Mama knows (and deserves) the best.
A prenatal or postpartum massage at Loehr Health may be right for you if you are pregnant, or have just had a baby, and….
01
You have muscles and/or joint discomfort.
02
Your hands and feet are swelling, but it isn’t preeclampsia.
03
A holistic, natural approach, to health is important to you.
04
Taking a moment to relax feels amazing.
What can massage therapy help?
Prenatal massage is a drug-free therapy making it one of the most recommended pain management therapies for expecting mothers. The Touch Research Institute (TRI) has conducted over one-hundred research studies detailing the benefits of massage therapy and its medical benefits–including prenatal massage. In multiple studies, their findings show that massage therapy during pregnancy can help:
- Decrease depression and anxiety during pregnancy
- Lower back, leg, muscle, and joint pain
- Control and lower cortisol levels
- Reduce pain during labor
- Improve pregnancy outcomes (i.e. lower incidence of prematurity and low birth weight)
- Lessen post-partum depression symptoms and cortisol levels
- Enhance bonding with the infant during the neonatal period
- Lower cortisol levels in the newborn
What else is really neat, is that TRI also found out that laboring mothers who received massage (compared to the control group) had shorter labors by THREE HOURS on average with less need for medication.
What is pregnancy massage?
A pregnancy massage is an all-inclusive term to mean any hands-on massage during (prenatal massage) or after pregnancy (postnatal massage).
A certified prenatal massage therapist uses massage techniques designed to be safe, effective, and comfortable for expecting mothers. For example, blood volume can increase as much as 50% during pregnancy while the level of natural anticoagulants in the blood (ya know, to help prevent the body from hemorrhaging during delivery) increases too. However, blood flow to the legs often decreases which puts pregnant women at a risk for developing blood clots—usually in the calves or inner thigh. Pregnancy massage therapists may avoid using deep tissue massage on the legs and instead use light and slow strokes.
What are the benefits of prenatal massage?
Prenatal massage can support the overall physical and emotional health of expectant mothers. Whether you are looking for prenatal massage near me or postpartum massage near me, we encourage you to consult with your doctor about what prenatal massage can do for you. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the potential benefits of pre and postpartum massage include the following:
- Improved hormone regulation
- Better sleep
- Reductions in swelling and edema
- Decreased muscle tension
- Reductions in headaches
- Improved circulation
- Reduced back pain, muscle pain, and joint pain
- Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
- Decreased stress and anxiety
Is it safe for pregnant women to get a massage?
Prenatal massage is generally considered safe after the first trimester. Some women that receive a massage during their first three months may experience additional dizziness or morning sickness. Be sure to let your massage therapist know you are pregnant prior to your prenatal massage.
While we do not require written consent from your doctor at any time during your pregnancy prior to receiving a prenatal massage, we highly recommend you consult with your doctor first. Be sure you speak to your doctor prior to scheduling a massage especially if you
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- Are at high risk of a miscarriage
- Are experiencing nausea, vomiting, or morning sickness
- Have had a high risk pregnancy such as preterm labor or placental abruption
Everything you want to know about prenatal massage and postpartum massage.
Prenatal Massage FAQs and Answers
How much is a prenatal massage?
- Please call our office for current pricing for 30, 60, and 90 minute sessions
Does getting a massage cause early labor?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that receiving a prenatal massage leads to early labor. A massage therapist may avoid certain pressure points due to the concern that it may trigger contractions, but there are no conclusive studies that show massage can kick-start labor.
Are your massage therapists licensed?
Yes, our massage therapists are licensed through the Missouri State Board of Healing Arts.
What is your cancellation policy?
Loehr Health Center (formerly Loehr Chiropractic) is committed to providing all of our patients with exceptional care. When a patient cancels without giving enough notice, they prevent another patient from being seen. Please call us at 417-887-8075, 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment to notify us of any changes or cancellations. If prior notification is not given, you will be charged for the missed appointment.
Should I tip my massage therapist?
Tips are not required, but are greatly appreciated.
Have another pre or postnatal massage question? We’re happy to help.
