Pregnancy massage

[dark angel]

Hi

I wonder if anyone can help me. I have a client who has an appointmentwith me on Friday. She is 21 weeks pregnant and wants a back, neck and shoulder massage.
The first thing that sprung to mind was the comfort issue. I have not been trained in pregnancy massage or doing a massage with the client on her side. I will suggest that she has the treatment sitting on a chair and leaning on the couch.
Apparently, her pregnancy is not showing yet but i still dont think its a good ideas to have her lying on her tummy.

Is it very tricky massaging someone on their side?

Thanks

C.L

 

[Jalaal]

I agree that it would be better to have your client lying on her side. There are details of courses in pregnancy massage on the earlier thread [link=http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=381233]Courses in Pregnancy massage [/link]. But until you can go on such a course, I'd recommend doing a 'therapy swap' with a therapist who has done such a course, or who has done an advanced course in sports/remedial massage where massage on side-lying clients is a compulsory element of the course (such asthe London School of Sports Massage).

Regards

Alan

 

[Corrine]

Chickenlicken, massaging side lying is actually pretty easy. Lots of pillows under head, between knees etc. Then you work on the upper side - arm, neck, back, leg and have the client turn over and do the same the other side. You need to pay attention to comfort and draping - and it might be worth practicing on a friend before you experiment on a paying client, or a therapy swap as Alan suggests.

You are right even in early pregnancy prone can be uncomfortable, and in later pregnancy supine is also not recommended. Seated is also a fine way to work but your client may feel its less than a 'proper' massage unless you explain the reasons.

Hope thathelps

InTouch

 

[The Tank]

Chickenlicken, forgot to mention - if you work with side lying clients be careful with your own body mechanics and position. I have actually lowered my table a few inches.
From the clients pov you need to be careful they don't feel like they might roll off the table - here getting their back close to the edge of the table - and pillows and support between knees etc. If you are worried then working on the floor is good too.

In Touch

 

[PaA KwEsI]

Thanks In Touch for your reply. Great tips !!!

I spoke to my client and she was OK with having an Indian Head. She is herself training in Indian Head and was very pleased with her treatment as the one she got from a fellow student was not good. I did explain that he might have been a bit worried practicing on a pregnant client.

Yes thanks Alan D that is a great idea to do atherapy swap. I hadn't thought of that.

Thanks

C.L

 

[Terrorcrazy]

i am currently preg but alot further on i would trust the clieny if she is comfortanle on stomach then it should be oki am sure she will not put baby at risk.

 

[vauidpfv]

Lizzi, I agree there is little risk with a pregnant client prone - its really a question of comfort, and finding positions that work for the client - if she is not comfortable then she will not relax with the massage. If she is comfortable prone then fine I believe that even in early pregnancy tender breasts can be more of a concern than the bump itself :-(

There is some risk working with supinepregnant clients - evidence suggests that over 24 weeks the uterus can put pressure on the inferior vena cava and reduce venous return and maternal cardiac output (and placental circulation). In some women (est 10%) this can lead to dizziness and fainting. See [link=http://homepages.ed.ac.uk/asb/SHOA2/chpt1.htm]http://homepages.ed.ac.uk/asb/SHOA2/chpt1.htm[/link]if you are interested. So long sessions of supine massage are probably not a good idea - even if the client feels comfortable.

So the typical compromise is massage side lying - but its not the only option. Head massage sounds like a great option - well done C.L. for finding a creative solution ;-) (and the potential for a therapy swap).

InTouch