PREGNANCY MASSAGE
RATES
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75min prenatal massage $129.95
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60min prenatal massage $113.00
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45min prenatal massage $84.75
All rates include HST. Pregnancy Massage in Toronto is becoming more and more popular. It is an excellent way to ease through the changes that occur in the body during pregnancy.
As the pregnancy progresses these changes become more obvious and in some cases can be stressful, uncomfortable and even painful. Pregnancy Massage helps alleviate muscle tension, nerve compression and stress related to these body changes so that the expecting mother can enjoy the wonderful experience of carrying a child.
Changes that occur in the body throughout pregnancy
In the earlier stages of the pregnancy these changes are very small and in some cases cannot even be felt by the mother. Most of the changes felt are usually hormonal; that can often cause, fatigue, irritability, nausea and water retention. As the fetus starts to grow, the body must change in order to support it and make room. The body allows these changes to occur with the help of a hormone which is released later in the pregnancy. This hormone is called Relaxin and its job is to circulate in the body and cause all the ligament in the body to become a bit more relaxed. This is important because as the baby grown the ribs need to shift and flare out and the pelvis needs to widen to make room. Although these changes are natural and necessary, they can also cause mild to moderate muscle and joint discomfort. As the ligaments loosen and the joints become more unstable, there is a significant increase in stress placed on the muscles. This increase in stress can cause muscular aches and pains which can be easily alleviated with pregnancy massage.
As the uterus grows, the posture of the mother to be will progressively change along with it. Normal postural changes during pregnancy are:
- An increase in the lordotic curve (curve in the low back). This can lead to joint compression and muscular tension in the lower back, causing pain and discomfort.
- The pelvis will drop forward and widen, increasing the strain on the muscles of the legs, hips and feet.
- The ligaments along the Anterior and posterior aspect of the spine as well as the ligaments of the pelvis will stretch out, predisposing the mother to ligaments sprains.
- The shoulders will round forward causing a tightening of the pecs and over stretching the mid back muscles. This can cause pain between the shoulder blades and tightness in the chest.
- The head starts to rest in a more forward position, leading to neck and shoulder pain.
- The abdominal muscles stretch out and in some cases separate. This causes the muscles of the back to have to work way more to stabilize the spine.
Although these changes are completely normal and will happen to every woman throughout their pregnancy, they can be uncomfortable and in some cases quite painful. Pregnancy or Prenatal Massage, not only helps decrease muscular tension and pain, but can also prevent excessive changes to occur, helping you stay as straight and stable as possible. A qualified RMT can also give you some strengthening exercises to help stabilize the body as much as possible) in order to prevent injury and pain.
Fluid Retention
Due to hormonal changes, increase in blood pressure and lack of mobility, fluid retention can occur throughout the pregnancy. In most cases, this presents as a puffiness in the hands, feet and legs. This puffiness can cause mild to moderate discomfort and in come cases can even compress nerves. This can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, causing numbness in the hands and arms. Pregnancy Massage can help drain out the stagnant fluid by pushing it back towards the heart and allowing it to be re-circulated and peed out.
As you know, these are just a few example of the changes that occur in your body during pregnancy. This gives you a better understanding on how massage therapy can help and support you through these changes.
How is Prenatal Massage performed?
The massage is performed with the mother- to- be laying on her side, with pillows appropriately placed to help support the body and increase relaxation. Most of the treatment is performed with the mother laying on the left side, with a short time spend laying on the right. ( so we can get to the left shoulder and neck). She is then asked to roll onto her back. In this position we place several pillows under the back, so that she is in a semi-seated position. In this position a small towel roll is placed under the right hip to shift the baby off the major vein that returns blood to the heart. The arms, neck and legs can be treated in this position. Full body treatments are generally recommended, but the treatments can also be more focused depending on needs of each individual client. We recommend a 45 or 60 minute treatment in order to get full benefit from the prenatal massage.Post Pregnancy Massage
Massage is also beneficial after delivery. It is a excellent way to help return the body back to its natural state. It also helps alleviate the upper back and neck stiffness that often accompanies breast feeding. We at MyoCare RMT, also understand that it is difficult to sneak away when you have a new born, so we welcome you to bring along your baby to the treatment. Our treatment rooms are large enough so that he or she can rest next to you as you receive your treatment.
All our Registered Massage Therapists are highly trained in Pregnancy Massage, and Postnatal Massage and look forward to helping, and supporting you through one of life’s most amazing experiences.