Pregnancy Massage

It is important to take time out and relax during your pregnancy, ProPhysiotherapy offers Pregnancy Massage.

Pregnancy can be a wonderful time for expectant mothers, it can also however be accompanied by some painful unwelcome side effects which develop as the body changes to accommodate the growing baby.  Muscular discomfort and tension, pain in the back, neck, shoulders and hips, headache, fatigue, insomnia, leg cramps and heartburn are all commonly reported unwanted side effects of pregnancy which can be significantly improved with the use of pregnancy massage therapy.

Professional massage therapy is extremely beneficial for the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic transformation of pregnancy. Ante-natal or pregnancy massage offers a wide range of physiological, emotional and psychological benefits and can help to establish the bond between the mother and the unborn baby. The human touch during massage is also comforting, providing emotional support during pregnancy.

The Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

Having regular massages during pregnancy brings with it a surprisingly long list of advantages, including but not limited to the following:

What to Expect

During the first session, an initial consultation will be carried out to include a full medical history. This is also an opportunity for the mother to discuss any particular symptoms she would like to focus on as well as address any concerns.  Most treatments are then carried out with the client in a side-lying position fully supported with cushions. This allows access for a full body massage including the neck, shoulders, back, legs, head and feet. The patient can then turn over to repeat the treatment on the other side.  Some women choose to lie in a specially designed HOLO, this is similar in appearance to a lilo but has a hole in the middle to accommodate the bump. Other women may choose to remain seated and opt for an Indian Head Massage or combine their treatment with pregnancy reflexology.

Is Pregnancy Massage Safe?

Pregnancy massage is of a very different nature to non-pregnancy massage but research has shown that it is safe to have a massage during pregnancy. Pregnancy massage performed by our fully qualified therapists is safe for both mother and baby, and no fragranced oils are used during the treatment.

Take Time Out To Relax

Pregnancy is often a very busy time for the expectant mother-to-be, many are still working, running a home or looking after other children. Preparation for the welcoming of their new arrival can often be difficult to juggle alongside the body working extremely hard to develop a new life.  It is important during this exciting but often busy time, to take time out and relax during pregnancy, even for those lucky enough not to suffer from any adverse pregnancy-related symptoms, they still deserve a treat! 

Our Therapists

ProPhysiotherapy provides highly experienced therapists. If you are considering booking a pregnancy massage and would like to find out more about our massage therapists and their qualifications, one of our team would be happy to discuss this with you either over the phone or in-person to put your mind at ease.

For further information on our pregnancy massage therapy, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

The Experts…

Ramita Kudhail

BSc (Hons)

Sport & Exercise Scientist

Since studying Sport and Exercise Science and graduating from the University of Hertfordshire in 2015, I have continued to study and have furthered my skills with qualifications in Sports Rehabilitation Injuries, Personal Training, mat Pilates and have experience with GP Exercise Referrals and Special Population Groups.

I am a member of BASES, REPs and CIMSPA, accrediting me to be a Senior Health Practitioner.

Over the years, I have developed a passion and take pride in alleviating pain and enabling patients to recover and rehabilitate fully from injuries. I aim to identify the underlying postural causes of any dysfunction or symptom, and use a wide range of techniques that are adapted and specific to the needs of the individual client.

My approach is to create a functional, pain free, healthy lifestyle for all clients and my aim is to help them achieve their goals.

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Catherine “Kate” Robertson

MSc MCSP

Advanced Practice Physiotherapist

Achieved a distinction in her Physiotherapy Masters in Sports Injury and Therapy from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2003. She works very closely with the Orthopaedic Consultants at St George’s Hospital, London and at Frimley NHS Trust. She has over 20 years experience in assessing and treating all musculoskeletal patients.

Clinically she works as an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) in Orthopaedic Spine Clinic and performs peripheral injections and spinal injections in the NHS. She completed her Diploma in Injection Therapy at the University of Hertfordshire in 2012 and finds that using corticosteroid injections as an adjunct to physiotherapy can be exceptionally useful and successful. Kate completed her non-medical Independent Prescribing course from the University of Brighton in 2017 and therefore has the qualification to prescribe medications where appropriate.

Kate has an excellent knowledge base for treating lower limb injuries and assessing biomechanical issues. Due to her Masters qualification, she enjoys treating all sporting injuries and she specialises in ACL reconstruction and post op knee rehabilitation, and has a particular interest in biomechanical and gait assessments. She worked in Val d’Isere for 2 seasons and has therefore treated numerous skiing injuries. Her NHS work ensures that she provides research based spinal treatments and takes a holistic approach to all patients to help them achieve their goals.

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Alexandra Kallistratou

MSc MMACP MCSP

Physiotherapy Specialist

Alexandra is passionate about her job as a physiotherapist. She finished her masters at Coventry University in 2012 and since then she has been working in various private physiotherapy clinics.

Her areas of expertise include musculoskeletal overuse conditions and sports injuries, and she has a specific interest in spinal and shoulder joint pathologies.

Alexandra combines various treatments techniques in order to achieve the treatment goals, including manual therapy techniques, trigger point release, acupuncture and exercise prescription.

She has a particular interest in research, providing all her patients with evidence based practice and up to date physiotherapy techniques, and she hopes to finish her PhD soon!

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Sarah Engelbrecht

BSc MCSP

Physiotherapy Specialist

Sarah qualified as a physiotherapist in 2003 from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Since then she has worked as a physiotherapist in both the UK and in South Africa. She has also been involved in other areas of health care such as spinal surgery. She has experience treating patients of any age, from teenagers to the elderly.

She is a keen runner, and has always been the go-to person in her running club for any aches and niggles. She loves treating runners of all abilities to help them to achieve their running goals injury free.

She has an interest, and vast experience, with treating neck and lower back injuries, as well as spinal surgery conditions. She enjoys treating sports injuries, work-related pain and other post-operative rehabilitation and recovery treatment.

She worked with the Springbok rugby team before the 2015 World Cup Rugby. She was also the primary physiotherapist at an ultra 3 day stage mountain bike race.

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Anica Coetsee

MSc MCSP

Physiotherapy Specialist

Anica graduated as a physiotherapist from Stellenbosch University (South Africa) in 2009. After graduating she focussed her career on Musculo-skeletal conditions and completed a Certificate in OMT (OrthopaedicManipulative Therapy) in 2012 and thereafter her Master’s degree in Physiotherapy in 2015. She is also an APPI trained Pilates instructor.

She has worked in different private practice settings and has always embraced working closely with the healthcare team. She also worked with a University Rugby Club in South Africa.

Since becoming a mother in 2019 she has grown her interest in Pelvic Health and is expanding her skillset in this area.

She believes in treating clients holistically with the aim being getting to the cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. She believes movement and exercises are key factors in this and loves empowering her patients to improve quality of life and getting back to doing the things they love.

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