First Trimester Massage - Arm Only

[prama]

Hi girls,

I read that first trimester massage is not recommended but I have been having a lot of pain in my arm due to RSI.
I've been wanting a massage but not sure if doing the arm only is bad? I know there are pressure points all over the body, hmm maybe I should just wait or go see a physio....

[lindsaymaree]

oh I hadn't heard of that, I had regular head, neck and shoulder massages throughout my first trimester. Probably once a week for about 25 mins, however didn't have any problems from it? I found it really helped me get through some morning sickness and tiredness.

[suse]

The main pressure points to avoid are in the feet and ankles (from memory) - I had regular massage throughout pregnancy and I think that as long as your practitioner is aware that you are pregnant and has experience in caring for pregnant women it is OK.

[prama]

thanks girls. I think might ring them tomorrow and see. I have an appointment tomorrow night, but just read online abt pregnancy and miscarriages in first trimester. there place has a $40 cancellation. but i will ask anyway. the masseuse's wife is pg and he said he had done pg massage, so he will know..

[Cherished]

Hi Prama I am a retired massage therapist I did it for many years with my own business. Massage is very safe during pregnancy however there are some things which are NOT ok. Any deep work through the glutes (your butt) and your hips and even lower back is NOT ok, also avoid the ankles and if the therapist doesn't know what they are doing tell them to just avoid the feet all together. Safe areas are neck, scalp, mid/upper back arms are totally ok, quads, hamstrings and calves as long as they dont' go down too far towards the ankles. Hope that helps and you enjoy massage through out your entire pregnancy One last thing make sure you go to someone who tells you they have been trained in pregnancy massage and who has provider numbers for private health funds (regardless of whether you have private health insurance or not) this is a way to insure that they are in fact qualified.

[prama]

thanks so much cherished! xoxo
the message therapist is well trained and he's really good for deep tissue massage. my rsi has been giving me grief in my arm and wrists. i had shiatsu in my last pg and it was great, and i remember the therapist at that time telling me how points at the ankle can trigger labour.
i rang the fitness centre and they are going to check w the therapist.. thanks heaps xox