Sarah Milthorpe

Welcome to Sarah Milthorpe Massage Therapy

About Sarah

Sarah completed her diploma of remedial massage and certificates III ,IV in fitness in Sydney. She has been a therapist to a number of sporting stars. Over the years Sarah’s interest has taken her into the field of pregnancy massage and lymphatic drainage. Her passion for natural medicine and self nurture made furthering her studies in this area a natural progression. Sarah is a compassionate therapist able to assist you through the journey into motherhood, making it a wonderful and comfortable experience.

Sarah’s back ground in fitness will assist in providing muscular and skeletal support during all stages of your pregnancy. Fitness during pregnancy allows you to cope with the body changes that come during this time. The centre of gravity is shifted, and the body must learn to re-adjust to this. Stretching is an important part of fitness and helps to maintain your flexibility during pregnancy. Gentle stretches allow you to adapt to these new changes. Sarah can also assist you in achieving a natural labour, and postpartum recovery.

Services

• Remedial Massage
  
• Pregnant Massage
  
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage
  
• Fertility Massage
  
• Sports Massage

Benefits of Massage

• Calms the nervous system, promotes a sense of relaxation and well being, which improves mood and job performance.
  
• Reduces tension and anxiety.
  
• Improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
  
• Enhances the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.
  
• Prevents and relieves muscle cramps and spasms.
  
• Has a positive effect on pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms, diabetes, migraine headaches, and fibromyalgia.
  
• Promotes nervous system functioning
  
• Reduces blood pressure.
  
• Assists the body’s natural healing process
  
• Helps to prevent injuries by relaxing and toning the body mechanisms.

Pre-Conception Care

Pre-conception care helps to prepare your body physically and emotionally for pregnancy, birth and motherhood. Ideal preparation time should be at least four months prior to conception, but if unable try at least one month prior. Pre-conception care improves your chances of falling pregnant and aids in a positive difference to the health of both mother and baby. During this stage a detoxification program is often recommended to help lay down a healthy foundation. At East West Fertility the detoxification program is broken down into 3 stages (remove, renew and release). Each stage focuses on reducing toxin exposure, removing bad bacteria and waste, rebuilding the lining of the digestive system and helping the body to release toxins more effectively.

Regular lymphatic massages are also recommended to help enhance the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is one of the body’s main elimination channels; along with the skin, lungs, kidneys and bowels. It plays a major factor in nutrient absorption from digestion into the tissues, removes metabolic wastes, clears toxins and unwanted wastes, and maintains the balance of fluids in the body’s tissues. It is not uncommon to develop a sluggish lymphatic flow. Consuming the wrong foods and drinks, inactivity and not drinking enough water all contribute.

The lymphatic system has no pump, it’s dependant on muscle contractions, diaphragmatic breathing and body movement. Lymphatic massage is designed to stimulate the lymph’s circulation to help speed up the process. It is also beneficial for scars, stress, cellulite, stretch marks, chronic fatigue, arthritis, oedemas, pregnancy, weight problems, pain and general overall wellbeing.

Other simple steps that can be undertaken include:

• eating a well balanced diet
  
• drinking plenty of water
  
• quit or cut down on smoking
  
• avoid caffeine, alcohol, contact with chemicals, medications (unless recommended by a doctor)
  
• avoid overheating and stress
  
• take nutritional supplements wisely
  
• remember to practice relaxation

Pregnancy Care

During pregnancy your body undergoes a number of changes. Regular massages help to relieve aches and pains associated with pregnancy such as the change in centre of gravity, carrying extra weight, swelling of limbs, muscular cramps, back pains and hormonal changes. Pregnancy massage is different to regular massage and is beneficial during the entire nine months of pregnancy. Massage techniques are varied during each stage of the pregnancy, and are altered to the needs of the individual. Certain areas are avoided, such as the space between the heal and ankle bone, representing the uterus and vagina.

Benefits of pregnancy massage include:

• reduces swelling in hands, feet and ankles
  
• eases tension in areas such as the low back and neck
  
• relaxes tense muscles, helping to increase flexibility
  
• helps with relaxation, decreasing insomnia and stress
  
• increases blood and lymph flow which helps to increase the elimination of toxins through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, also helping with fatigue.
  
• increases oxygen in the blood
  
• strengthens the immune system
  
• stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, into the brain and nervous system.
  
• helps relieve anxiety or depression
  
• helps increase blood circulation
  
• can be used during the birth as well as after making both experiences easier and more comfortable
  
• Eases stress mothers often feel after the birth

It is important to take time out to relax, release tension and gain a better sense of well being.

Postpartum Care

Postpartum care is recommended to help restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition and to assist with the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn. During this period your body undergoes a number of new changes, both physically and psychology, massage assists with this recuperation process.

Postpartum massage has many benefits including:

• assisting the body’s natural healing mechanisms in returning the body to pre-pregnancy condition.
  
• helps re-establish structural alignments, such as the pelvis.
  
• aids in the healing of the abdominal wall and recovery after caesarean delivery.
  
• relieves muscular pain in the neck, shoulders and lower back.
  
• alleviates muscular tension associated with motherly tasks.
  
• provides emotional support and bonding between mother and baby.
  
• reduces stress hormones and helps support healthy lactation.

Massage during the postpartum stage is important for both mother and her baby.

Qualifications

• Dip. Remedial Massage; Cert. MLD
  
• Cert. III & IV Fitness.
  
• AAMT Member (Australian Association Massage Therapists)
  
• Health Fund Rebate Available

Call - 0419 535 906