Advantages of Pre and Postnatal Massage Therapy From An Athlete’s Perspective

Did you know at Strive Holistic, we serve patients for their pre and post natal care? We are located out of the Evolve Strength Downtown gym, and service health conscious folks with massage therapy their body craves to optimize their health, and this includes the health of your baby during pregnancy, and during your post natal journey! Athletic, and generally health-conscious individuals need to think about the relationship between their body’s state of health during, and after pregnancy, and how this directly and indirectly affects the health of the baby! Amid this quest for peak performance, the significance of pre and postnatal massage therapy is emerging as a powerful ally for those committed to a holistic approach to health. Whether you're an avid athlete or a dedicated health enthusiast, integrating registered massage therapy into your routine, especially during the pre and postnatal periods, can bring about a multitude of benefits.

Let’s cover 10 benefits of utilizing massage therapy and receiving bodywork in your pre and post natal journey.

Enhanced Recovery

Pre and postnatal massage therapy aids in the recovery process for athletes and health-conscious individuals alike. Through the application of therapeutic massage techniques, muscle tension is reduced, promoting faster recovery from workouts and minimizing the risk of injuries. This becomes particularly crucial during pregnancy, as the body undergoes significant changes, and targeted massage therapy can alleviate discomfort and enhance an overall sense of healthy, balanced and align musculature that can be equipped to handle the unpredictable sensations of your body’s changes during pregnancy.

Stress Reduction

Both athletic pursuits and a health-conscious lifestyle can induce stress on the body. Prenatal massage therapy acts as a natural stress reliever, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. This is not only beneficial for the physical body but also supports mental well-being, fostering a positive mindset crucial for achieving a sense of mindful balance amidst the changes your body is experiencing!

Improved Circulation

Effective circulation through manual manipulation of the tissues to help push the fluid around can be paramount for athletic and health conscious people going through pregnancy, especially as the way your body moves will change. You may not be able to perform the same types of movement your body is used to, and in this way, massage therapy treatment, including deep tissue massage, enhances blood flow to those used-to-reach or hard-to-reach places. This ensures that oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles, tendons and ligaments more efficiently which is helpful as your tissues begin to stretch and change. This increased circulation supports quicker recovery and can be particularly advantageous during the demanding periods of pregnancy.

Alleviation of Pregnancy Discomfort

For health-conscious women navigating pregnancy that are used to massage therapy and other bodywork, prenatal massage provides relief from the unique discomforts associated with this transformative period. To go from receiving treatment, to not receiving treatment during pregnancy can feel particularly uncomfortable, so it’s recommended to keep your regular health routine unless otherwise contraindicated. From reducing swelling to relieving lower back pain, the expertise of a registered massage therapist can make this journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

Tailored Treatments To Continue Healthy Exercise

Athletic people that were used to a certain routine prior to getting pregnant often have specific muscle groups that required focused attention; an old injury that causes a misalignment, or chronic pain, for instance. During pregnancy, these injuries or pathologies can feel like they’re worsening, or simply feel more difficult or overwhelming to manage, amidst all the other changes. A registered massage therapist can tailor treatments to continue to address your individual body’s needs in a modified way if needed. This ensures you can still receive care for old injuries, chronic pain, scar tissue or other pathologies that are helpful to be treated, by incorporating deep tissue massage and other techniques to target these areas of concern as your body changes and the demand for self care in new ways expands. This personalized approach ensures that a pregnancy goes smoothly, the overwhelming affects to the body feels relatively minimal where possible, and helps you to feel like you’re getting the most out of your pregnancy experience.

Strive Holistic: Committed To Your Holistic Health (Conveniently Located In Downtown Edmonton)

Access to our holistic therapy clinic in the Evolve Strength Gym in downtown Edmonton, conveniently open 7 days a week from 9 AM to 8PM with 2 hour free parking provides a convenient solution for busy individuals committed to maintaining their holistic well-being. We are nestled amongst many other health collectives and professionals, for all your holistic care, from personal training, to physio, Acupuncture, and Massage Therapy, all in one location.

Neurological Benefits: Nurturing the Baby's Developing Nervous System

Prenatal massage goes beyond the physical realm, delving into the intricate world of neurology. Scientific studies suggest a fascinating connection between the mother's nervous system and the developing nervous system of the unborn baby. As a registered massage therapist works on the mother, inducing a state of relaxation, the calming effect extends to the baby.

Research indicates that a serene maternal environment contributes to the development of a more regulated and composed nervous system in the fetus. When the mother experiences reduced stress, which is contributed through prenatal massage, the unborn child may be exposed to lower levels of stress hormones. This, in turn, supports the creation of a more tranquil neurological foundation for the baby.

Understanding this neurological interplay emphasizes the importance of prenatal massage not only as a means of physical relief for the mother but as a potential influencer in shaping the baby's early experiences. The calmer the mother, the more conducive the environment for the baby's developing nervous system. Thus, incorporating prenatal massage into a health-conscious lifestyle becomes a scientifically-backed strategy for promoting not only the mother's well-being but potentially contributing to the neurological harmony of the unborn child.

In conclusion, the benefits of pre and postnatal massage therapy extend far beyond the immediate relaxation experienced during a session. For athletes and health-conscious individuals, the integration of registered massage therapy into their routines can be a game-changer, supporting enhanced performance, quicker recovery, and overall well-being. So, whether you're in the downtown area or a fitness enthusiast elsewhere, consider the profound impact that massage therapy can have on your journey to holistic health.

Book your pre or post natal treatment here today, or email us with any specific questions related to your pre or post natal care at info@striveholistic.com prior to booking. We look forward to supporting you with your health and the health of your baby!

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