Services

Massage during pregnancy not only makes a woman feel pampered, but offers important physical benefits as well. Prenatal massage offers the following benefits:

• Countering the harmful effects of stress during pregnancy
  
• Relieving fatigue and enhancing sleep
  
• Alleviating the common discomforts of pregnancy such as sciatica, low back, pelvic, hip and round ligament pain
  
• Preparing the muscles for the birth process by releasing tension in the low back and hips
  

Erin uses side-lying massage during pregnancy after the first trimester because it is the safest way to massage a pregnant woman. Maya Abdominal Massage can be incorporated into prenatal massage as early as 20 weeks, depending on the mother's needs. For massage to prepare the body for labor and help stimulate contractions, see Labor Preparation Massage.

Erin incorporates specific massage techniques into prenatal massage to prepare the body for the birth process, with special attention paid to the uterus and muscles of the hips, low back, and legs. After the 40 week mark (or earlier in special circumstances), pressure point work is added to stimulate contractions. While many clients have been able to help faciliate labor this way, massage will not force the body to go into labor if it is not ready. Massage is a gentle way to help stimulate labor.

Postpartum massage is very beneficial and can help with the physical and emotional toll of being a new mother. Some of the benefits of postpartum massage include:

• Reducing the time it takes to recover from labor and delivery
• Relieving muscular tension caused by nursing and caring for your newborn
• Refreshing the mother dealing with sleep deprivation
• Providing the new mother an opportunity for self care

Postpartum massage can be done 24 hours after an uncomplicated vaginal birth. Massage after cesarean births usually feel best at least 2 weeks after delivery.

Swedish/Deep Tissue/Trigger Point

$100 90 minute massage-2 hour appointment

While many of the modalities that Erin specializes in require a gentle touch, she also has the strength to knead out even the toughest knot. Depending on what you need, Erin can go deep enough to work out your knots or light enough to send you into deep relaxation. Each massage session is tailored to the needs of the person on the massage table. She is experienced in working with a variety of conditions including migraines, whiplash, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and much more.

Maya Abdominal Massage is a non-invasive external massage technique. It addresses the position of the uterus and the problems that can be caused by it being displaced. These techniques can also help alleviate common digestive complaints. The initial session takes two hours. This allows for enough time to go over your medical history, 60 minutes of massage, and time to learn the self-care technique so you can continue your treatment at home. Erin is trained in the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage and has had additional training from the Arvigo Institute in Maya Abdominal Massage for fertility, pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Some of the conditions that can be improved by this type of massage include:

• Infertility
  
• Enhances pregnancy and aids in labor and delivery
  
• Painful periods and ovulation
  
• Pelvic pain
• Irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation
  
• Endometriosis
  
• Displaced or prolapsed uterus

When Maya Abdominal Massage is not performed:

• During menstrual bleeding
  
• During the first trimester of pregnancy (Erin uses other forms of massage that are acceptable during this time)
  
• Within the first 6 weeks following a normal vaginal delivery or the first 3 months after a c-section
  
• When an IUD is present
  
• If cancer is present or suspected anywhere in the pelvis, or the client is undergoing chemotherapy for this condition
  
• Gentle touch only for Hiatal Hernia