Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Hiya
I do pregnancy massage....I use my standard form which already asks if someone is pregnant and then has a line for details, towards the end of my form I have a general comment section that would take in any particular problems that may just be pregnancy related...

T
x

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Hi TigerBee

I have a client who is 8 months pregnant and she is currently seeing me for reflexology which she feels is very beneficial in terms of relaxation. However, she has asked me to do a back massage for her. She can only lie on her side. Do you have any tips on making her massage enjoyable and relaxing.

I can only imagine that I can do effleurage.

Many thanks

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

I know this question was directed at Tigerbee, but I find pregnant ladies can be made comfortable sitting on a chair or preferably a stool at the side of the couch, leaning over onto the couch, propped up with pillows. It's harder for you as a therapist, though, as you have to get down on the floor to them to do their lower back.

Lesley

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Hi Aromababe

Thanks for the advice. I too thought that this would be the best way but my client is suffering from pains around the pelvic area which her consultant has confirmed is a damaged ligament but has recommended that massage will help.

Because of this, she cannot sit down comfortably so she has to lie on her side.

I don't mind doing the massage for her but I know that for me it will be quite boring as it will only entail simple movements like effleurage and a bit of very light kneading around the lower back (on the fleshy areas).

I will do some more research.

Thanks for the advice.

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Hi,

I also love massaging pregnant ladies ( they seem to come in spurts - 2 or 3 on the go then none for a few months!)

I find that just for a back massage, I seat them on a stool facing my couch, with pillows on the couch for them to rest their arms/heads on. Very comfy!

For a full body, the couch must be raised slightly at head end - not good for pregnant ladies to lay flat on thier backs. I then make them rest on their side, with pillows under bump, upper thigh and calf, and for their upper arm.
It is really about ensuring their comfort at all times.

The massage has to be adapted - I start at an arm, then do one side of back, then upper leg, then turn them over and do other side. After this is done, I help them to sit up, and whilst they drink their glass of water, I will massage their shoulders and neck.

I do not have a special form, like the others I adapt my current form, and and extra notes in the "Therapists comment" section.

Karen x[sm=xmas-smiley-007.gif]

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Hiya Therapywise

Sorry Rahkee, off topic for a moment...[sm=offtopic.gif]

Sit her up, lean forward against couch with pillows, make sure couch is against wall etc so that if you apply pressure she or the couch does not move!

However I would suggest that if she actually has a problem in the area then refer her to someone who specifically deals with pregnancy massage....if she just wanted a general one then go ahead.....

Hope that helps a little....and apologies to Rahkee
T
x

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Thank you all for your advice.

I have spoken to my client and she is really not comfortable with sitting down for even half an hour - even though I explained that she could lean over the couch etc etc.

I will do the massage for her whilst she is lying on her side and see how it goes. The main thing is that she is comfortable and also that I watch my posture as it may get a bit awkward.

Thanks again - I will let you know how it goes.

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Going slightly off the subject - I have posted this in the Aromatherapy section but have not had any replies as yet. Would any of you non-aromatherapists, use a pre-blended oil specially blended for pregnancy (Neal's Yard)?

I am really unsure and will go with my gut instinct to use a good base oil.

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Neals yard do do a nice preblended mothers to be one however I just normally use base oil and its all just fine....pregnant womens noses are very sensitive and they may be more sensitive to the smell when none pregnant...

T
x

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Hi TigerBee

Many thanks for your advice - this is all I needed to know to reassure me that using a good base oil is all I need.

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Hi Alka

I went on a massage and pregnancy course yesterday in London - it was really good and thorughly enjoyed it. I found that massaging a lady on her side was good and that we can work deeper into certain muscles. I can't wait to try it one some of my pregnant clients. The back was a bit awkward but i think with practise it will be fine.

I just need to read up on the oils part and see which base oils to use and which to not as I generally use Sweet Almond but this might not be suitable for pregnant ladies - might have to invest in some other oil i think.

I asked abt the consultation form because one common condition that kept coming up to be aware of when massaging is symphosis pubis but i suppose I can just add extra comments in the "Additional/Other Comments" area.

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

standard grapeseed is good, if there are any very itchy patches of skin especially if stretching, calendula almost instanstly soothes so do a mix.

T
x

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

I don't mind doing the massage for her but I know that for me it will be quite boring as it will only entail simple movements like effleurage and a bit of very light kneading around the lower back (on the fleshy

I would work on whatever needed working on and don't think you have to necessarily stick to light kneading.

Agree with Tracy about referring her to somebody else and suggest she goes to an osteopath who should be able to help her, if not now, then after the birth.

Have answered your thread on aroma forum. But just saw this about her not being able to sit at all.

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

if it is SPD she has, there are trigger point releases that the maternity reflexology course (susanne enzer) showed us. can be very effective.

RE: Massage in Pregnancy Consultation Forms

Thank you all for your advice. I will see how it goes and let you know.