We all lead such busy lives these days and I believe it is more important than ever that we give ourselves time to relax and recover from the stresses and strains of our work or home life. As a massage therapist, I experience every day the power of massage to help put us back in touch with our minds and bodies, re-charge our batteries and create a sense of well-being.

Pregnancy Massage is one of the most rewarding treatments that I practice – mothers-to-be really appreciate the chance to be pampered and helped to relax when they are finding it difficult to sleep or get comfortable, feeling anxious about the impending birth or experiencing aches and pains.

I am particularly interested in the power of massage not just to relax the mind and body, but also to relieve long-standing pain and discomfort caused by injury, stress, repetitive strain, medical conditions or poor posture. I am enjoying learning
Advanced Massage techniques in my current studies and I am constantly applying these to my practice.

Pubic pain in pregnancy can be difficult to deal with but it is not impossible, and it is should not something which you just have to live with. 

The pelvis can be described as being a circular shaped bone that goes all around and almost meets in the middle in front.  The two sides do not quite touch; there is a small gap between them connected by fibrocartilaginous tissue reinforced by several ligaments.  This area is called the Pubic Symphysis.  The design of this joint is essential to encourage stabilization of the pelvis while allowing a good range of motion.  

The Pubic Symphysis and the Sacro-Iliac joints (in the back of the pelvis) are especially important during pregnancy, as their flexibility allows the bones to move freely and to expand to help a baby fit through more easily during birth. 

In pregnancy it is very easy to lock one of your sacro-iliac joints – even a simple run can cause this. With time the muscles associated with the hip can go into spasm, which can cause lower back pain, movement restricted and eventually the result can be pubic pain – as the whole pelvis is mal-aligned.

The hormones released towards the end of pregnancy further encourage a loosening of the pelvis. This is essential to give  maximum space and flexibility, and to help make things easy for birth.

However, in some women, either because of excessive levels of hormones, extra sensitivity to hormones, or a pelvis that is out of alignment and/ or unstable, there is an increase of pressure on the joint. 

To summarise:  significant pubic pain is caused by the pelvic girdle area not moving as it is designed to as a result of either hormonal changes, misalignment of the pelvis, or a combination of both.  

The symptoms of SPD vary from person to person but can include:

• pubic pain
• pubic tenderness to the touch
• lower back pain, especially in the sacro-iliac (dimple)area
• general weakness and instability
• difficulty/pain rolling over in bed
• difficulty/pain with stairs, getting in and out of cars, sitting down or getting up, walking, putting on clothes, bending, lifting, standing on one foot, lifting heavy objects, etc.
• sciatica – irritation of nerve with pain down the leg
• “clicking” in the pelvis when walking
• waddling gait
• feeling like hip is out of place or has to pop into place before walking
• bladder dysfunction (temporary incontinence at change in position)
• knee pain or pain in other areas can sometimes also be a side-effect of pelvis problems

Pubic pain often comes on early in pregnancy, even as early as 12 weeks. Although pubic pain often does go away after pregnancy, many women find that it can linger usually diminished but still present. 

Hence it is important to treat this as soon as possible. It is essential to treat any malalignment or instability issues to prevent this from re-occuring in future pregnancies.

From experience of working for many years with pregnant women the Vitality osteopaths feel that this condition is probably primarily a problem of mal-alignment, although hormone levels and sensitivity to hormones may also play a role.  Many women have been treated and after one session have felt significant relief. An addition of pilates to pre and post natal care will also really help this condition.

Written by Ratna Vohora registered Osteopath

Ratna is available at Vitality Centre on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays. To book an appointment with her, please call reception on 020 8871 4677

Breech
A baby will generally settle into a cephalic -head down – position by week 34/36 of pregnancy. When the baby is head up, this is referred to as a breech position.

In Chinese Medicine Acupuncture point, BL67  which is situated on the little toe is used. This helps to stimulate the baby to move whilst at the same time relaxing the uterine muscles, encouraging the baby to turn. The treatment is done once a day for 5 consecutive days.

 Your midwife or obstetrician may refer you for ECV (external cephalic version) which is done by a specialist consultant.  It can be very beneficial to use the moxabustion for 5 to 10 consecutive days prior to ECV. This is a safe and effective way to encourage breech babies to turn. The alternative can often be a C-section.
The ideal time to use moxibustion is week 34 to 37, however moxibustion on BL67 can be used up until full term.

