Big announcement on it’s way.  Will tell you more later today!!!!

In other news, I was chatting to a fellow practitioner yesterday about how I seemed to have become an expert in buttock massage. 

Sciatic nerve pain is nasty.  It’s a sharp, burning, aching pain that starts at your buttock and runs all the way down to your knee and possibly your foot.  Makes getting in and out of the car difficult and sometimes even walking is a challenge.  The majority of my pregnant clients have sciatic nerve pain from postural changes, relaxin (pregnancy hormone) flowing and just the weight of the uterus but also my non pregnant clients seems to have this pain too.  Is it because we sit at the computer far too long?  Do we not stretch and walk around as much as we should?

The techniques I use are really effective, a little painful during treatment, but worth it.  I know this because they’re the same techniques used on me when I have sciatic nerve pain (whilst pregnant and now).  Other options for when you can’t get a massage quickly are heat packs, very gentle stretching, and laying flat with your leg straight.  Maintaining your pelvic floor muscle exercises is a great preventative measure and all women should do this anyway. 

It’s always a good idea to have any long lasting pain checked by your doctor.

So until the big announcement.  Have fun.

Em.

“How often should I have a massage whilst pregnant?”  My simple answer is as often as you like.  The more complicated answer is this.

First Trimester: With approval of your health care provider, a massage once a month is great.  This is all depending on morning sickness and general wellness during this time.  If you have any reservations, discuss them with your midwife/obstetrician first.

Second Trimester: Every two weeks.  This is the time where you’re usually feeling better, starting to feel pregnant and starting to get the early twinges and aches as this is when you start to show and your posture changes to counter the extra size and weight of your belly.  Having a regular massage is a great way to counteract these.  An added benefit is you sleep better as well.

Third Trimester:  Weekly massages.  By now your posture has changed and you might have started to “waddle”.  Your feet may have swollen and your lower back may be very uncomfortable.  The weight of the uterus may be putting pressure on your sciatic nerve as well.  You might even just want a bit of TLC and to get out of the house.  Massaging at this stage will help to relieve the tight muscles and ease some of the discomfort.  The regular rhythmic motion of the massage can also help settle the wiggling baby so you can get more rest.

Post Birth:  With clearance of your health care provider you can have a massage as soon as the day after the birth of your baby.  This also depends on how comfortable you feel and if there were any complications arising from the birth.  Having a massage post birth will help your body recover from the stresses of labour and help with the new postures of baby care.  You may also like to take this time to learn basic baby massage.  As to the frequency, it’s entirely up to you.

I hope this helps answer this question.

Em.