pregnancy massage / physio

[benjaminty]

Hi All,

Mrs Benjaminty is bordering on crippling herself by working long hours 6 days a week in a very active job on her feet. She's 6 months gone and can only see this getting worse the bigger she gets. She was in tears yesterday trying to get through the day.

I have seen the recent post by aloued on the pregnancy massages as well as Indian head massage, Thai and Swedish massages available but has anyone been to a physio whilst in second or third term? Mrs B went to a day at the Sanctuary a week ago and the massages just gave a bit of relaxation as opposed to dealing with back problem.

Wondering what the risks/differnces are for going to a standard physio as opposed to pregnancy massage. Anyone have a take or experience of either?

Thanks

[apenn]

Hi Benjaminty,

I've never had a pregnancy massage, but I've had all sorts of massages and alternative treatments over the years (osteo, chiro, accupuncture . . . ). I can't say for certain, but I'm willing to bet that a pregnancy massage is more for relaxation and light muscle fatigue rather than the more serious suffering your wife seems to be enduring. It sound to me like she should go through your GP or midwife to get a proper diagnosis and treatment, which may very well be physiso.

Additionally, it sounds like there is an issue that needs to be addressed at her work place. Her employer is legally obligated to perform a safety risk assessment for risks to preganant women, and such risks include standing on your feet for long hours. They should find a temporary alternative assignment for her and if that's not possible, she can be relieved from her duties on full pay. See the following and go from there:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Moneyandworkentitlements/WorkAndFamilies/DG_10026556

I hope this gets resolved for her ASAP. She shouldn't have to spend everyday in agony and tears, jeaopardising her and the baby's health!

Best wishes,

-A

[benjaminty]

Hi Apenn,

Thanks for response and yes have the same suspicions as you re pregnancy massage. I'm wondering (not hoping) if someone has had similiar situation but found a safe and sound method of addressing the issues. Will have to send her back to the midwife for a chat and perhaps a referal by the sounds of it.

As for employee entitlement - it's own our business that she runs so any treatment will be paid for as we go. Getting the work / feet up relaxation balance is difficult in these circumstances.

[Sanne Panne]

I believe some of the physios at ESPH (the gym on Lordship Lane) have experience with pregnancy and they do offer massages for non-members there. You can always give them a call. Good luck!

[Fuschia]

benjaminty Wrote:

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Mrs Benjaminty is bordering on crippling herself by working long hours 6 days a week in a very active job on her feet. She's 6 months gone and can only see this getting worse the bigger she gets. She was in tears yesterday trying to get through the day.

it's own our

> business that she runs ... Getting the work / feet up

> relaxation balance is difficult in these

> circumstances.

Well, with respect, she is going to HAVE to slow down, otherwise she will be off work totally with SPD or worse.

[missse22]

Has your wife tried using a pelvic compression belt? I am 8 months pregnant, and i am still working, my job is very demanding (i am a personal trainer / boxing coach) i have just got a compression belt, the make is 'the com-pressor' and i find its a great help.

I have had pregnancy massage with Amy (Aloued) which was brilliant. As for going to see a physio, id get her to talk to her midwife 1st, and get refered.

Good luck,

Simone

[benjaminty]

Hi Fuschia - SPD?

Thanks Sanne Panne - we were members of ESPH in the past and when we move back to Dulwich this week I will get her to drop in and have a chat with them. Will definitely need to get to the midwife or GP first though.

MissSE22 - any of these that you have? http://www.betterlifehealthcare.com/products.php?catID=27&subID=366

Thanks all

[Countjc]

Hi there

I have been seeing some really great physios both on the NHS and privately for SPD (Symphysis pubis disorder where your ligaments get so stretchy that your pubic bone and hips start to move out of alignment) and also been having pregnancy massage to keep my circulation going. Although Kings is probably closer, St. Thomas's have a specialist womens health physio called Paula and she is amazing. She also does acupuncture and you can get hydrotherapy there twice a week which has really helped. You will need a GP referral and the number to call is 020 7188 5084. I see her for acupuncture and the hydro but their physio slots aren't v. long and get booked up. They will also give you a pregnancy compression belt which definately helps.

So for physio I have been seeing this amazing lady in Wandsworth who specialises in pelvic pain in pregnant women. She works for six physio and is called lizzie- here is the link http://www.sixphysio.com/index.php/places/wandsworth-sw18. This has really helped to give me some mobility back. Annoyingly my works health insurance doesn't cover it but plenty insurers do but I figured it's worth the money if it helps the pain and I would say that this is the treatment that stands out above all the others.

Then i have been havin a weekly pregnancy massage at Lesly Leale Green in Dulwich village to try to keep my blood circulating as I haven't been able to move properly since January. Again really good but more of a massage than specialist treatment.

It is definately worth getting treatment asap as the heavier the baby gets, the more sore she could become. Hope some of this is useful and feel free to PM if you want any other nos.

Best of luck

[apenn]

No worries.

As for the work/feet up balance, I understand that having your own business must have a lot of constraints. You might want to consider starting to think now about what you will do in the months to come (maybe hiring temporary help, getting other family members to help out?) because the second trimester is the golden time. I remember thinking I was fine and quite mobile, and then suddenly realised that a 10 min uphill walk was taking me half an hour! And that was without SPD or any other complications. Hope it all works out and glad to see much more helpful posts than mine above.

-A

[sandy_rose]

Hmmm...I've just hit my 34th week and definitely starting to get very uncomfortable in work, even though mine is sitting at a desk most of the day so not as active as your Mrs. All I can say is I don't envy her!!

I've had backpains on and off, the physio prescribed by my GP was a complete waste of time. I've had a pregnancy massage which was relaxing but nothing more than that. I can highly recommend osteopathy treatment by Julia at The Vale Practice. She sorted out my shoulder pains, lower back pains and even my niggling hearburn. Osteopathy is very safe in pregnancy and also very good for making sure the pelvis is correctly aligned in preparation for childbirth.

I think Julia also practices at the Osteopathic Centre for Children in Clerkenwell on a Wednesday. Pregnant mothers are welcome too and I think you pay a reduced rate there.

[benjaminty]

Thank you all for your advice and help.... really appreciated

I'm going to spend more time in here.... Football Focus thread is getting worse by the day :-)

[aloued]

Hi,

I am a qualified pregnancy masseuse and will happily help out if I can. I perform a fairly light massage- though I can go deeper if required and it is hugely beneficial for stress relief, relaxation and also pain relief during pregnancy. It can balance the fluids in the body and help to rid it of toxins as well as aid the balance of the energy in the body and relax the baby.

I advise you to speak to your midwife first, but if you feel it could be of benefit and she says so too- then get in touch!

I am offering new clients a one hour massage at ?20 for their first treatment.

[missse22]

Hi,

The belt im using is called 'THE COM-PRESSOR' their website on the manual is www.optp.com

However im sure a lot of the support belts on the betterlifehealthcare.com website are good, the trochanter belt looks pretty similar to the one i have?

Good luck,

Simone