Acupuncture for breech cannot be used there is: twin pregnancy, placenta previa, high blood pressure, any uterine bleeding.

Labour Inducement
 Acupuncture can be very effective to help promote the onset of labour. points are used which can help to descend the baby into the pelvic area, to aid cervical dilation and to stimulate uterine contractions.

 This treatment is very effective at promoting optimum foetal position, helping to promote the most fluent position between the baby’s head and the mother’s pelvis. Acupuncture also helps to prime the body, stimulating the endocrine processes and can help to calm any anxiety that a woman often feels just prior to birth.
In Chinese medicine it is not considered appropriate to encourage spontaneous labour until after 40 weeks. 

This treatment is very helpful prior to a scheduled medical induction. Acupuncture helps to prime the body’s systems and can help the body to respond more efficiently and fluently to the stimulus of a medical induction.
However I hope that by coming to Vitality Centre and trying the natural form of inducement, you wont have to  go through medical inducement!

I would reccommend 2-3 sessions of acupuncture to help promote spontaneous labour. I often beleive its a bit like pushing a stationary car,once we build a little momentum, we can get the whole thing moving with relative speed.

Acupuncture can really help to energise the mother and may bring you the added strength needed to have an effective labour and delivery.

Please feel free to call or email me with any other questions, i have over 5 years of experience and even train midwives how to do this,so your in safe hands and its really worth considering before you go down the medical route.

Ian Prytherch is available for appointments Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at Vitality Centre. Please call or email reception for further details. info@vitality-centre.co.uk 020 8871 4677

http://www.actbrighton.org.uk/breech.html

It’s so important to take some time out to pamper your self while you’re pregnant, and having a massage is a great way to indulge while still taking care of your mind and body. 

Pregnancy massage is a relaxing, safe and relieving way to relax and ease pain during pregnancy.
We recommend you wait until you are more than 12 weeks to enjoy a massage and if you’ve had any complications, it’s best to make sure you ask your doctor before you book your massage.

Having regular massages during pregnancy can help you to maintain good health, relieve you of stress and worry, and help ease you through your pregnancy.

Pregnancy massage has many benefits, some of which include:

*Helps to ease backache, headaches, muscle aches and pains
*Decreases pain in the pelvic/hip area
*Increases circulation and improves skin elasticity which reduces stretch marks
*Reduces stress and anxiety, which will help to stabilize hormone levels
*Reduces fatigue and assists with digestion
*Helps to reduce swelling in places such as ankles, legs and hands

Vitality Centre have a special adjustable pregnancy massage couch with a supported hole for the stomach to fit, allowing you to lie on your front in comfort and support whilst you enjoy your special massage.

We have many massage therapists that have pregnancy qualifications and experience. They will always make you feel at ease and comfortable during your lovely treatment. Make sure you inform your therapist of any aches and pains, and they will do their best to adapt the treatment to suit your individual needs, as everyone’s body is different.

At Vitality Centre we have therapists available for pregnancy massage Monday to Saturday – please mention when booking that you are having a special pregnancy massage!

And why not ask about pregnancy reflexology? Many of our pregnancy massage trained therapists are also reflexology trained!

Gift vouchers are also available – pregnancy massage is a great present for expecting Mums!

Treatment Cost: 60mins – £45

If you have any questions regarding this treatment or anything else, please email us: info@vitality-centre.co.uk or give us a call on 020 8871 4677

 Vitality Centre for the Whole Family

One of our constant aims at Vitality Centre is to maintain a very family and community orientated atmosphere whilst still being a relaxing and calming space.

 Our clients and their families enjoy a whole range of treatments and classes, such as: cranial for babies, beauty treatments for mum, sports massage for dad, kids ballet, mum & baby salsa, Pilates for seniors and many, many more.
We have whole families who enjoy visiting the Vitality Centre together on a regular basis. We have something for everyone at Vitality Centre and all are welcomed.

 
 Vitality Centre for your Pregnancy

One of the absolute joys for the Vitality Centre staff is to see someone regularly throughout their pregnancy. We have the benefit of treating clients before they are expecting, with fertility acupuncture – during their pregnancy, with pregnancy massage and yoga – and after they give birth, with baby massage courses and post-natal Pilates classes.
We love supporting women and families with treatments and advice during this exciting time.

