By Jenny Burrell BSc (Hons), Founder of Burrell Education, Specialist For Pregnancy and Post Natal Fitness & Therapy, London, UK.
I began my massage journey nearly a decade ago studying for the ITEC Holistic Massage Certification and as soon as I began my studies, something just clicked. For me, the skin-to-skin element of using massage and other hands-on bodywork techniques to connect with and help my Pre/Post clients seemed to be the perfect way to compliment the physical expenditure of one-to-one fitness training.
As a Pregnancy and Post Natal Fitness Specialist, my goal was always to progress onto deeper levels of study that would specifically empower me to help my Pre/Post clients and after embarking on further study at North London School of Sports Massage and other top London massage schools, I finally had the skills that could be honed into helping my own niche client base.
Fast forward 7 years and thanks to the support of Susan and the team at NLSSM, I created and now tutor their 2-Day CPD offering.
Next 2 Day CPD Course Date: Saturday/Sunday 19th & 20th May, 2012.
If you are a certified Massage Therapist wanting to extend your offerings to help the Pre/Post Natal client or a fitness professional with Pre/Post Natal clients and a massage qualification, this weekend CPD course will give you a ready-to-go, entire skill-set to help you create a stand-out service that will keep clients coming back time-after-time and keep them referring for you.
If you have any knowledge at all of the rigours of Pregnancy, you’ll know that the myofascial and skeletal system is put under immense duress and undergoes a complete transformation in terms of function. This dysfunction usually leads to soft tissue discomfort and pain, most of which can be alleviated by massage therapy and bodywork. You’ll find that Pre/Post Natal clients will be some of your most grateful customers.
Typical Pregnancy Into Post Natal Period Posture (Client at 17 Weeks Post Birth)
The Top 20 Areas Where The Pregnant/ Post Natal Client May Have Pain and Discomfort & Why?
- QL’s – the anterior tilted pelvis causes shortening
- Lats – the anterior tilted pelvis causes shortening and scapular abduction causes length tension
- Intercostals – breathing patterns change as the ever-growing baby demands more space causing further rib flaring
- ITB (Origin and Insertion) – changes to posture and biomechanics may cause pain
- Quads – tightness in attachments at both the hip and knee
- Calves – changes in plantarfascia reflected further up the myofascial chain
- Plantar Fascia – changes to tension due to dramatic increase in weight biomechanics
- Biceps – creeping scapular abduction closing down anterior musculature – breastfeeding and ADLs all contribute
- Anterior Delts – creeping scapular abduction closing down anterior musculature – breastfeeding and ADLs all contribute
- Pectorals – creeping scapular abduction closing down anterior musculature – breastfeeding and ADLs all contribute
- Rhomboids – creeping scapular abduction causing length tension – breastfeeding and ADLs all contribute
- Upper Traps – forward head posture due to change in weight/size and centre of gravity causes forward head posture and associated changes in tension of neck and shoulder musculature
- Levator Scapulae – forward head posture draws origin away from insertion causing length tension
- Sub Occipital Region – see above
- Platsyma –forward head posture causes length tension in the anterior neck
- Erector Spinae & Lumbar Region – increased lumbar lordosis and lack of exercise in this area causes shortening and dysfunction
- C- Section Scar Tissue – Valuable work can be done to educate and instruct client to self-administer gentle massage to help avoid the build-up of restrictive scar tissue
- Tibialis Anterior – change in posture and biomechanics of the foot can be reflected in the anterior aspect of the lower leg
- Carpal Tunnel – fluid retention affects passage of nerve impulses through Carpal Tunnel, massage can aid dispersion of fluid build-up.
- Piriformis Pain – anterior tilted pelvis, everted foot fall and weakening of anterior Pelvic Floor muscles all contribute to increased tension and shortening.
Techniques You’ll Learn Over the Weekend
- How to address ALL of the above areas and issues! Applying a suitable strategy specific to client’s needs.
- How to position and massage the Pregnant client – elevated supine, side-lying supported by bolsters.
- How to position and massage the Post Natal client – especially after C-Section.
- How to use a sheet for draping the client instead of towels.
- How to modify the traditional massage strokes, when the client is in the side-lying position.
- You’ll learn or polish your Soft Tissue Release (STR) skills. (Shorten, LOCK target tissue, move to lengthen away from the direction of the LOCK’). STR is so flexible that is can be used on all of the 20 listed areas above.
- Appropriate Contract/Relax Methods
- Therapist applied Myofascial Release using small foam rollers
- Simple Acupressure for the Post Natal Period
- Learning and teaching C-Section scar massage to the Post Natal client
- Which massage mediums are safest and most effective during the Pre/Post periods
- How to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for your clients
- How to Attract, Retain and Gain Referrals
- How to offer a polished, second-to-none STAND-OUT service – EVERYTIME!
What You Take Home
1. A 2-day, paradigm-shifting educational experience that will help you hone your instinctive skills to serve a brand new additional client group
2. A 100+ page fully illustrated and referenced manual
3. Bonus client information on Pelvic Floor exercise and Pre/Post Natal Specific Mobilization and Stretching
4. The skills to start your brand new business venture
5. My personal business blueprint for creating an awesome service that will ensure you ATTRACT, SERVE AND RETAIN happy clients for years and years to come.
How to Reserve Your Place!
Contact Cassandra at NLSSM to book your place ( class size is limited to 10 participants, so be quick!)
Passionate About Pregnancy & Post Natal Health & Fitness Education FOREVER!
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