Pregnancy Massage

Welcome to Elevata Wellness Centre, Montville

What Is Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massage is a form of bodywork therapy designed to meet the needs of pregnant women as their bodies go through the dramatic changes of pregnancy. This kind of massage helps enhance the functioning of joints and muscles, improve blood circulation and general body tone, and relieve mental and physical fatigue.

How Does Pregnancy Massage Work?

Pregnancy massage is a specialised type of manual therapy that addresses the physiological, mental and emotional needs of a pregnant woman. There are several techniques designed for pregnancy massage and the most common ones include:

Deep tissue massage - helps relieve muscle swelling, tension and stress

Swedish massage - helps relax muscle tension and improve circulation

Shiatsu - helps stimulate natural energy

Pregnancy massage therapists adapt their techniques to address the complex changes occuring in the woman's body during pregnancy. Also, they understand that an expectant mum goes through different levels of pain and discomfort throughout her journey to motherhood. Having said that, a seasoned therapist ensures that their client continues to relish physical comfort long after she has left the massage clinic by sharing some helpful self-care tips.

Here are some massage techniques that every pregnant mum can enjoy at home:

Gentle foot rub
Back rub
Shoulder rub
Scalp massage

What Are the Benefits of Pregnancy Massage?

Studies have shown that receiving massage therapy during pregnancy can help reduce anxiety, lower depression symptoms, relieve muscle and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and the health of the newborn.

Additionally, it offers the following benefits:

Stimulates the release of the happiness hormone serotonin
Improves sleep
Promotes the physiological response of relaxation
Relieves and improves nerve pain
Reduces swelling
Reduces back pain
Improves blood and lymphatic circulation
Improves oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles

What Can You Expect From a Pregnancy Massage?

Pregnancy massage is a hands-on massage and usually lasts for about an hour. Therapists use a pregnancy massage table to accommodate the mother's belly. Others also use bolsters or specially designed pillows to comfortably position the mother on her side. Lying on the side is often the most comfortable position during the later stages of pregnancy.

Before the treatment session begins, the practitioner will ask the client if they have any underlying conditions which may not warrant a massage as it may pose a risk to their pregnancy. Despite its numerous benefits, pregnancy massage is not advisable for mums who fall into the following categories:

At high risk of miscarriage
Experience nausea, vomiting and morning sickness
At high-risk pregnancy such as placental abruption and preterm labor
Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
Preeclampsia

A pregnant woman must consult her ob-gyns first before getting a massage. Moreover, she must see to it that the practitioner whom she's working with is a certified prenatal massage therapist who has completed an advanced training program that focuses on massage techniques which address pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy.

Is Pregnancy Massage Safe?

Generally, pregnancy massage is considered safe after the first trimester of pregnancy. It should be remembered to avoid getting a massage during the first three months as it might trigger dizziness which can add to the daily morning sickness. Also, avoid applying direct pressure on the area between the heel and ankle bone as it can trigger contractions. Deep kneading in the abdomen area may also make the client uncomfortable.

Come rejuvenate your body, reset your mind, and discover a sense of renewed vitality at Elevata Wellness Centre & Retreat. Experience our blend of traditional and contemporary massage therapies and let the path to self-discovery, healing, and revitalization unfold.

ABOUT YOUR THERAPIST

Danielle Smith

Danielle has 30 years experience as a healing practitioner and is often described as having “magic hands”. She commenced her career with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy at Sydney University. She has worked at over 10 clinics in and around Sydney, as well as owning 2 private practices of her own, and running clinics within several health, fitness and wellness studios. In 2022 Danielle and a colleague founded Freshwater Wellness Centre, in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, which was a haven of eastern, western and esoteric healing modalities

During these years Danielle also became fully qualified as a Spinal Energetics practitioner, Clinical Pilates Reformer teacher, and a Master Trainer in Personal Training. She also upskilled in additional healing modalities such as Dry Needling, Muscle Energy Techniques, Aromatouch Massage Technique and hot stone massage

During her own healing journey, Danielle also studied and experienced many forms of natural and alternative healing practices. This journey was the catalyst to her expanding into a much more holistic and intuitively-guided way of healing others, in combination with Western Medicine methods.

Danielle completed Diplomas in Integral Sound Healing for groups and Integral Sound Healing 1:1 with the Sound Healing Academy (UK) and is an intuitive energy healer who can channel high frequency transmissions, through her hands with specific codes, that can facilitate healing, wellbeing and energetic shifts within both the body and the environment.

Danielle is a believer that we are multi-dimensional spiritual and energetic beings, living an earthly experience in a physical body. In order to be in a state of wellness, all elements of our being need to be in balance and in a high vibrational state. She is passionate about facilitating healing through the energetic fields of the body, clearing unhealthy energy that does not serve the health of the client, and raising the body’s frequency so as to release pain and unease bring the client into their most authentic and whole state of being.

Danielle is very empathic, empathetic and nurturing, providing a safe, loving and supportive container for all those who seek her offerings.