Скачать или смотреть Title: Sidelying Pregnancy Massage: Cervical Translations & Neck Release (RMT Review)

Sidelying Pregnancy Massage: Cervical Translations & Neck Release (RMT Review)

In this short demonstration for Registered Massage Therapists, we review how to perform cervical vertebrae translations (lateral glides) on a pregnant client in the sidelying position.

As pregnancy progresses, many clients cannot tolerate the supine position due to discomfort or safety concerns (supine hypotension). This video shows how to effectively mobilize the cervical spine and reduce neck tension without requiring the client to lie flat on their back.

Technique Highlights:

Positioning: Secure sidelying (sideline) with appropriate pillowing for neutral alignment.

The Move: Cervical translations performed segmentally up the neck to encourage mobility and fluid exchange.

Benefit: Safe access to the laminar groove and transverse processes without compromising the client's circulatory safety.

⚠️ Professional Disclaimer: This video is for educational review purposes for Registered Massage Therapists and students. It is not intended as medical advice. Always adhere to your local college guidelines and scope of practice.
Rattray & Ludwig "Backup" Notes

Educational context based on "Clinical Massage Therapy" (Rattray & Ludwig) regarding pregnancy, supine positioning, and the neck.

If you need to treat the neck in supine (rather than sidelying), Rattray outlines strict safety modifications to prevent Supine Hypotensive Syndrome (aortocaval compression).
1. The "Right Hip Wedge" Rule

Rattray emphasizes that after the second trimester (and often earlier for comfort), a pregnant client should never be flat supine.

The Modification: You must place a small pillow, folded towel, or wedge under the client's Right Hip.

The Mechanism: This elevates the right pelvis, tilting the uterus to the left. This prevents the heavy gravid uterus from compressing the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) and abdominal aorta, which run along the right side of the spine.

Symptoms of Compression: If this step is skipped, the client may experience dizziness, nausea, drop in blood pressure, or agitation (the "faint" feeling).

2. Neck Treatment in Modified Supine

When treating the neck in this modified supine position, Rattray notes the following biomechanical considerations:

Head Elevation: Because the torso is often elevated (semi-seated/Fowler’s position) to reduce heartburn and improve breathing, the head must be pillowed higher than usual to maintain a neutral cervical spine.

Access Limitations: In modified supine, access to the posterior cervical muscles (e.g., splenius capitis, suboccipitals) is limited by the pillowing.

Why Sidelying is Preferred: Rattray often suggests sidelying for neck work in later pregnancy because it allows:

Neutral alignment without complex wedging.

Better access to the Levator Scapulae and Upper Trapezius (common tension areas in pregnancy due to breast weight changes).

Easier application of techniques like the cervical translations shown in your video.

3. Contraindications (General)

Avoid deep, bilateral compression of the SCM (Sternocleidomastoid) to prevent compressing the carotid artery or stimulating the carotid sinus.

Avoid aggressive joint mobilizations if the client has generalized ligament laxity due to the hormone Relaxin.