Pregnancy

[jee bus]

I have only recently started doing chair massage and have yet to work on someone who is pregnant.  However, this next week I will be working on someone who is about six months pregnant. As none of my video or hands-on/apprentice training addressed this issue, I am hoping to get some feedback on any modifications that need to be made for pregnancy chair massage. Thanks!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Pregnancy

I've read in a couple places that pregnant women should avoid chair massage. Here's one article that says that:http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/0-9/4health/stress/tfs_chair.htmlI've also read that it's great for pregnant women! Go figure...obviously, there are differing opinions on the subject.Now I don't know what's true, but it's something to learn more about before the pregnant woman comes in for a chair massage.Good luck!

 

[FIDMpaige]

I have done chair massage with pregnant women.  My chair came with a modified wedge attachment.  I use that attachment with pregnant or large breasted women.I would have them adjust the wedge so that it was comfortable for them.  Usually it was above the belly/below the breasts.  I did my usual routine except no tapotment over the mid to lower back (or general area of where the baby would be).  Those were the only modifications that I was taught.  I would also spend a little more time on the hip and low back area.No problems.

 

[kazi]

Pregnancy

I've read in a couple places that pregnant women should avoid chair massage. Here's one article that says that:

http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/0-9/4health/stress/tfs_chair.html

....

Now I don't know what's true, but it's something to learn more about before the pregnant woman comes in for a chair massage.

Good luck!

Leah, it can get confusing knowing when massage is contraindicated.  "Consider the source" is advice that I would give in this situation.  That article is from the UK, where acupressure is used more than muscle-based chair massage.  There are several acupressure points that are contraindicated in pregnancy, including LI4 and UB62.  Even Swedish massage has contraindications - proceed with caution.

When researching information, it is best to use PEER reviewed research -- meaning, research that is done by massage therapists.  I recommend Touch Research Institute or sites that are published by AMTA & AMBA.

"I've also read that it's great for pregnant women! Go figure...obviously, there are differing opinions on the subject."

From an abstract at the TRI:
METHOD: Twenty-six pregnant women were assigned to a massage therapy or a relaxation therapy group for 5 weeks. The therapies consisted of 20-min sessions twice a week. RESULTS: Both groups reported feeling less anxious after the first session and less leg pain after the first and last session. Only the massage therapy group, however, reported reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep and less back pain by the last day of the study. In addition, urinary stress hormone levels (norepinephrine) decreased for the massage therapy group, and the women had fewer complications during labor and their infants had fewer postnatal complications (e.g., less prematurity).

I hope this helps ~

 

[ssssss]

Pregnancy

Just to clarify, tapotement should never be done/is contraindicated on the lower half of the back (pregnant or not) as the kidneys are located in close proximity to the lumbar part of the back.Be well,Jen

 

[softtop_2007]

Pregnancy

Thanks for the info NC_Kneader! The first article did seem to have more to do with accupressure points than anything. Did that research from the TRI have to do with chair massage or table massage (or both)?

 

[DieselPowered]

Pregnancy

Oh, and one more thing. I'm curious about what MTs feel about this...Should MTs be trained in Pregnancy Massage before working on pregnant women?

 

[BatMan]

Just to clarify, tapotement should never be done/is contraindicated on the lower half of the back (pregnant or not) as the kidneys are located in close proximity to the lumbar part of the back.

I was taught it was ok while going over the kidney area to use very light tapotment.  But, to avoid tapotment to the backs of the knees, neck, ect.  I have never had any issue resulting from the lightened tapotment through the kidney area.  Just a difference in teaching, I guess.

Should MTs be trained in Pregnancy Massage before working on pregnant women?  

Yes, there are many things that a therapist needs to be aware of before working with pregnant clients.

 

[Niko]

Pregnancy

Masthera,The possibility of failing the state's (practical) exam is VERY high if the video tape shows the therapist performing tapotement in the lumbar area. The idea is that any percussive strokes are considered potential hazard as there is no way of knowing how each client's kidneys would react (depending on the client's health history). Also, what a therapist might think is "light" tapotement may not be in actuality all that light on a body. Just letting you know that here in the state of Texas, it is a definite taboo/major contraindication and the logic behind it makes sense (IMO).Be well,Jen

 

[Raliegh Theodore Sakers]

Pregnancy

I think it is imperative for someone to be trained in pregnancy massage. You're not only effecting one body but two and both of them are going through some major physiological changes. I wouldn't want to do anything that could negatively impact either of them.

 

[Wade L]

Thanks for all the great information so far. I would like to clarify that in my particular situation I have been trained in and performed plenty of pregnancy massages on a table. My particular quandry is more about fit on the chair.  Any more ideas there?  

 

[BRET69ER]

Ah! Ok, that makes a difference! Have you seen the pads they have to make pregnant women more comfortable on massage chairs? Here's one:http://www.bannertherapy.com/ProductInfo.aspx?number=60-878&qty=0&SM=2I saw this posting online:

erika30MemberMember # 1036      posted 09-25-2003 05:42 PM     Profile for erika30     Send New Private Message   Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote Hello Brett,Thanks for the info. Just a little note...i have heard many therapists say they wouldn't offer anything below 1$/min. for a chair massage. I guess it's an industry standard here in Quebec. I see some companies charging 15$/10 min massage then they factor in 5 min. to fill out health questionnaire and get installed on the chair (which they charge their clients). I have seen others charge 10$/10 min. but the extra 5 min. is at the therapists expense. I also massage pregnant women on the chair, with the back exposed and i use the same manoeuvres as in swedish massage with the use of oils/gel. This way i don't break my wrists trying to massage them when they are laying on their side. I can't massage them on the chair beyond 20-25 minutes due to the effects of their blood pressurelowering when they sit there for too long. I like it cause i have access to the entire back.Write back with your progress if you want,Erika

it's from *gasp* another board, but i thought it might be helpful? here's the link:http://www.massageresource.com/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=000010

 

[barbara b]

Pregnancy

you're welcome Leah, glad I could help

What I quoted was the whole of the abstract; it didn't otherwise state if this was table or chair massage :-[

Oh, and one more thing. I'm curious about what MTs feel about this...Should MTs be trained in Pregnancy Massage before working on pregnant women?

Definitely; as someone else stated, there are many things you need to be aware of.  Draping with a body pillow in a side-lying position is also tricky and is one of many things that require hands-on training.  

This is part of our curriculum, and is one of 4 "special groups" competencies we have to complete.  The text for this class section is "Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy" by Carole Osborne-Sheets. $26 paeforum.xxxack

Getting back on-topic concerning pregnancy chair massage, this book only states that it is "okay" [author's wording] in any seforum.xxxe of pregnancy, depending on the comfort of the client. It shows the client seated "backwards" in the chair and states, "On-site massage chairs are a safe alternative only when the pregnant client semi-reclines against the pad normally utilized for chest support..."

The author also emphatically states, "the safest position for prenatal massage therapy is the sidelying position, regardless of the possible inconvenience to or preference of the practitioner."

This book was copyrighted in 1998.

 

[deankeen4444]

Hi.  I just wanted to report back that the pregnancy chair massage went well. I'd been practicing all types of possible setups to accomodate the pregnant stomach with the sternum pad that I have and guess what?  I didn't need to do anything different! She was perfectly comfortable with the usual setup. But just in case the next person isn't, I'll be ready with all kinds of options.

 

[Jay John]

Pregnancy

Thanks for letting us know!I guess "the comfort of the client" would be a fairly safe rule of thumb regarding chair massage?