Pregnancy Pain Relief

“Your body will change during pregnancy”

Many women have heard this time and again. Due to hormonal changes this in fact will occur. But one specific change (and the discomfort brought on by it) is commonly spoken of yet rarely provided a solution.

I’m talking about the muscle tension increase from the growth of your belly. This new change in your body transforms the way you move, adding strain in areas that are unfamiliar. To relieve this in pregnancy Neuromuscular Massage Therapy is a clinical modality of bodywork that works wonders to relieve pain from specific injuries of the muscle, tendon or ligaments.

This style of massage has provided incredible relief to suffering pregnant women.

Despite the increase in women’s health, there is a need for the public to learn about neuromuscular therapy during pregnancy.

Massage therapy was originally performed by medical professionals in the area of muscular rehabilitation. Throughout time those roles have changed from doctors and nurses to physical and occupational therapists.

The term neuro derives from the nervous system being affected by the muscles. Massage therapists that have been trained to treat muscular injuries have normally been taught by physical therapists in this helpful modality.

Now to address our pregnant readers. Your first trimester will not result in major changes in your muscles in terms of tension,discomfort or nerve impingement. Hormonal changes might have you experiencing morning sickness and some fatigue but it rarely affects muscle tissue.

Although it is safe to receive a massage in the first trimester, during the second to third trimester is where most of the muscular discomfort begins.

Lower back, thigh and gluteal muscles will carry the majority of strain. This is due to continuous contraction and strain as they are overused in order to keep the pregnant woman’s body in balance. This new muscular stress can lead to accumulated tension and in some cases tendonitis in the heel, ankle and foot.

Tendon and ligament strain in the lower legs to feet are primarily seen by pregnant women that work long hours standing or walking. Such as the following professions:

• teachers
• sales floor jobs
• food server
• pharmaceutical

Not every woman carries her pregnancy the same. For many, the additional weight of your belly can potentially cause additional wear and tear on your ligaments.

Using neuromuscular techniques in prenatal massage is advantageous to a woman by relieving the tension in muscle groups affected during pregnancy.

Common ailments include sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome, which both show symptoms of nerve impingement such as pain and numbness being referred throughout the limbs (e.g arms & legs).  Blending these two massage modalities is a safe method,given that the therapist has considerable experience working with muscular injuries and is knowledgeable in the physiology of a pregnant woman.

In conclusion, neuromuscular massage therapy given by a qualified practitioner during a woman’s pregnancy is an effective and safe method to relieve major discomfort and can make the pregnancy much more enjoyable.