Side-lying, properly supported massage for the aches pregnancy brings — low back, hips, ribs and legs.
Massage Adapted for Pregnancy
Prenatal massage is not simply a regular massage performed on someone who is pregnant. Positioning, pressure and the areas worked all change, and the reason is straightforward: the body is carrying a load it did not have before, in a shape it is still adjusting to.
As pregnancy progresses the centre of gravity moves forward, the low back takes more curve, the pelvis widens and ligaments soften. The predictable result is low back ache, hip and pelvic discomfort, tightness through the ribs as the diaphragm is pushed up, and heaviness or swelling in the legs.
Treatment is given in side-lying position with pillows and bolstering rather than face down, which is neither comfortable nor appropriate past the early weeks. Pressure is moderate rather than deep, and certain areas are treated with more caution during pregnancy.
What It Helps With
Low back and pelvic ache
The most common complaint, driven by the shift in posture and load through the pelvis.
Hip and glute tightness
Often the source of pain that is felt in the back or down the leg.
Rib and upper back tightness
As the growing uterus pushes the diaphragm upward and breathing mechanics change.
Leg heaviness and swelling
Gentle work can help with the fluid retention and heaviness common in later pregnancy.
Neck and shoulder tension
From changed posture, disrupted sleep and side-lying at night.
Sleep and stress
Being able to properly relax for an hour is not a trivial benefit in the third trimester.
Safety and When to Check First
For most healthy pregnancies, massage from a registered massage therapist is appropriate and useful. There are circumstances where we will ask you to speak to your physician or midwife before booking, or where we will decline to treat until you have:
- A high-risk pregnancy, or a history of pre-term labour
- Pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, or significant sudden swelling
- Any bleeding, leaking fluid, or reduced fetal movement
- A known blood clotting disorder or a current or suspected clot
- Placenta praevia or other placental complications
This is not us being cautious for the sake of it. Some of these are urgent medical matters, and a massage appointment is not the right first stop. If anything on that list applies to you, contact your maternity care provider first and we will treat once you have their go-ahead.
Tell your therapist how far along you are, how the pregnancy has been going, and anything your care provider has flagged. That conversation shapes the whole treatment.
What to Expect
When Massage Is Not the Whole Answer
Pelvic girdle pain, significant pubic symphysis pain and pelvic floor symptoms during and after pregnancy often need more than massage. Physiotherapy can address the movement and load side of those problems, and the two work well together.
If what you are describing sounds more like a joint or pelvic floor issue than muscular tension, we will tell you and point you to the right service rather than booking you in for a massage that will not resolve it.
Your Massage Therapists
Prenatal massage is provided by our registered massage therapists in Camrose. You can read about the team and book on our team page, or call (780) 673-0573 and we will match you with a therapist and appointment length that suits how far along you are.
Coverage & Direct Billing
We direct bill Alberta Blue Cross, Great-West Life, Sun Life Financial, Cowan Insurance Group, Manulife Financial, Maximum Benefit, Desjardins, Johnson Insurance and Green Shield Canada. We also handle WCB claims and motor vehicle accident claims directly.
What Our Camrose Patients Say
Verified Google reviews for Central Physiotherapy & Massage.
Book an Appointment in Camrose
Book a prenatal massage online, or call us to talk through what will be most comfortable at your stage.
Central Physiotherapy & Massage · 6028 48 Avenue, Camrose, AB · (780) 673-0573
Monday to Thursday 9:00am–7:00pm · Friday 9:00am–5:00pm