Frequently Asked Questions
Remedial Massage
Q: Is Remedial Massage safe?
A: Yes! If you are receiving Remedial Massage from a trained and skilled therapist, this should ensure that the correct diagnostic testing, communication and treatment are carried out before & during your massage. A detailed client questionnaire will be completed and you should always be clear & honest when advising your therapist of your current & past history of health. If there are any contraindications to you receiving a Remedial Massage, your therapist will have the insight to refer you to a more appropriate health practitioner.
Q: How will I feel after my massage?
A: You should feel relaxed and refreshed immediately after your massage. For some, the next day after the massage may bring some discomfort, known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. (DOMS). This is the same feeling that one might get after an intense exercise workout. Applying massage therapy to muscles and soft tissue that may be already tight, damaged or injured, can cause local inflammation, which is a natural response of the body to start the healing process. This may be felt with mild discomfort, which should disappear within 72 hours after your massage, after which time, range of motion, and freedom of movement should be greater than before your treatment.
Q: How often should I receive a Remedial Massage?
A: There are no rules around the frequency of your Remedial Massages, but it is suggested that a
once-a-month maintenance massage is an effective way to keep your muscles healthy & supple and your body in balance.
You may need to have more frequent massages if you have a specific injury or concern. Remedial Massage offers an beneficial complement to other treatment modalities you choose as part of your health care plan.
Pregnancy Massage
Q: Can I have a Pregnancy Massage in the first trimester?
A: Yes! You can receive massage, from a trained & skilled Pregnancy Massage Therapist, at any time during pregnancy. Massage to the legs, feet and abdomen during the first trimester does not cause miscarriage, but some women prefer to wait until they have reached the end of their first trimester before receiving a massage. It is best to discuss your concerns with the therapist to understand your needs and for peace of mind.
Q: I’m on or past my due date. Can I still have a massage?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to receive a Massage when you are at, or beyond your due date, providing you have had a recent checkup with your health care provider and all is well with your health, your pregnancy and baby.
Having a skilled massage at this time in her pregnancy, may be just what you need to relax, feel connected with your body, mind & baby and prepare for the upcoming birth! Refer to Labour Prep & Birth Massage.
Labour preparation & birth massage
Q: Can I receive a massage that encourages Labour Induction?
A: Labour Induction is a medical term. Massage therapy is a non-pharmacological treatment, so it will not directly bring a woman into labour. Massage promotes relaxation, body awareness, a feeling of wellness, & balance, and can help by promoting a healthy state of mind for the release of oxytocin & other hormones that induce labour. In addition, working on areas of tightness and restriction in the lumbar, pelvic, legs and jaw, a mother’s body can be better aligned for a successful passage of baby. The emotional well-being that results from a massage may encourage positive feelings of letting go and allowing baby & body to work efficiently.
Acupressure points can further stimulate hormonal activity, prepare the uterus, & soften the cervix for the job at hand.
Aromatherapy oils can also be used to promote a positive mind, as well as have an impact on the quality & timing of uterine contractions.
Q: What sort of massage can you receive during your birth?
A: This will vary from woman to woman, and will evolve as your labour progresses.
During early labour, i will use experience & skill to facilitate a relaxed & de-cluttered mind, and help prepare the birthing woman tune into her body & baby for the important task at hand, learning to listen, accept and work with the cues of her labour journey.
Acupressure points can be applied to stimulate & sustain the actions of the cervix and uterus.
Essential oils promote feeling happy, energised and focused.
During established labour, stronger counter-pressure holds to the sacrum as well as hip/pelvis will be used to stabilise and ground the birthing woman becoming a more effective tactile therapy during contractions, with relaxation techniques in between contractions.
Postnatal Massage
Q: How soon after I birth my baby can I receive a Massage?
A: You can receive a Postnatal Massage immediately after the birth of your baby if you have had a vaginal birth and there are no complications that would contraindicate receiving one.
If you have had a Caesarean birth, you may need to wait for a doctor’s clearance if there are any complications. Otherwise, you can receive gentle massage to the neck & shoulders. This would be carried out in a seated, or semi-reclined position, and certain areas are avoided, due to the increased risk of blood clotting following a Caesarean birth.
Abdominal Massage for scar tissue can commence at 4 weeks postpartum, providing that the wound is healing well. However, education can begin before this to support acknowledgement, connection and provide emotional support and techniques for the early phase of wound healing.
Infant Massage Instruction
Q: How soon after birth can I start massaging my baby?
A: It’s never too early, or too late! Unless there are contraindications to your child receiving a massage, you & your baby can start enjoying the benefits of massage therapy from the time your little one is born.
Q: What is the best time of the day to massage your baby?
A: The best time of the day for your child to receive massage is when they are in the ‘quiet-alert’ phase of their daily cycle.
Most importantly, it is recommended that you massage your baby when they are not in pain (with the exception of colic & reflux), and when you and your baby are in a relaxed, yet responsive, mood.
Birth Doula
Q: Will my partner feel left out with a Doula present?
A: Absolutely not! I will always include your partner in the preparations for labour, and look for ways to enhance the role of the partner to the level that is comfortable.
The doula is not a substitute for the partner, and will use discretion when the couple are having ‘private moments’ and she needs to steps away. Conversely, there may be times when the partner needs to step away to get food, or fresh air, or a sleep if the labour is long.
It is the goal of the doula to respect & build the partner’s confidence in actively supporting the woman in labour and better understand the process.
Q: Is it a luxury to have a Doula?
A: I believe every woman should have a doula, and I know the couples that I have worked with would agree. Yes, having a baby is a natural process, but each labour & birth present so many variables, and the value of having someone present that understands the birth process, has skills & experience in diverse scenarios, and has the tools and strategies to manage these changes cannot be underestimated. It’s amazing what an extra ‘set of hands’ can offer. Your doula is not on a shift, and will provide continuous presence.
Postpartum Doula
Q: How can a Postnatal Doula help me?
A: Some of the most unique challenges of motherhood arrive in the Postnatal period. Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and out-of-control, so to speak are common at this time.
Your Postnatal Doula can be many things, some of which are - a empathic listener when the woman needs to debrief or chat (emotional support), a scalp or shoulder massage and help to sit through breastfeeding, carefully placing pillows and bolsters where needed to help the mum feel comfortable (physical support), offering ideas of local & community resources or classes (informational support), doing some light chores, laundry or cooking a meal (practical support), taking the baby for a walk whilst mum has a shower or some alone-time or sitting with the baby whilst mum goes out for a coffee, or to get some fresh air or accompanying mum on appointments or car trips (practical support).