Canadian RMT Spring 2018 Canadian RMT Spring 2018 | Page 7

and return slowly to many of their
previous ones more successfully.
Postpartum
Massage Therapy:
Key For Pelvic Floor
Rehabilitation
by Michelle Francis-Smith, B.A., RMT
& Nicole Nifo, RMT
O
ur passion for pregnancy, birth and beyond brought
us together in 2015 to form Perinatal Massage
Therapy Education. As Perinatal focused Massage
Therapists and Educators, we have over 30 years of combined
experience with providing massage therapy support during the
stages of pregnancy, birth, postpartum and for infants. All of it is
fulfilling and brings great rewards in our massage practices, but
of all the areas of this work, generally, postpartum patients have
been the most underserved in their recovery after birth in Can-
ada. This trend is now changing and Massage Therapists have
a unique role in those quiet one-on-one massage treatments to
shine by providing specialized support, which assists in healing
the pelvic floor and supporting structures. Ultimately, setting
our patients up to take on new parenting activities of daily living
What Is The Postpartum Period
And How Can Massage Therapy
Help? The postpartum period is
typically thought of as the period
that immediately follows birth. Spe-
cifically, it is the first year after birth
and includes the puerperium (the
4-6 week period of extensive adjust-
ments). Minimally, it includes the
period of time until the uterus invo-
lutes (to decrease normally) to its
pre-pregnant state. The extensive
adjustments typically include physi-
cal, emotional and psychological. All
areas which can be aided by Massage
Therapy. The postpartum patient
who is recovering from birth may
have had a vaginal or cesarean deliv-
ery, have experienced birth trauma
and may now be experiencing mood
disorders, depression or even psy-
chosis. Therefore, it is necessary to
understand the full symptom picture and how to physically and
emotionally support the patient through positioning, techniques,
and communication. With a deeper understanding, an effective
treatment plan can be created utilizing our skills to meet the
client goals.
What is the Pelvic Floor and Why is Massage Therapy Rel-
evant? The Pelvic Floor is a collection of muscles, nerves, ten-
dons, blood vessels, ligaments and connective tissue interwoven
in the pelvis. It extends from the pubic bone to the coccyx and
the ischial tuberosities. During respiration, it rises and lowers in
synergy with the diaphragm. The pelvic floor muscles function
to support: internal organs, sphincters, stability and control of
the pelvis and spine and more.
While it is not in our scope of practice to treat internal struc-
tures of the pelvic floor, we do have access externally to the
musculature of key target areas in the lumbar, gluteal, inner
thigh, hip flexor, and the abdominal regions. Massage Therapists
are already equipped with the knowledge to treat these areas
but often lack the education to integrate the specifics of how the
pelvic floor and surrounding anatomy work together to aid in the
rehabilitation of postpartum patients. With increased awareness
and education, patients can now benefit more than before and
Massage Therapists can now better serve the postpartum com-
munity more effectively.
Learn more by visiting: www.pregnancymassagetherapy.com

Spring 2018
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