Tulia Massage
 

Prenatal Massage

 

At Tulia Massage, prenatal massage is offered in the first trimester.  If your pregnancy is high risk, it is recommended that you get clearance from your doctor before receiving any type of bodywork. If it is not high risk and you just want peace of mind, speak to your doctor first about receiving massage. At Tulia Massage, your therapist will be certified in prenatal massage therapy.

 

One of the main concerns with prenatal massage is positioning.  At Tulia, you would be positioned on your side (your left side at first) with supporting pillows arranged to your comfort.  You may also be positioned on your back--depending on what your body requires in the given session--with your back elevated to at least 45 degrees. You will never be placed flat on your back during a prenatal massage. You would disrobe to your undergaments or nothing at all (it depends on your comfort level).  Your therapist will use grapeseed or coconut oil (or you can bring your own) to lubricate each part of your body that is being worked on.  Your therapist will only remove the sheet from the area of the body that is being massaged.  Every other area will be covered. A Prenatal massage is usually "full body" meaning the back, legs, feet, arms and neck.  Abdominal and scalp massage are usually performed upon request. Of course, if you prefer to avoid any areas, do not hesitate to tell your therapist.  

 

While it is important to take special care during a prenatal massage, an expectant mother many times requires more than a Swedish Massage.  Deep tissue techniques such as friction, distraction and passive and active myofascial release are very effective in prenatal massage.  Safety is of the utmost importance so it is necessary to know what should not be done during a prenatal massage. Areas that will not be worked include:

 

The inside of the leg

Certain acupressure points on the foot and around the ankle

Sacral points (areas of the sacrum can be worked, just not deeply or specifically)

Deep abdominal muscles

Acupressure point between the thumb and forefinger

Acupressure point on the highest point of shoulder

(Special care should be taken in the lower back)

 

With that being said, Tulia Massage offers labor induction massage.  Once you have been cleared by your physician and you have reached your 37th week of gestation, your therapist will work those areas that are avoided during the first 36 weeks of pregnancy (except deep abdominal massage and  the inside of the leg).

 

Labor Induction Massage: 75mins- $80

                                                   90mins- $100

 

Prenatal massage is helpful in addressing certain complaints during pregnancy. These include (but are not limited to):

 

Low back pain

Hip Pain

Joint pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Sciatica

Anxiety

Restlessness

Sleep disturbances

Edema (Swelling)

Shortness of breath

 

 

Tulia Massage offers 4th trimester massage or Post-Partum massage.  We address the physical and emotional aspects of childbirth. Specific care is given to the new mother and the physical toll that nursing takes on her body.  Positioning is also important during this time as certain areas may still be tender (especially if a c-section was performed).  Once again, it is advised that you receive clearance from your physician before scheduling a post partum Massage.

 

If you would like to find out more about what Massage Therapy can do for you, check out www.amtamassage.org