Massage & Infertility
Question:
We've been trying to get pregnant for almost 3-years with no luck and no explanation of why we can't. We've tried tests and medication with no results. Someone suggested massage. Can you tell me if massage has any affect on fertility, and if so what kind of massage therapy you would recommend to help with conception?
Thanks
Answer:
Infertility is defined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine as the inability to conceive despite trying for one year. In a broader sense infertility can also include those who are not able to carry a pregnancy to term. Infertility affects about 6.1-million Americans - that's 10-percent of those who are reproductively-aged.
In some cases infertility has been linked to high-stress levels; which is an area that therapeutic massage can be of benefit. Many couples trying to conceive go through several different rituals that can indirectly cause elevated stress levels. Regular therapeutic massage treatments can significantly reduce stress levels and increase relaxation. Thus, when investigating massage therapy treatments, you can focus on reducing tension, increasing relaxation and decreasing stress. Make certain that you are treated only by a certified massage therapist and explain your specific goals of the treatment before your first massage. That way the therapist can focus on getting the tension out of specific muscles and elevating your sense of relaxation.
Additionally, I also came across this very unique soft tissue technique called the Wurn Technique. This unique manual physical therapy treatment was developed over the last 15-years at Clear Passage Therapies, a physical therapy network. The Wurn Technique was shown to improve the rates of both natural and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in scientific studies published in 2004. The Wurn Technique addresses the cause of many types of female infertility. Adhesions and poor reproductive mechanics cause nearly half of all female infertility. This newly researched therapy uses non-surgical soft tissue physical therapy to decrease adhesions and increase the function of the reproductive organs, rather than bypassing them. Initial findings indicate that the results of Wurn therapy may last for years (rather than for just a single cycle).
Click on the find massage schools link on MassageTherapy101 for links to accredited massage institutes in your area that can help you find a qualified massage therapist!
Good luck with your search!
Karin
