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Massage Therapy - Heather Locke

How Massage Can Help Induce Labour When Past Your Due Date

By Heather

induction-massageHow can massage help induce labour? Massage will help lower the stress hormones in the bloodstream. It will also help raise the output of the feel-good hormones in the bloodstream. It is my strong belief and theory that lowering stress hormones can help in the natural labour process.

Acupressure points along with massage have also been shown to significantly impact the body’s ability to go into labour. Induction massage is also not all about just starting labour. It’s also about effective pain control and relaxation. A good induction massage will also alleviate the pressure and pain associated with pregnancy in general, and as labour progresses, the points that have been used to start labour will work in conjunction with the rest of your body which needs to also be at a certain relaxation level. Helping to release those endorphins and relaxation hormones will keep the pain down.

Certain essential oils (extracts from plants and flowers) have chemical properties that can help stimulate uterine activity. I use a special combination of essential oils during a labour-stimulation massage. It definitely can’t hurt…and they sure smell wonderful!

Labour induction should be avoided prior to 37-weeks to ensure the baby is fully developed. A woman considering an induction massage should get her doctor or midwife’s approval and then seek out a Registered Massage Therapist.

If you would like to make an appointment for a labour-stimulation / induction massage, I recommend you schedule your first session for 75 minutes so that I can do a full massage PLUS acupressure. I also recommend you come back for repeat sessions as needed. Natural processes take time and my approach is gentle and is more effective when repeated.

According to Midwifery Today, women who receive prenatal massage report less painful and shorter labours. Other benefits include decreased anxiety, lower levels of stress hormones and higher levels of endorphins.

I can help make your final days of pregnancy a little easier, please give me a call at 604-857-3599 or book your appointment online.

  • I. Schibli

    I have been seeing Heather for several years. She knows how to locate the trouble spots and help you to prevent further damage. I have recommended her to family and my husband was thrilled with how she helped him.

  • J. Rodgers

    I have gone to 2 or 3 other massage therapists over the years, but none have been nearly as skilled or diversified as Heather.

  • S. Olson

    Thanks to the expert treatment and care by Heather, I was able to play out my softball season on the Canadian National Team after knee surgery.

  • A. Leslie

    I have been seeing Heather since 2008! She is amazing. She listens carefully to your specific concerns and then adapts the massage to personally meet your needs.

  • J. Petruniak

    Earlier this week, I had my first massage with Heather. It wasn't the kind of fru-fru massage you'd expect at a spa. It was casual, cozy, relaxing and pain-relieving which is exactly what I needed. Thank you Heather!

  • A. Fil

    I have been seeing Heather for almost 10 years, thru 3 pregnancies and has helped me maintain good health with my neck difficulties. She listens and is skilled in her profession. Always recommend her to family and friends.

  • C. Sjodin

    Excellent therapeutic massage for my chronic tight back muscles. Thanks Heather!

  • M. Smith

    I have been going to Heather for almost 4 years now. She takes my pain away!

  • J. Cyr

    I've been seeing Heather for around 10 years now and she has helped me get through a few injuries. Highly recommend her!

  • Rod

    Thank you for all your hard work in fixing my neck. I really have a lot of admiration and respect for what you do.

  • A. McAree

    Always come out of my 1 hour massage feeling 10 years younger! Most professional and experienced masseuse I've been to.

  • T. Allen

    Heather is a sensitive and caring person who is extremely competent at her profession.

  • A. Bolderston

    Heather has a sports massage/therapy background and you can tell! She expertly finds the trouble zones, and is amazing at working out areas of pain and tension. I always recommend her to my friends.

  • B. Middleton

    I was suffering from "frozen shoulder syndrome" that severely restricted the movement in my arm. Heather helped me gradually regain the use of my arm. I was also able to reduce the medication I was taking.

  • C. Ferguson

    I have been seeing Heather for a couple of years and she has helped me greatly. Her studio is quaint and comfortable and the massage is firm but not rough. I have been to other therapists and she is the best by far. I don't hesitate to refer her to other friends and on Facebook.

  • A. Yeo

    Heather truly cares about you getting better and that reflects through the quality and effectiveness of her sessions.

  • S. Smeets

    I visited Heather during and after my first pregnancy, and now I am seeing her during my second pregnancy. Heather is great with pregnancy! She listens to how you are feeling, she cares, and she knows how to help you feel more comfortable on the table. After each session, I felt some relief from my sore neck and lower back pain. I can't thank her enough for her great service and attention!!

  • L. Strain

    I have been visiting Heather Locke for 10 years now. Wouldn't go anywhere else. If you are looking for expert advice and great massage therapy, give Heather a try. You will not be sorry. She is knowledgeable in her field and offers great advice.

  • L. Ward

    I have been getting massages with Heather for many years now. I find that she is able to pin point my area's of concern and pain with ease. Heather also gives me advice on stretching and strengthening those area's. She is personable and sincerely interested in my well being.

  • L. Williams

    Heather is great. I have difficulty with massage and the pressure that some use, heather is very patient. She cares about you and how you are feeling during the massage. She goes out of her way to make sure you are getting what you need.

  • G. Nunes

    I have been going to Heather Locke for 15+ years. I have followed her from Coquitlam to Port Coquitlam to White Rock. She is a miracle worker. I have tried many other massage therapists closer to where I live but I have never found anyone as fantastic as Heather. Heather is such a great massage therapist that I drive from POCO to White Rock (she is that good and definitely worth the drive).