Video Course: Easing Pregnancy Pain: Three Ways to Help the Most Common Prenatal Complaints

Carole Osborne, Michele Kolakowski, David Lobenstine

Join us to learn three evidence-based, practical techniques to alleviate some of pregnancy’s most common complaints. Every pregnancy is unique, but most pregnant clients experience stress, torso discomfort, and/or pelvic pain. In this course, you’ll gain an understanding of these issues, why they are nearly ubiquitous, and what you can do to alleviate them as three renowned instructors share some of their favorite approaches for this population. Whether you are new to prenatal massage or a prenatal pro looking for new tools, this course will help you deepen your practice. This course was featured during the 2021 ABMP CE Summit. 

ABMP members receive a discount from Singing Dragon Publishing which can be applied to the purchase of the presenters’ book, Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy, Third Edition.

This course has closed captioning. Click "cc" on the video player to view.

This course is approved for Florida’s “Distance Learning Hands-On Technique” category for the 2023-2025 renewal period (CE Broker course #20-1083054 for FL only).

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Course Outline
  • Introduction: David Lobenstine
  • Three Common Complaints, Causes and Anatomy: Carole Osborne
  • Techniques: Michele Kolakowski
    • Occiput Traction and Rocking
    • Ribcage Trigger Points
    • Lumbosacral Joint Decompression (Passive Pelvic Tilt)
  • Summary: David Lobenstine
Learning Objectives

Having viewed this online massage therapy technique CE course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify three of the most common complaints pregnant clients want to have addressed in typical massage therapy sessions.
  • Identify the nerve most beneficially affected by the occiput traction and rocking technique.
  • List the effects of increased anterior weight load on the pregnant body.
  • List sources of ribcage pain during pregnancy.
  • List the technique steps and the intended effects of the occiput traction and rocking technique.
Instructors
Carole Osborne

Carole Osborne has been a practitioner, author, course developer, instructor, and mentor since 1974. She holds a bachelor's degree in education and in addition to private practice, she has worked in osteopathic, psychological, and women's medical settings. Her work focuses on facilitating somato-emotional and neuromuscular integration, particularly related to childbearing, trauma, substance and eating disorders, self-image, and nurturing. Carole has published two textbooks, Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy and Deep Tissue Sculpting, and her articles appear in many professional and mainstream publications. She has provided consultation on several videos, and for other prenatal and infant massage media items and curricula at massage therapy schools. Visit Carol's website www.bodytherapyeducation.com to learn more about her work.

Michele Kolakowski

Michele Kolakowski, LMT, is a certified doula, certified postpartum doula, and certified lactation counselor. She has decades of diverse experience serving women and babies since 1992, and she is a co-author of the third edition of Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy. An authorized instructor of pre- and perinatal massage therapy workshops, Kolakowski has taught maternity massage at massage schools, spas, destination resorts, hospitals, and conferences nationwide. Learn more at www.sanctuaryhealingartsllc.com.

David Lobenstine

David M. Lobenstine, BA, LMT, BCTMB, has been massaging, teaching, writing, and editing for over 15 years. He is a graduate of Vassar College and the Swedish Institute of Health Sciences. He is a co-author of the third edition of Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapy. Learn more at www.bodybrainbreath.com.

Topics and Techniques

This hands-on massage therapy CE course from Carole Osborne, Michele Kolakowski, and David Lobenstine teaches prenatal massage therapy techniques. Learn to address the three most common pregnancy pain complaints: stress, torso discomfort, and pelvic pain. Topics include causes, anatomy, and three hands-on prenatal techniques: occiput traction and rocking, ribcage trigger points, lumbosacral joint decompression (passive pelvic tilt).

Date

This online massage therapy CE course is available to you on demand to access, learn, and earn CE whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you!

FAQ

Visit the ABMP Education Center FAQ page for a full list of resources.

Q: Is this CE course approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) for CE credit?
A: Yes! All of the courses are approved under ABMP’s NCBTMB Approved Provider account (451086-09).

Q: How do I earn a CE certificate for this video-based course?
A: After you complete the webinar video, a quiz will appear on the page. Earn a CE certificate by scoring 70% or higher on the course quiz.

Q: Can I earn a CE certificate for this course more than once?
A: Learners can earn one CE certificate for each course.

Q: How do I access my CE certificates?
A: CE certificates are available on your “My CE Transcripts” page and on the course page. Visit your “My CE Transcript” page by clicking “My CE” on the navigation bar at the top of your screen.

Copyright Statement
All of the ABMP courses contain materials that are proprietary to ABMP. None of the course material may be used without the express written permission of ABMP. Materials may include, but are not limited to, video, audio, images, documents, and slides. Course materials are only for the use of students enrolled in this course and may not be shared publicly or shown to groups. Unauthorized retention, duplication, distribution, or modification of copyrighted materials is strictly prohibited by law. Check your state’s defined scope of practice for massage therapy before practicing any new modalities or techniques.

Reviews

"Excellent course! Presented well and easy to follow."

"I cannot wait to practice these techniques with my current pregnant clients and even try on non-pregnant clients! Very pleased with quality of the video, information, and teachers."

"This was an excellent course and all three presenters were just so good. Thank you so much!"

"This course gave me more confidence and tools to work with prenatal clients. I'm very grateful for the techniques shown by the experienced professionals in this course."