Last Updated on 16 September 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Pregnancy can be a happy time, but it is also a time in which a woman’s body undergoes a tremendous number of changes. At the Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we understand that when you are pregnant, you need a full range of effective support. One highly beneficial way to support your health and well-being during your pregnancy is to take time for a massage. Pregnancy causes backache, sore feet, anxiety, depression and other issues. A pregnancy massage in Brisbane is aimed to help women reduce stress by releasing built-up stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline and promotes various other health benefits.
What Pregnancy Massage Can Do For You
Pregnancy massage supports the needs of expectant mothers while taking the safety of the baby into account. This form of massage has been shown to reduce swelling and assist with everything from back pain, to anxiety and depression. All massage has been proven to reduce stress levels. How? Massage works to calm the mind, and it releases built-up stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. People who receive massages enjoy lower levels of stress. Since there is a link between stress and inflammation in the body, massage can help with healing as well.
How is Pregnancy Massage Different?
Pregnancy massage takes into consideration the special needs of pregnant women. There are special approaches and techniques that are used for pregnancy massage that can help expecting mothers with everything from back pain to hip pain, leg pain and more. Studies have shown that pregnancy massage can also increase blood flow, and this comes with a range of health benefits. Massage is a great way to improve your health and welcome your new addition to the family.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction explained
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a group of symptoms that cause discomfort in the pelvic region. It usually occurs during pregnancy, when your pelvic joints become stiff or move unevenly. It can occur both at the front and back of your pelvis. SPD is also sometimes referred to as pelvic girdle pain.
The condition isn’t harmful to your baby, but it could be extremely painful for you. In some, the pain may be so severe that it affects mobility. The symptoms of SPD can vary for different people, both in terms of severity and presentation. Most common symptoms:
- pain in the front centre of your pubic bone
- pain in your lower back on one or both sides
- pain in your perineum, the area between the anus and vagina
The pain sometimes travels to your thighs, and you might also hear or feel a grinding or clicking sound in your pelvis.
The pain is often more obvious when you’re:
- walking
- using stairs
- putting your weight on one leg
- turning over in your bed
It might also be challenging to widen your legs. This can make daily tasks such as getting out of bed, getting dressed, or getting in and out of a car difficult.
How massage works to relieve the symptoms of Symphysis pubis dysfunction
Often, it will be recommended to receive 1 to 2 treatments immediately to combat the initial pain. After that, it may extend to every 2-4 weeks. This length of time depends on the pain you are experiencing, your lifestyle, and how your body responds to treatment.
An experienced prenatal massage therapist will use a firm to deep tissue massage along the upper thighs, groin, hips, glutes and low back to relax the muscles and relieve the pain. This will also help bring back flexibility and energy to the area. But that is not the only factor. Massage releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killer. After just one treatment, many clients report instant relief of chronic pain and an improved ability to move around comfortably again.
Please note for massages with Kelly Zeller at Wavell Heights: HCF and Medibank have recently changed their requirements for claiming on remedial massage. These health funds members are currently not able to claim with Kelly for remedial massage only. This does not affect any other modalities or practitioners.
