Postnatal Challenges and Holistic Solutions: The Benefits of Postnatal Massage, Closing the Bones Rebozo, Women’s Health Physiotherapy, and Scar Therapy
For many of us the journey into motherhood is a transformative and joyous experience. However, it often comes with some physical and emotional postnatal challenges. After giving birth, many women can face issues such as:
- postpartum/postnatal pain
- muscle weakness
- hormonal imbalances
- emotional stress
- sore and painful scar tissue if they’ve had a C-section
It is really important for the well-being of new mothers and therefore their babies to address these issues. This is why at Willow Grace we really focus on helping you through your postnatal journey. Many of the treatments we offer, such as postnatal massage, closing the bones rebozo, women’s health physiotherapy, and scar therapy offer effective solutions to support and nurture postnatal women.
Common Postnatal Challenges
Various physical aches and emotional challenges can be encountered postnatally. Common issues include back pain, pain in the hips/pelvis, diastasis recti (abdominal separation), incontinence, and fatigue. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and postpartum depression. The emotional demands and sleep deprivation of caring for a newborn can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
The Healing Power of Postnatal Massage
Postnatal massage is a powerful treatment for easing physical pain and promoting relaxation. This specialised massage focuses on the areas most affected by pregnancy and childbirth. This can include the back, hips, and abdomen. The gentle yet effective techniques of postnatal massage reduces muscle tension, improves circulation, and promotes healing.
One of the key benefits of postnatal massage is its ability to relieve stress and anxiety. The calming touch of our skilled therapist can help new mothers relax. Helping to reduce the production of stress hormones and promoting a sense of well-being. Additionally, postnatal massage can aid in the reduction of swelling, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall mood. This contribute to a faster and more comfortable recovery.
Closing the Bones Rebozo: A Traditional Healing Ritual
Closing the bones rebozo is a traditional postpartum practice rooted in Mexican culture. This ritual involves the use of rebozos (long, woven cloth/scarves) to wrap and gently rock the mother’s body. The process symbolises the closing of the body after childbirth, helping to restore balance and alignment.
The rocking and wrapping helps with realignment of the pelvis and hips, reducing postpartum swelling, and relieving muscle tension. The gentle rocking motion also has a lovely soothing effect, promoting relaxation and emotional healing. This treatment addresses the physical discomfort and offers emotional support. This helps new mothers feel nurtured and cared for during the vulnerable postnatal period.
Women’s Health Physiotherapy: Strengthening and Rehabilitating
Women’s health physiotherapy is a specialised treatment focused on addressing the unique needs of postnatal women. Charlie is a Physiotherapist who has trained specifically in this area to provide tailored exercises and therapies to help new mums regain strength and function.
One of the primary goals of women’s health physiotherapy is to address issues such as diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunction. Through targeted exercises, physiotherapists can help strengthen the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. This leads to improved core stability and reducing the risk of incontinence. Additionally, physiotherapy can help in the healing of scar tissue from caesarean sections or episiotomies, promoting optimal healing and flexibility.
Charlie also offers valuable guidance on posture, body mechanics, and safe exercise practices. This helps empower new mothers to care for their bodies effectively. This approach of focusing initially on physical healing then leads onto emotional healing.
Scar Therapy for Caesarean Section Recovery
For women who have had a C-section, scar therapy is an essential part of their postnatal care. Scar tissue can cause discomfort, limit movement, and contribute to other issues such as back pain or pelvic floor dysfunction. Focusing on the scar minimises these problems by promoting proper healing and improving mobility.
Scar therapy treatments include gentle massage, myofascial release, and specific stretching exercises. The myofascial release is working to unstick the layers of skin through to muscles. This is done using a combination of massage and also cupping or use of a Lymphatouch. You’ll also be given some exercises to work on between sessions to maximise the benefit. These methods help to break down adhesions, improve blood flow, and enhance the flexibility of the scar tissue. Addressing the physical aspects of the scar, alleviating the associated pain leads to improved overall mobility.
Beyond the physical benefits, scar therapy can have a positive emotional impact. The process of receiving gentle, targeted care can help women feel more connected to their bodies. This then helps make them more at ease with the changes they have undergone. This emotional support is crucial for overall well-being and can aid in the recovery process.
Holistic Care for Postnatal Challenges
The combination of postnatal massage, closing the bones rebozo, women’s health physiotherapy, and scar tissue therapy offers a holistic approach to postnatal care. These therapies not only address physical discomfort but also provide emotional and psychological support, helping new mothers navigate the challenges of the postnatal period with greater ease.
Incorporating these practices into your postpartum recovery, can help you experience enhanced well-being, improved physical function, and a deeper sense of relaxation and balance.
We are here to help you have a healthier and happier transition into motherhood, get in touch to find out more.