What to Expect (When You’re Expecting a Prenatal Massage)
Prenatal massage can be a tremendously relaxing and effective way to address aches and pains of pregnancy. From aching hips to lower back pain, headaches, round ligament pain, pubic symphysis pain, pregnancy-related carpal tunnel, shoulder and upper back pain, prenatal massage is a safe and nurturing way to ease discomforts and help a mother-to-be feel more like herself.
Gentle abdominal massage can help relieve stretched ligaments and provide much needed circulation to growing and stretching abdominal muscles during pregnancy.
Amy has trained with some of the nation’s leading prenatal massage specialists. Her approach to prenatal massage focuses on creating space in strained areas, relieving discomfort and creating a positive, nurturing environment for her pregnant clients. Amy’s prenatal massage sessions often include:
- Relief from compression in lower back and hips
- Improved circulation and elimination of excess fluid via manual lymphatic drainage and myofascial release
- Relief of gluteal stress that comes with lateral rotation of the hips during pregnancy (the “waddle walk”)
- Abdominal massage to improve circulation and relieve strained ligaments
- Help to “create more room” in the torso through a focus on diaphragmatic breathing and massage of ribs
- Assistance with proper pelvic alignment
- Addressing the muscular tension that may cause headaches
- Preparation for labor by improving flexibility, relief of muscle tension, breathing practices and acupressure to encourage downward energy towards the end of the pregnancy
Prenatal Massage Session Overview
A prenatal massage at Restorative Massage Therapy begins with a one-on-one intake where we review your medical history and go over any areas of concern (aching hips, tight shoulders, low back pain, etc.). At this time, Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist Amy Packer, will also talk about the plan for your pregnancy massage, your goals for the session and the positioning options.
A typical prenatal massage will include:
- Side Lying Positioning – Especially useful to address lower back and hips. Often we begin prenatal massage sessions with side lying positioning.
- Lying on Back, Supported with Bolsters – Often the greatest luxury – to lie on your back during the later stages of pregnancy! We utilize bolsters and wedges to allow for safe, comfortable positioning.
- Swedish Massage – Long gliding strokes to promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension and improve circulation
- Integrative Therapies – Depending on the specific needs, a prenatal session may include acupressure, neuromuscular therapy, stretching, fascial work, craniosacral therapies, lymphatic and a variety of other techniques.
The focus on mother and baby doesn’t end when the baby arrives. RMT also specializes in Postpartum Massage to help new moms and their bodies adjust during the postpartum phase.
Side Lying positioning during pregnancy can be very useful for addressing tightness in the hips, lower back and abdomen.
Restorative Massage Therapy 