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BY PHILIP POTEMPA
Times Features Writer | Thursday, November 20, 2003 | (No comments posted.)
Weight gain, water retention, tight muscles, lower back pain and anxiety are just a few of the unhappy side effects of pregnancy. One option for relief that some women may not have considered is prenatal massage.
"I first heard about this three years ago when I was expecting my son Camryn," said Carrie Santner, who owns Designer's Club Salon and Day Spa in Valparaiso, which has now installed special tables to offer prenatal massage.
"It made a difference for me. In fact, I was using this form of massage therapy right up to the end of my pregnancy. I had just had a massage session the night before I went into labor and delivered."
Because the service wasn't offered in Northwest Indiana, Santner decided to do more research and include it as part of the services offered at her own salon and spa, which is now 18 years old.
"I liked that massage therapy not only offered comfort, but also relief from stress," she said. "And what really hit home was it was something that was beneficial for two people: mom and baby."
Tim McGarry, of Valparaiso, a certified massage therapist with the American Massage Therapy Association, served as Santner's therapist and now offers the same service at her facility. One of the unique aspects of the massage is it requires a special table that has a cut-out area with a sling to allow the soon-to-be mother to lie face down rather than on her back.
"I was first trained in massage five years ago and these tables were first being introduced," he said.
"This is still a very new idea in relieving pain and discomfort in a natural way that is non-invasive. Many people favor this as an option because it's an alternative to taking prescription medicine. I called all over the region, and to my knowledge, I believe we're the first health center that has these new tables."
Sheryl Behnke, of Valparaiso, a certified nurse midwife, recommends prenatal massage to her expectant patients.
"One of the most common complaints I hear from women who are expecting is lower back pain and sciatic pain," Behnke said.
"With an ordinary massage table, pregnant women cannot be on their stomach. Before these new tables were introduced, the expectant mother would have to be on her side. There's a much higher level of comfort and relaxation using these new tables."
The massage sessions last for one hour and some women might seek visits either weekly or monthly, depending on the level of need. It is only recommended for women in their second and third trimesters.
Michael Friedman, president of MHP International, a company in Lincolnwood, Ill., that makes assorted massage tables for professional and home use, said more people are discovering the advantages of massage for stress release.
"Massage benefits mind, body and spirit, all at the same time," Friedman said.
Since pain and discomfort lead to additional stress, Friedman said massage has been used for centuries to help with total mind and body health.
A new component of massage that McGarry also uses during his sessions with expectant moms puts a new spin on old techniques meant to appeal to the other senses besides touch.
Since expectant mothers sometimes crave special diets while trying to maintain healthy weight levels, McGarry has also incorporated aromatherapy using chocolate oils and scents.
"I think the chocolate cherry massage oil is one of the favorite of clients," he said. "But we also offer chocolate cake and chocolate mint variations. All are very tempting for cravings, without the calories."
* Philip Potempa is reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or (800) 837-3232, ext. 4327.
Benefits Of Prenatal Massage
* Emotional support and nurturing touch
* Relaxation and decreased insomnia
* Stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, lower back and pelvis
* Neck and back pain relief caused by muscle imbalance and weakness
* Assistance in maintaining proper posture
* Reduced swelling in hands and feet
* Lessened sciatic pain
* Fewer calf cramps
* Headache and sinus congestion relief
* Stress management
* Increased flexibility
* Reduce excess fluid retention
* Slow the progress of varicose veins
Source: Certified massage therapist Tim McGarry of Valparaiso. For more information, contact him at (219) 462-1118.
Benefits Of Prenatal Massage
* Emotional support and nurturing touch
* Relaxation and decreased insomnia
* Stress relief on weight-bearing joints, such as ankles, lower back and pelvis
* Neck and back pain relief caused by muscle imbalance and weakness
* Assistance in maintaining proper posture
* Reduced swelling in hands and feet
* Lessened sciatic pain
* Fewer calf cramps
* Headache and sinus congestion relief
* Stress management
* Increased flexibility
* Reduce excess fluid retention
* Slow the progress of varicose veins
Source: Certified massage therapist Tim McGarry of Valparaiso. For more information, contact him at (219) 462-1118.
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