Pregnancy Massage Therapy Dos and Don'ts from a Therapeutic Massage Spa in Beaverton

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If there ever is a time when a woman needs and craves a massage most, it is during pregnancy. This is a time of major physical changes accompanied by a lot of aches, pains and myriad discomforts. During this stage, though, a woman needs to replace reflexology, deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy and Swedish massage therapy with specialized pregnancy massage therapy given by professionally trained massage therapists. Pregnant women living in Washington County, Clackamas, Keizer, Lake Oswego, Portland, Tualatin, Sherwood and Vancouver WA can access such massage therapy services from a reputable therapeutic massage spa in Beaverton.

It is very important for a pregnant woman to learn of any contraindications for massage especially in her condition. It is, therefore, very important to first get clearance from the obstetrician for pregnancy massage therapy.

It is equally important to ensure that the massage therapist who gives pregnancy massage therapy has been specially trained for the purpose. Only genuinely qualified massage therapists would be knowledgeable in the various dos and don'ts for pregnancy bodywork. To be safe, the pregnant client should look for proof of licenses, certifications and training.

Some massage spas do not accept pregnant clients who are in their first trimester. In such a case, it means the facility is not confident in its massage therapists and their know how. Do not risk putting yourself in such hands. Pregnancy massage therapy is safe even for pregnant women in the first trimester only if given by highly skilled massage therapists.

Hydrotherapy is another tricky issue. The pregnant woman should get clearance from her obstetrician before she agrees to be submerged in water. This is because her cervix could be open. If allowed, water temperature should be strictly controlled and should not go higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Too much heat is bad for pregnant women. Only gentle and warm temperatures should be applied. Be wary of hot stone massage, body wraps, saunas and electric blankets.

Foot and leg massage in the hands of untrained therapists can be dangerous because there are acupuncture points there that could induce uterine spasms and trigger premature labor. Qualified massage therapists know about these points and how to avoid them.

During the massage, a pregnant woman should not be asked to lie flat on her back. In this position, the full weight of the uterus impedes blood flow in the veins and usually causes dizziness or even fainting. The standard first aid position is recommended, with the woman lying on her side at a 45 degree angle toward the left.

A pregnant woman should also not be made to lie face down on a massage table with a cutout for the stomach. In this position, the uterus is subjected to gravity and the ligaments connecting the uterus to the sacrum are strained. There is too much pressure on the uterus, too. The pregnant client should check out the massage table in the massage spa before signing up for a session.

While a pregnant woman should only have pregnancy massage therapy, she can ask her massage therapist to customize her session to include her favourite techniques in reflexology, Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy and sports massage therapy as long as such techniques are not contraindicated for her condition. She can also resume enjoying reflexology, Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy and sports massage therapy after she gives birth. This will help her get her body back to normal. Mothers to be in Washington County, Clackamas, Keizer, Lake Oswego, Portland, Tualatin, Sherwood and Vancouver WA need not let go of their much loved massage therapy services from their favorite therapeutic massage spa in Beaverton.

Massage Envy Cedar Hills
2680 SW Cedar Hills Blvd
Beaverton, OR 97005
Phone: (503) 726-3689
Email: customerservice@massageenvy-cedarhills.com
Website: http://www.massageenvy.com/clinics/OR/Cedar-Hills.aspx

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