It has long been theorized that the relaxing benefits of massage were helpful in women achieving fertility. That has now been backed up by two studies that lend credence to the theory, when using specific fertility-enhancing bodywork techniques.
The first study, published 6/18/2004 by Medscape General Medicine OB/GYN & Women’s Health, studied two groups of women. One group was seeking to become pregnant on their own, the other group was preparing to receive in vetro fertilization (IVF). Both groups had suspected or confirmed pelvic adhesions or inflammatory diseases such as endometriosis. Both groups received targeted bodywork therapy to their abdominal and pelvic area. In the first group, of the 14 patients available for follow-up, 71% became pregnant within one year, and three of them became pregnant a second time. Of the IVF group, there was a 66% successful rate of embryo transfers, which is significantly higher than the estimated odds ratio.
The second study also produced significant results. Published in the January/February 2008 issue of Alternative Therapies, 28 infertile women who had been diagnosed with complete Fallopian tube blockages received 20 hours of manual physical therapy treatment to their abdominal area. Within one month, they underwent medical testing to determine the status of the blockages. Seventeen of the 28 patients (61%) showed that the blockage had been released, and nine of those seventeen went on to become pregnant.
Mastiff Fitness is proud to provide Fertility Massage sessions as part of our overall service offering. We believe that through massage and a reduction of stress hormones, we can effectively help couples achieve the ability to achieve healthy pregnancies.
As part of her training, Steph Lasch, LMT, CFT has read the following materials in conjunction with the Fertility Massage Specialist certification training materials.
Taking Charge of Your Fertility – Toni Weschler, MPH
Unsung Lullabies – Janet Jaffe, Ph. D.
Inconceivable – Julia Indichova
The Infertility Survival Guide – Judith C. Daniluk, Ph. D.
The Infertility Diet – Fern Reiss