Everything you need for your pregnancy under one roof:

*Exercise – pregnancy yoga and Maternally Fit exercise classes
*Nutrition – stay on a healthy path during you pregnancy
*Pregnancy Massage – we have a special pregnancy couch with a supported hole for your bump, which allows you to lay comfortably on your front while enjoying your massage.
*Osteopathy to ease your back pain and other symptoms.
*Acupuncture to help with morning sickness, heartburn and other complaints

Baby Friendly

 Many centres (or spas) are anything but baby friendly, but here at Vitality Centre it’s okay to bring your little one to the centre with you while you’re having a manicure or a massage.

Some of our regular clients even feel comfortable enough to let our friendly staff watch their kids while they relax and enjoy their treatment.

In an emergency, we are always here to help. Just ask. Mothers and their little ones are always welcomed with open arms at Vitality Centre

We also offer classes where you can bring baby along while you exercise. Pilates for New Mums on Mondays (10-11am with Poppy) and Wednesdays (1-2pm with Jane) offer a unique opportunity to have baby with you while you are exercising. This means no childcare costs or hassle, and it’s also a great place to meet like-minded new mums.

Vitality for Beauty

 If you already visit us for massage, osteopathy or yoga classes – why not come in for your monthly beauty treatments!

We have hot/strip waxing, amazing Dermalogica facials, eye treatments and our beauticians are always on hand for free skin care advice or free Dermalogica face mapping.

Our friendly and experienced beauticians Gabrielle, Karleen and Marlene here to make your visit special.

Why not pair a relaxing massage with a Dermalogica facial? Or a reflexology treatment with a lovely pedicure? Ask at reception for treatment packages to suit you – pamper yourself, you deserve it!

Weekly Yoga at Vitality Centre

Make Vitality Centre your yoga centre! With classes to suit every level and ability; we have regular yogis who enjoy classes as much as three times a week!

No membership fees, no booking, no fuss!! Simply drop in for a class and pay as you go!

We also have wonderful progressive pre-book Beginners Yoga courses, and discount bulk buy drop in class vouchers. Just ask reception for more details. 

To keep up-to-date with our drop in classes – why not join us on our facebook fan page! Just search “Vitality Centre” and click LIKE. This is the perfect way to stay informed about any changes to our classes, instructors, class times or cancellations.

Pilates Equiptment Studio

Our Pilates Equipment Studio offers you the chance to refine your exercise
and concentrate on specific areas of your body, such as your core musle group. 

The difference of attending Pilates Studio sessions at Vitality Centre are:

• No membership required
• Well qualified instructors
• Individual attention
• Private or Semi-private sessions
• Sessions available for Pregnancy (Pre and post natal)
• Sessions for Rehabilitation (all instructors work closely with osteopaths
to ensure the best programme for you)
• Elements of Gyrosynthesis incorporated – this encourages a circular
range of movement which enhances the fluidity of the spine and helps
reduce muscular tension

Our shared sessions offer you the chance to save some money while still
getting individual attention from your instructor. There is a maximum of
only ONE other person, so you get the best workout for you.

Private session offer you even more of a chance to work towards your
personal goals quickly and effectively.

Shopping at Vitality Centre

Skin care products, gift vouchers, vitamins, back care – we stock some wonderful products in the Vitality Centre shop. You are welcome to come in and browse any time!

We also stock the whole high quality Dermalogica range and are one of the few places in this area that does.

Remember that if you wish to reserve or order anything, just ask at reception or call/email us. We can even take your payment over the phone and post your item to you! For details and price list, please visit our website.

No VAT Increase

We are committed to offering you the most affordable treatments in the area; and therefore we have decided we are not putting our prices up with the recent VAT increase!

At £45 for a 60min massage – we are one of the cheapest centres for massage and other treatments in South West London!

Despite our low prices, our staff are committed to excellent, professional service and a high standard of treatments – both relaxing and remedal.

What you are saying:

We always welcome feedback and comments from our clients!

