Massage Therapy for Pregnancy & Postpartum

Since school, I have had a passion for working with women throughout the stages of pregnancy. I take a holistic approach to treating all clients, that does not change when someone is pregnant. 

At your initial appointment I will do my usual health intake, and add pregnancy specific questions to create a unique treatment plan that focuses on your goals. As your body changes throughout your pregnancy the treatment plan will be adapted to continue to focus on your goals while maintaining a safe treatment environment for you & your baby. 

Your safety is my top concern, and we will make all treatment decisions together with your safety top of mind. 

Perinatal Care Continuing Education:

The Art of Perinatal Care: A Pregnancy Massage Workshop for RMT's - 2024 - Taught by Shannon Berrow, RMT

• My main take away from this course was learning how to perform abdominal massage for pregnant women. We learned about all the layers that are between a uterus and abdomen, and learned gentle techniques that are safe for a pregnant persons abdomen throughout pregnancy, but focused on later stages.  

  • If you have any questions about this treatment please email me at rmt.elissa.info@gmail.com. 

  • People who have received abdominal treatment while pregnant noted less tension across their side body (ribs/obliques) and abdomen. 

Postpartum Series: An Osteopathic Approach to Postpartum treatment for RMTs  -  2021

• This course was focused on the fourth trimester, also known as postpartum. We learned about how a pregnant woman's body changes after labour/delivery and how massage therapy can help healing during the postpartum phase. 

Common Indications for receiving Massage Therapy while Pregnant  

• Mental Health (stress, anxiety and/or depression)

• Rib pain

• General aches & pains (back, neck, legs, arms) 

• SI joint pain

• Coccyx pain - Massage *might* help by releasing the glutes but I would likely refer you to a chiro or physiotherapist. 

• lateral hip / glute pain 

• Sciatica and/or Piriformis syndrome 

• Calf cramps 

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain) 

• Tension/Tightness of Abdomen - common in end of second & third Trimester. 

  • Abdominal massage is safe & can be effective to relieve tightness around the abdomen, side body & ribs

FAQ's 

Is Massage Therapy Safe during Pregnancy?

• Yes! Massage Therapy is safe throughout pregnancy. Some alterations will be made to the treatment plan depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. This can include changing  positioning, using a pregnancy massage pillow, and changing pressure to keep you & your baby safe and comfortable during treatments. 

How does Massage Therapy differ during pregnancy?

• The main thing that changes would be positioning. I have pillowing systems that allow a pregnant person to lay face down safely without putting any pressure on the baby. Massage can also be given in a side laying or semi fowlers (semi seated) position.