Physiotherapy & Fertility Massage
In the journey towards parenthood, many couples face challenges that can hinder their dreams of starting a family. Infertility, unfortunately, is a common issue that affects millions of individuals. While there are various medical treatments available, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), physiotherapy has emerged as a promising complementary approach to support fertility.
Physiotherapy: A Holistic Approach to Fertility
How does physiotherapy relate to fertility?
Fertility can be influenced by several factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, pelvic dysfunction, scar formation and poor blood circulation. Physiotherapy aims to address these underlying issues by improving blood flow, reducing tension, and enhancing mobility and function of ligaments, muscles, osseous structures, fascia and nerves thus balancing the overall biomechanics of the entire abdominopelvic region. Physiotherapy can create a more conducive environment for conception.
However, it is essential to consult with a qualified physiotherapist educated in fertility to determine the most appropriate approach for individual cases.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Fertility
1. Stress reduction
Stress can significantly impact fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and affecting reproductive functions. Physiotherapy provides a range of relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, gentle stretching and cardiovascular exercise, that promote stress reduction.
2. Lumbopelvic and core muscle training
Weak core muscles (pelvic, hips, low back and abdominals) can contribute to fertility issues, especially in women. Physiotherapy offers targeted exercises to strengthen these muscles, improving pelvic stability and supporting reproductive organs. Strengthening the pelvic floor can help with managing symptoms of conditions such as endometriosis, uterine prolapse, and Irritable bowel disease.
3. Pain management
Conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to chronic pelvic pain, as well abdominal surgeries, ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages can cause abdominal scar formation which may affect fertility. Physiotherapy techniques, including massage and myofascial release therapy, heat therapy, and gentle mobilizations, can help manage pain and adhesions associated with these conditions.
4. Optimizing body alignment and posture
Poor body alignment and posture can contribute to muscular imbalances, which may affect reproductive health. Physiotherapy addresses these bone and joint dysfunctions in spine, sacrum and pelvis by providing corrective manual techniques and postural retraining. By optimizing body alignment, individuals can reduce strain on reproductive organs, improve blood flow, and create a more favorable environment for conception.
5. Enhanced blood circulation
Proper blood circulation is vital for reproductive health, as it ensures an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the pelvic area. Physiotherapy techniques, such as lymphatic/vascular drainage, deep tissue mobilization, and cardiovascular exercises, promote blood flow throughout the body. Improved circulation can enhance reproductive health by providing optimal nourishment to the reproductive organs and supporting their proper function.
Evidence-Based Approach
By addressing these physical impairments, when combined with the appropriate medical interventions physiotherapy has shown to improve overall reproductive health and increase the chances of successful conception.
- Treating Female Infertility and Improving IVF Pregnancy Rates With a Manual Physical Therapy Technique
- Manual Physical Therapy Can Help Reverse Female Infertility
- Combined Manual Therapy Techniques for the Treatment of Women With Infertility: A Case Series
*** In Quebec, Visceral Mobilization Therapy is replaced with deep myofascial release techniques.
*** In order to address as many aspects of a patient’s care, complementary treatments by the following health professionals may be suggested:
Psychologist, sexologist, osteopath, nutritionist, naturopath, acupuncture, massage therapist. Strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer, kinesiologist, pilates and yoga instructor.
How Does Fertility Massage Therapy Work?
Fertility Massage can be used as a stand alone treatment or in preparation for medically assisted cycles like IUI or IVF. The program is tailored to each individual’s or couple’s situation.
Pricing
- Evaluation – 60-90 minutes initial consultation (discussing the past medical records). The cost for initial evaluation is $200.
- 6 fertility massage sessions of 1 hour each, over 6 weeks.
- Fertility charting
- 12 months of follow up
Please contact me by e-mail or by phone prior to booking an appointment for this treatment.
Looking for Fertility Massage Therapy Near Saint-Henri in Montreal?
The Azita Papaie Physio clinic is conveniently located at 3287 boul. St-Jacques West, 2 minutes away from the Lionel-Groulx metro station and close to the Atwater Market, downtown Montreal, Westmount and Little Burgundy.