Presentation
This case is about what happens when a client’s circumstances change during care, in this case through a pregnancy. A woman came in for musculoskeletal care, mainly muscle tension, postural restriction and general physical discomfort, and her care focused on those concerns.
What changed during care
Partway through her care, she told me she was pregnant. I recommended she let her GP know and continue with her medical and obstetric care, and that any further hands-on care should fit around their advice.
Reflection
Life doesn’t pause while someone is receiving care. A new diagnosis, a new medication or a pregnancy can all change what’s appropriate, sometimes from one session to the next. This case is a reminder of why it’s worth asking at every visit whether anything has changed, and of why care should always fit around a client’s medical team rather than the other way around.
No connection is suggested between the musculoskeletal care she received and her pregnancy. Pregnancy depends on many biological, medical and personal factors.
Pregnancy and hands-on care
If you’re pregnant, or think you might be, tell your massage therapist or exercise professional before your next session, and check with your GP, midwife or obstetrician about what kind of massage and exercise suits you. Pregnancy changes how hands-on care and exercise are approached, including positioning, pressure and intensity.
Seek urgent medical care for bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling during pregnancy.
