Prenatal Massage at Everest Therapeutics Vancouver:  
Massage During Pregnancy 

During the eventful nine months of pregnancy, a woman needs to ensure that she adequately receives a proper balance of nutrition, rest, and exercise. Lacking in any one of these areas can create harmful effects for both mother and child. Unfortunately, many common discomforts of pregnancy can prevent a woman from meeting her body’s changing needs. 

This is where using prenatal massage therapy can really make a difference…

Pregnancy massage or prenatal massage are specific terms used to describe a therapeutic massage treatment performed by a registered massage therapist, to help alleviate the troublesome symptoms and risks associated with pregnancy, such as:

• Sciatica
• Headaches
• Low back pain
• Swelling in the extremities
• Muscle tension  
• Sleep disturbances

The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage with one of our downtown Vancouver Registered Prenatal Massage Therapists

Pregnancy affects the entire body. Our professional team of registered massage therapists at Everest Therapeutics’ provide frequent pregnancy massages for women with common complaints and ailments of pregnancy.  

As the body makes room for baby the musculoskeletal system must adapt accordingly. This is where having pregnancy massage can be a benefit moms to be. In fact, studies at the University of Miami, School of Medicine, show that just 20 minutes of pregnancy massage twice a week for five weeks:

• Diminishes stress hormones in the body
• Helps regulate mood swings
• Reduces anxiety and encourages relaxation
• Helps to relieve stress on the lower back, pelvis, and ankles caused by muscles out of balance and shifting weight 
• Improves blood and lymph circulation, which reduces swelling and improves baby's oxygen supply
• Relaxes muscle knots that cause cramping, tightening, and stiffness
• Improves muscle and skin tone
• Assists to promote better sleep patterns

But that's only a few of the amazing benefits of prenatal massage with a registered massage therapist. Studies also report that expectant moms who received regular pregnancy massages may:

• Experience lower rates of premature birth
• Have fewer obstetrical complications
• Birth babies with  fewer postnatal complications

By utilizing pregnancy massage you will be on your way to ensuring the healthiest and happiest pregnancy possible. And it’s true what other mom’s of massage have to say, “pregnancy massage helps with labour and post natal recovery.” This, of course, is the purpose of prenatal massage; a healthy, happy mom, and a uncomplicated labour, delivery and recovery. 

If you’re planning on becoming pregnant, talk to your RMT to understand the anatomical changes your body will go through, and how prenatal massage can help.

Low Back Pain and Sciatica Issues During Pregnancy

Low back pain during pregnancy is very common. As the baby starts to grow it puts undue pressure upon the lower back and the abdominal region. The muscles, tendons and ligaments become stretched and the body’s natural impulse is to tighten them up. This tightening can lead to recurring lower back pain and Sciatica issues. 

Utilizing pregnancy massage in our Vancouver massage clinic will help to alleviate these conditions. A registered massage therapist trained in pregnancy massage can direct those tired and sore muscles that have been stressed to relieve some of the tension and strain associated with carrying a child. But there’s also a few things you can do on your own to help alleviate muscle strain and pain during pregnancy. 

Four tips to reducing your chance of low back pain during pregnancy

1. Strengthen your core muscles before becoming pregnant
2. Have a pregnancy workout to maintain your body
3. Work with an RMT to establish a pregnancy program
4. Practice regular low-impact stretches to stay limber

How we Do Pregnancy Massages at Vancouver's Everst Therapeutics

Did you know there is a registered massage therapist center in Vancouver that is specially trained in prenatal massage? Pregnancy massage is indicated for all types of soft tissue conditions that occur during pregnancy such as: low back pain, sciatica or sacroiliac dysfunction and our downtown Vancouver massage clinic, Everest Therapeutics is located on the Electra Health Floor, where many natural health services are provided. 

At Everest Therapeutics, we have all the correct support cushions and pillows you need to receive a comfortable and proper pregnancy massage. Your session begins with the therapist using a neutral smelling lotion or gel (you and your therapist can choose a lotion that you would enjoy) and during your treatment, the RMT will work on all of the areas that have been giving you pain but they will avoid working for too long on the areas near the heel and the ankle, because it is known that these areas are thought to be connected to the uterus and the vagina. 

We recommend, that the best time for the expectant mother to have a pregnancy massage is after the first trimester. At Everest Therapeutics’ your comfort and safety is our first priority. Mental, physical and emotional enrichment is our purpose during a prenatal massage session. 

Why we don’t use “pregnancy” tables?

A lot of spas and some clinics promote pregnancy tables. These tables usually have a hole cut out with a fabric hammock for supporting your belly. These tables seem like the answer to providing prenatal massage but they can have serious side effects. They can place undo strain on the uterine and other ligaments of your abdomen. 

In contrast, our clinic does not use these pregnancy tables. It is recommended that you lay on your side on a flat comfy massage table with a body cushion and pillow to provide support. So before receiving a treatment make sure that the RMT or massage clinic has all the proper supportive devices necessary for a safe pregnancy massage. 

Looking for Prenatal and Pregnancy massage in Vancouver? 

Well, you've come to the right place! Here at Everest Therapeutics, we offer the best in therapeutic prenatal massage in Vancouver. Contact one of Everest Therapeutics’ registered massage therapists today to discover the benefits and the precautions for moms to be including relaxation and advice from our prenatal massage experts.  

  Vancouver Pregnancy Massage Therapists 

Nicole Stephen, RMT

Suzette Elgar, RMT

Brandee McInnis, RMT

Lyrica Lawrence, RMT

Melissa Johansen, RMT

Heidi Joy Brown, RMT

Tanya Bayda, RMT, SDTT