Services

IVF support

Undergoing IVF can induce stress and in turn give rise to anxiety.  Experiencing unsuccessful cycles, waiting for treatment results and the associated uncertainty can lead to disappointment and significant psychological distress.

Stress and anxiety are extremely common symptoms in couples experiencing infertility and couples using assisted reproductive techniques (ART) to try to have a baby. Massage may assist in managing symptoms of psychological distress associated with undergoing an IVF cycle.

Massage may be helpful on the day of transfer to decrease symptoms of anxiety or stress and to relieve muscle tension associated with stress and anxiety related to the transfer.

Massaging the abdomen can help increase blood flow and promote relaxation. Many women find that scheduling a massage just before ovulation enhances their chances of conception.

The luteal phase is another important period. This phase starts after ovulation and lasts until the next menstrual cycle begins. Some women choose to have a fertility massage during this time to support uterine health and hormonal balance.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body is in a constant state of change. By responding to what is occurring for each client, at each visit, we are able to massage our clients safely and confidently.

Massage can help support these changes, assisting the body to adapt and cope throughout pregnancy. It can help relieve some of the common discomforts during pregnancy such as:

• Muscle tightness and tension from altered posture and gait
• Oedema or swelling
• Lower back & hip pain
• Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain
• Rib pain
• Leg cramps
• Upper back, neck & shoulder pain
• Insomnia due to pain, tension or stress
• Carpel tunnel

Massage may also help manage psychological changes that can occur during pregnancy such as anxiety and stress. Massage can also be used as a self-care tool and to promote the mother-baby connection.

Labour Preparation

Partner Training Massage can offer a wonderful support to the labouring woman, whether the partner or a designated support person performs it. Touch is soothing, calming and what connects us. Massage can be used during the birth to make it easier and more comfortable for the mother.A well prepared partner offering positive support during labour will assist in maintaining relaxation and focus for the labouring woman.

The support person will learn techniques they can easily adapt and utilise with the labouring woman for various birthing scenarios.

Private sessions are offered as part of NurtureLife® treatment. These sessions instil confidence in both the pregnant mother and their support person. Sessions are tailored to your needs whether you are a first time mother or already have children.

Postnatal massage

The early postnatal period is a time for your body to readjust and recover from the birth and pregnancy. New motherhood is both joyful and exhausting, as the body is undergoing many changes. It is an important time to enhance the mother’s physical and emotional wellbeing through massage.

The new mother needs to nurture herself as she nurtures and enjoys her baby. Postnatal massage enhances recovery.

Postnatal Massage can:

• Promote greater vitality and less fatigue for mothers
• Improve sleep
• Reduce baby blues and the sense of anxiety and stress
• Help regain strength and ease muscle tension
• Relieve the breast feeding posture, relaxing the neck and shoulders
• Reduce oedema and swelling
• Recover strength
• Help body to adjust after pregnancy

If your baby was born via caesarean section, a 2 week wait is required before having a massage treatment.

Scar massage therapy

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to scar massage because no two scars or clients are the same.

A scar is the result of the body’s natural attempt to heal lost or damaged skin and is usually composed of fibrous tissue. Scars represent the body’s best attempt to heal damaged tissue, but are not an indicator of full recovery. Often, scars can feel painful, tight or itchy for months or years after forming, which can be aggravating for people long after the original injury has healed.

For scars that may be causing pain or discomfort after healing, massage therapy can be of real benefit in terms of providing relief. In many circumstances, the overall appearance of scars can be improved.

Bereavement support massage

Bereavement support massage hopes to support those who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or newborn death. Helping to support and nurture the body and address muscles tension and pain associated with anxiety, grief and stress.

The grief and shock experienced after these events can be shattering. Cath is a skilled, compassionate therapist who offers a safe and supportive environment for those who have experienced a loss to receive massage treatment.

During this stressful time massage may help support and nurture the body and mind by:

• Reducing muscle tension and pain associated with anxiety, stress, grief and depression
• Aiding in relaxation
• Providing a break from the grief response allowing the body some much-needed time out
• Providing self-care

If you would like more information or to discuss if bereavement massage is the right treatment for you, then please email me via the contact page

Perimenopause/Menopause

Women’s bodies undergo significant change as they transition out of the childbearing years.

Perimenopause, occurs in the years prior to full menopause, and is defined by erratic periods and decreased hormone production.

During menopause, when periods stop completely, many women experience the full range of symptoms, as the body’s mix of hormones  changes. This phase may last from two to ten years, with most women averaging around five years.

Massage during this time can help with symptoms such as:

• Headache relief
• Tension release
• Increased range of motion
• Improved connection to the body, increasing ownership in the process.
• Reduced insomnia

Remedial massage

Remedial massage is the systematic assessment and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues of the body to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management.

Remedial massage can treat muscle-related pain and decreased movement (stiffness) associated with muscle tension, muscle tightness, spasms and focal thickening.  Common causes of pain and stiffness are repetitive movements (work, parenting or sports related), trauma, doing an activity you haven’t done for a long time, overuse and muscle weakness.

Remedial massage can have a direct impact on the muscular system by lengthening tight muscles, relaxing overused muscles, and reducing spasms.

Remedial massage has also been shown to influence neurotransmitters and cortisol, which are produced when pain and stress are experienced.

Massage may be beneficial for:

•  Neck pain and tension
•  Muscle-related headaches i.e. stress related headaches.
•  Overuse injuries
•  Managing sports related training and loading
•  Stress-related tension
•  Leg pain
•  Back pain