“First hot stones massage – WOW! I have just had a solid hour of positive, happy thoughts. That was extraordinary – thank you Marlene!” ~ Juliette O

“I have been learning pilates and gyrotonics with Dylan for several years. When I started I was suffering from chronic back pain that regularly flared up and restricted my movements. With gyrotonics in particular that has almost completely gone and I a fitter and more pain free than I have been for years. Dylan is a great teacher. He works you hard but always makes the class fun.” ~ Deb Collins

“Seriously, may I just say what good teachers you have. In particular Poppy and Jane. Different styles, but both dedicated to their classes, and both expert teachers.” ~ N. Vyas

“Isabelle’s massages are wonderful as she really wants to ensure the person has the full benefits of the massage whilst being healed. So you are physically, emotionally and mentally better, a true holistic massage! Also I love the fact that all her products are natural and tailored made for each individual’s needs. I came out of both massages relaxed, happier and much lighter, and I have told all my friends to go and see her. I am extremely happy to recommend highly Isabel to anyone who wants to experience something very special and truly feel better.” ~ C.B

Holistic Massage
Aromatherapy
Reflexology (Including pregnancy)
Hot Stones Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Ayuvedic Massage

But does intend to be expanding this list!

As well as expanding her knowledge through study Jackie has also gain
practical experience. Her first role as a massage therapist being in a complementary therapy clinic within a doctors surgery.
During her time there she treated a range of conditions from emotional
states such as anxiety and panic to physical conditions such as chronic pain and terminal illness.

Over her years of working as a massage therapist Jackie has also treated couples for fertility though reflexology, and has seen women at various stages of pregnancy for everything from general relaxation and ‘me time’, to reducing discomforts such as back ache and swollen ankles.

Jackie’s most recent adventures have been in 5* spas on board a variety of different cruise ships.
During this time Jackie developed her skills in relaxing treatments to
complement the clinical work she had previously done. She also got to see quite a bit of the world and meet some amazing people.

*Relaxing – massage provides a nurturing, soothing touch, which promotes
the release of emotional and psychical tension.

*Improves flow of energy through the body and helps to minimise fatigue.

*Revitalises and helps improve circulation which therefore helps prevent
varicose veins, thread veins and piles.

*Massage is passive exercise and helps to stimulate and drain the
lymphatic system – eliminating toxins and reducing fluid retention.

*Helps tone the muscles and relieve cramp.

*Increases circulation to maintain skin suppleness and help prevent stretch
marks.

*Massage has a psychological benefit treating the body as a whole,
promoting a feeling of calm and well-being.

*Helps prepare the body for childbirth by loosening the pelvis and ridding
the body of excess tension prior to the onset of labour.

*Reassurance, nurturing and relaxation for the mother during pregnancy
has shown to have a far reaching impact on her foetus. Any benefit to the
mother is also a benefit to the baby.

For more information please visit our pregnancy massage page or call us on 020 8871 4677

Gretchen Gale studied Therapeutic Massage at the London College of Massage and has been working as a massage therapist for five years.

Sports/Deep Tissue/Relexing/Back, Neck, Shoulders/Pregnancy Massage
Massage Therapist

Her Antenatal Classes offer safe yoga practice and a wealth of knowledge around birth and motherhood due to her experience as a mother and doula over the past 20 years.

The Post Natal classes help restore core strength with gentle yoga postures and as part of the class there is an introduction to Baby massage which helps encourage mother to bond with her baby.

Annabel continues to increase her knowledge all the time through Continuous Professional Development and is a member of YogaBirth and Active Birth Associations and the Association of Independent Yoga Practitioners.

For further details on Annabel and the work she does please visit her website.

In 2005 she completed a level 3 diploma with the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) for Holistic Massage – as well as training in Natural Face Lift Massage the same year, with The London Centre of Indian Champissage International. 

In 2006 she completed a level 3 diploma, also with ITEC, in Lymphatic Drainage Massage. This was followed in 2007 by a level 3 diploma in Reflexology.

Marlene went on to further studies with JING Massage Training in 2008 (Holistic Massage, Hot Stones), Gateway Workshops in 2008 (Indian Head Massage), Inspire Massage Training in 2008 (Pregnancy Massage). Marlene continues to expand her training from year to year with further CPD courses.  

Marlene has a lot of experience supporting pregnant clients with both massage and reflexology and she is passionate about the benefits of natural facelift treatments, manual lymphatic drainage, hot stone massages and reflexology for the feet, hands and the face.  Marlene embraces a holistic, caring, individual approach for each client.

Marlene is also a fully qualified beautician. She is qualified and experienced in eyelash/brow tinting, Dermalogic Facials and Hot/Strip Waxing.

Marlene is available at Vitality Centre on Fridays 10am-7pm and Saturdays 9am-5pm. Please speak to reception if you wish to book an appointment with her, or wish to ask her questions about treatment.