Prenatal Massage Ajax: Benefits, Safety and What to Expect

Prenatal massage is massage therapy adapted for pregnancy, with positioning and techniques that keep you comfortable and supported as your body changes. Many women experience lower back pain, neck pain or sciatica during pregnancy, and massage can help relax the muscles that support the spine. If you are looking for prenatal massage Ajax and Pickering families rely on, the most important thing is a registered massage therapist (RMT) who knows how to adjust treatment for each stage of pregnancy.

At Pickering Village Chiropractic & Massage, our RMTs treat pre- and post-natal pain as part of our massage therapy in Ajax. This guide covers what prenatal massage can help with, how it stays safe and what to expect at your appointment.

What Can Prenatal Massage Help With?

Pregnancy changes your posture, your weight distribution and how your muscles work. Prenatal massage can help with:

• Lower back pain

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Sciatica, the shooting pain or numbness down the leg that can happen when the growing uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve

• Muscle tension from changes in posture

• Stress and trouble relaxing

Massage can also help you stay relaxed as your body, and your baby, grows.

Is Massage Safe During Pregnancy?

Massage can be done safely during pregnancy when the right precautions are taken. Here is what health sources recommend and what we follow in our treatment room.

Positioning Changes as Your Pregnancy Progresses

• Side-lying: Lying on your side, supported with pillows, is a common position as pregnancy advances. Later in pregnancy, lying on your left side is often preferred.

• Avoid lying flat on your back: After the fourth month, lying flat on your back can let the uterus press on a large vein, which may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.

• Avoid lying on your stomach: After the third month, or sooner with twins or more, lying on your stomach is generally avoided.

• Seated options: A chair or stool can also be used.

Areas and Techniques to Avoid

• Firm massage of the belly should be avoided.

• Pressure points that cause discomfort should not receive vigorous or repeated pressure.

• Some essential oils may not be safe during pregnancy, so tell your therapist before any aromatherapy is used.

Always Tell Your Therapist You Are Pregnant

Let your RMT know how far along you are and share any concerns from your doctor or midwife. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or a condition your care provider is monitoring, check with them before booking.

What About the First Trimester?

Many massage therapists prefer to see clients in the second or third trimester. Health sources note that massage does not cause miscarriage. Nausea, which is common in the first trimester, can also make it harder to relax during a session. Talk with your RMT and your care provider about timing that suits you.

What to Expect at Your Prenatal Massage

1. Health history: Your RMT asks about your pregnancy, how you are feeling and the areas that bother you most.

2. Positioning: You are set up in a supported position, usually side-lying, with pillows for comfort.

3. Treatment: Your RMT focuses on the areas causing pain or tension, with pressure adjusted to your comfort.

4. Comfort first: You only undress to the level you are comfortable with, and you can change position or take a break at any time.

Massage After Your Baby Arrives

Our RMTs also treat post-natal pain. Caring for a newborn means a lot of lifting, carrying and feeding in positions that can strain the neck, shoulders and back. Massage can help ease that tension as your body recovers.

Meet Our Registered Massage Therapists

• Jessica Raedisch, RMT: Practising as an RMT in Ontario since 1992, with experience treating soft tissue issues from sports injuries, repetitive strain and TMJ dysfunction

• Rolf Castanheiro, RMT: Over 32 years of clinical experience treating soft tissue dysfunction, including sprains, strains, headaches and muscle tension

Both are registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Learn more about our team.

How Much Does Prenatal Massage Cost?

Prices include HST. Massage therapy is not covered by OHIP, but many extended health plans cover RMT treatment. Some insurers require a doctor's referral for reimbursement, so check your plan before your first visit. You can find more detail in our guide to RMT massage in Ajax.

If you are also dealing with joint or back pain, read our guide to massage vs chiropractor to see which one fits your needs.

Book Prenatal Massage in Ajax

Pickering Village Chiropractic & Massage has served families in Ajax, Pickering and Durham Region for more than 30 years. We are located at 8 Old Kingston Rd., Ajax, ON L1T 2Z7.

Book your prenatal massage online or call 905-427-3202.