Do you feel like your legs are as thick as tree trunks?
By Nicky Davies, Massage therapist form TREWellness Centre, Cremorne
You may be pregnant, trying to get pregnant or had your baby. It doesn't matter which boat you're in, no doubt you've heard lots of stories about "what to expect when you're pregnant". Every pregnancy differs from person to person and baby to baby, however some symptoms are quiet common.
One of these is puffy legs, ankles and hands (which can lead to carpel tunnel syndrome.) This is one of the conditions that we aim to relive or elevate with pregnancy massage.
Hormones, namely progesterone and oestrogen, have a huge role to play during pregnancy which is to primarily prepare your body for the main event. Unfortunately these hormones also cause some unwanted effects, such as pregnancy related swelling. Swelling (or oedema) is an increase of fluid in the body. This can often be up to 40% in the third trimester of your body's usual fluid levels. No wonder it gets stores in the legs and we are left feeling puffy and without shapely wrists or ankles! Progesterone causes the smooth muscle to relax which impacts on the body's ability move or pump the oedema away. This oedema often pools in the ankles, calves hands and wrists.
Even Kim Kardashian can't escape pregnancy related ankle swelling!
Pregnancy massage to these areas consists of long gentle pumping strokes to help flush out the congested areas, a bit like a lymphatic massage. This helps to reduce the discomfort on the surrounding soft tissues and improve mobility of the ankle joint. This has, with some clients, provided relief with restless leg type complaints due to the improved circulation.
For more information of the benefits of pregnancy massage take a look at TRE Wellness Centres website: www.trewellness.com
TRE Wellness Centre was evolved with a very clear goal in mind, which we believe makes us that little bit different.
Nicky Davies
Nicky has been in the allied health industry for over 12 years, with a passion for helping people of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their health goals. Nicky has a BSc in Sports Therapy from the UK, Pregnancy massage Certificate, Post Graduate certificate in Vocational Education as well as qualifications in Personal Training and Nutrition. As well as practicing, Nicky is also an educator of health and remedial therapies.
