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Massage and bodywork magazine- "Proceed with Caution" foot and ankle massage for pregnant clients
Has anyone read this article? I've always been a little apprehensive about working on pregnant clients for fear that I might overstimulate them and cause preterm labor
(this is what is taught) This article discusses misconceptions that we have about working the feet of a pregnant client for fear of stimulating the reflexology points in the ankle and how that information is false and highly unlikely that work in this area could have such a powerful effect. It's a great article and I would love to hear others thoughts on the subject
(this is what is taught) This article discusses misconceptions that we have about working the feet of a pregnant client for fear of stimulating the reflexology points in the ankle and how that information is false and highly unlikely that work in this area could have such a powerful effect. It's a great article and I would love to hear others thoughts on the subject
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Susan G. Salvo on
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I’ve always felt a little strange about this idea.
Yes, stimulation of the uterus point can cause preparatory contractions (Braxton Hicks), but preterm labor?
When my clients in advanced pregnancy feel a strong contraction coming during foot reflexology, I just tell them that their uterus is exercising, getting ready for the big day.
Over 25 years of massage, no one has gone into preterm labor yet.
Could it be possible that people who claim that reflexology caused preterm labor would have gone into preterm labor anyway?
If it really worked, clients who wanted labor induced would be lining up in our doorway.
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Permalink Reply by Hillary Kate Arrieta on
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That's exactly what the article said- people would be wanting to use it for abortion purposes as well as inducing labor...
Susan G. Salvo said:I’ve always felt a little strange about this idea.
Yes, stimulation of the uterus point can cause preparatory contractions (Braxton Hicks), but preterm labor?
When my clients in advanced pregnancy feel a strong contraction coming during foot reflexology, I just tell them that their uterus is exercising, getting ready for the big day.
Over 25 years of massage, no one has gone into preterm labor yet.
Could it be possible that people who claim that reflexology caused preterm labor would have gone into preterm labor anyway?
If it really worked, clients who wanted labor induced would be lining up in our doorway.
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I'll ck out the article - thanks!
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Permalink Reply by Gerry Bunnell on
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One of the greatest gifts you can give an expecting mom is work on her feet!
There are a lot of misconceptions regarding massage and the potential of it causing preterm labor or miscarriage. There are several precautions that we are taught to observe: no work on the feet/ankles, no work during the first trimester, etc. that are not valid in regards to added risk to mom and fetus. Despite evidence that refutes massage being dangerous to a pregnancy, as massage therapists we assume the unenviable position of being held as scapegoats should a complication arrise with a pregnancy that we have been involved with. I believe this is why we are taught these precautions.
In our litigation happy society, we accept a certain amount of risk any time we touch a client/patient. For some reason this risk is blown out of proportion in the case of pregnancy. I think on a sociological level most have lost faith in the process of nature and embrace the science of technology. In doing so society has come to view pregnancy as a very fragile thing. Ever since time began, birth has been a natural part of life. Now we have so many precautions towards birth. "You have to have continual checkups", "You should have a child in a hospital", "Make sure you eat right and only gain so much weight", "Ultrasounds must be performed to make sure the baby is developing properly", "Gotta do tests to make sure the baby doesn't have any birth defects" etc. etc. etc. Oh, "it's very dangerous to have a natural birth attended by a mid-wife, you should have an attending physician".
Most of the standards listed above revolve around one thing - $$$$ for the physician and hospital. I recommend a wonderful book on this subject "How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor" by Robert S. Mendelsohn M.D. It is very illuminating on how the act of birth is manipulated by various industries to assure money is made.
Oooops, I started a rant and got off topic. I believe expectant mothers are discouraged against anything natural and encouraged to embrace their doctors guidance. Massage therapists as well as midwives are caught up in that manipulation. I have chosen to do what is right for my patients. I do work the feet. I do massage in the first trimester. I know that it takes an incredible amount of interference in order to cause preterm labor or miscarriage. When sensible precautions are followed in prenatal massage, the risk factors of pregnancy are not impacted by massage. If they were, we could all go into the abortion business.
Peace
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Permalink Reply by Marissa on
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Moms need massage. Before, during, after.... I checked, and we all practice pre-natal. That shows that there was some concern involved, enough to actually do CEs on the subject. That being said, there are a lot of "scare tactics" in massage in general. I believe that Gerry was on the right track. It's done so we mind our Ps and Qs and don't get in to legal trouble in some obscure way. The one thing that I took to heart when becomming certified pre-natal is this: If Baby is not ready, there is absolutely no magic button to push to force Baby out.
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Permalink Reply by Deborah Stevens on
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Okay, feeling like a dork..how can I access this article online?
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Permalink Reply by Stephen Jeffrey on
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Hi Deborah
I have only had a quick look and can't provide the exact link but this should get you closer.
http://massagebodywork.idigitaledition.com/index.php?&page=1
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Stephen, thanks for the link. That's where I was looking but I think the article is in the newest issue, which I cannot find online.
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Permalink Reply by Abram Herman on
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Hi Deborah,
That article was actually featured in the September/October 2009 edition, and is currently available online. Check it out at http://massagebodywork.idigitaledition.com/issues/8/Page67
Regards,
Abram Herman, Membership Coordinator at ABMP
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The book by Dr. Mendelsohn is great, I've read it too. Also, thanks for posting that 2009 article link, it's timely for my practice as well and worth a re-read. Is anyone else seeing a bit of a baby boom like we seem to have here? :)
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Permalink Reply by Choice Kinchen on
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In this day and age, pregnant women are encouraged to continue the activities they had before, but of course with caution and common sense. I've seen women work out with weights, powerwalk, swim etc with no ill effects. I hardly think that massage is so powerful that it could cause preterm labor, otherwise, as noted, we would have clients lining up at our door and yet another another modality to charge $$$ for in CE hours.
Marissa....good point.
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