutually agreed via email.
Is treatment safe?
It can be scary when each woman starts her journey and frustratingly we are not able to let you know what will happen during your journey. But I have been trained with specific skill sets to treat pregnancy and your pregnancy journey within very safe parameters.
What are the contraindications to Pregnancy Treatment?
First trimester treatment: it is a common known fact that massage and other complementary therapies should be avoided during the first trimester. However there is no evidence to say it is dangerous, it is more based around protecting the therapist from blame.
In general before starting treatment I advise you to contact your GP or midwife to inform them that you are receiving or wish to receive treatment while pregnant.
Like with all complementary therapies there are contraindications for treatment:
- High risk of miscarriage: a history of miscarriage- if this is your story then please ask the GP to decide if this is safe for you to have treatment.
- High risk pregnancy, such a placental abruptions, or preterm labours.
- Epilepsy
- Thrombophlebitis
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Blood disorders
- Cardiac problems
- Any other health problems that could lead to complications during a pregnancy.
It is always best practice to contact your Midwifery team or GP to discuss your plans for treatment and request consent from them.
I am happy to lease with your health care providing team and with your permission keep them informed of your progress should you desire this to happen.
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East Devon Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic Ltd
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Serving the Local community since 2000.