Swift Services
Swift Rehab is committed to providing you with quality services. Learn about some of these services by clicking the links along the left side of the page.
Pre & Post Partum Pregnancy
What is pre and post-natal massage therapy?
Pregnancy is a time of change. Your entire body adapts to the new life growing within you. You also face important life changes at home or at work, with family or friends. You need and deserve support, especially since two people depend on your health and well-being.
Massage is a wonderful way to relax, increase your energy, and relieve discomfort during your pregnancy. The caring touch of massage can help you experience your changing body in a positive way. It can also be something special for you at a time when so much of your attention is on the baby to come.
Is massage always appropriate?
Massage is not appropriate for some conditions. In order to begin massage therapy, you will need a referral from your doctor. Discuss your massage therapist your general health and pregnancy information. Always inform your therapist of any changes, however small or unimportant they may seem.
Is pregnancy massage for you?
Massage cannot completely relieve the discomforts of pregnancy. After your massage, the added weight is still present, hormonal changes are still happening, and any stress in your life is waiting for you as soon as you get off the table.
However, regular massage throughout your pregnancy, and after, can help relieve the physical symptoms and help you deal with stress. Massage supports not only your physical health, but also your mental well-being. In doing so, it can help you adjust to the many changes in your body and improve your outlook on life, making things seem easier during times of change.
What are the potential benefits of pregnancy massage?
- Reduce stress, promote relaxation, and normal blood pressure
- Relieve muscle spasms, cramps, and myofascial pain, especially in the back, neck, hips, and legs
- Increase blood and lymph circulation and support the physiological processes of pregnancy
- Reduce stress on weight-bearing joints and ease muscloskeletal strain and pain
- Provide emotional support and physical nurturing
- Enhance a woman’s kinesthetic awareness
What about labor and postpartum?
- Massage can help you prepare for the birthing process by:
- Increasing your awareness of tension in your body and how to relax it
- Learning to practice focus breathing and relaxation
- During and after labor, massage can:
- Offer supportive techniques to increase comfort during labor
- Promote shorter, less painful labor
- Assist postpartum restoration of abdomen and weight-bearing muscles and joints
- Promote healing, including post-cesarean scar tissue
- Provide new mothers with support for the physical and emotional aspects of infant care
Massage is not intended to replace appropriate medical and prenatal care. Consult your primary healthcare provider before receiving prenatal or postpartum massage.
