Prenatal Massage

racheltherose · November 2014

Has anyone who has had a lot of back pain tried getting a prenatal massage? I know it would feel amazing to just have someone rub my back for an hour or so, but I'm wondering if it helped a little more long term than just the day of for any of you ladies? My back is just... horrible right now and I'm debating if it's worth dropping the money to get one.

nbad311 · November 2014

I've had two (one this past Saturday) and they are ok, but not great. It's not as relaxing when you're required to lay on your side, a position that seems to prevent them from really getting some satisfying pressure on your back. Maybe my masseuses were sub-par though. My lower back is frequently sore these days too and the massages didn't alleviate the soreness

How about checking on Groupon to see if there are any local prenatal massage deals you can try? That way you're not paying top dollar!

bhjones1980 · November 2014

I have had three in the past few months (one of the perks of my work travel), and they all helped with my neck and shoulder pain, stiffness.

But I find that you need to see if they have the pregnancy pillow set up (so you can lay on your stomach - which is GLORIOUS) the side laying thing is annoying and I could never quite relax because of all the repositioning. And be VERY clear about what kind of pressure you want. They tend to go light for the prenatal massages but if you ask for more pressure they will oblige.

racheltherose · November 2014

nbad311 That's a good idea, I'll have to scope some out. I'm SO bummed because I got a certificate for a massage last year for Christmas that I never used, and I just looked and it's expired. I almost cried lol

sugahcookie01 Let me know how a chiropractor goes! I've never been to one... and I've always been kind of hesitant even though I've heard they can work wonders

thedish0207 I know it's best to see someone who specializes in prenatal massages, maybe there are particular spots or maneuvers that they have to avoid when you're pregnant

bhjones1980 · November 2014

thedish0207 said:

I just had one on Sunday! It was wonderful. However, my massage therapist avoided most areas of my back. We were talking about other things te whole time so I forgot to ask why but I remember her saying at the beginning that lower back and feet have trigger points she avoids.
This could be the norm or it might have been just her.

not the norm, I have had extra feet and lower back attention with all my prenatal massages.

racheltherose · November 2014

bhjones1980 said:

I have had three in the past few months (one of the perks of my work travel), and they all helped with my neck and shoulder pain, stiffness.

But I find that you need to see if they have the pregnancy pillow set up (so you can lay on your stomach - which is GLORIOUS) the side laying thing is annoying and I could never quite relax because of all the repositioning. And be VERY clear about what kind of pressure you want. They tend to go light for the prenatal massages but if you ask for more pressure they will oblige.

Yeah I would DEFINITELY need a decent amount of pressure. My poor back is just miserable. IE I'm miserable

ajr06c · November 2014

I had one done a while ago and they used the pregnancy pillow so I could lay on my stomach. It helped some but I tend to carry all my stress in my upper so the tension returned as soon as I went back to work the next day. It would be worth a try at least once to see if it helps!

ordinary1 · November 2014

I suggest chiropractic care. While a massage is nice and a little helpful, the chiropractor has been so much more valuable! This is especially true while being pregnant since alignment is not held as long/well.

racheltherose · November 2014

ordinary1 said:

I suggest chiropractic care. While a massage is nice and a little helpful, the chiropractor has been so much more valuable! This is especially true while being pregnant since alignment is not held as long/well.

Yeah I know my hips are out of whack, I've been riding horses my whole life and my whole spine is out of line. I've just always been hesitant for some reason (even though I've literally dropped thousands on getting my horses adjusted by a chiropractor)

HailsMom · November 2014

nbad311 said:

I've had two (one this past Saturday) and they are ok, but not great. It's not as relaxing when you're required to lay on your side, a position that seems to prevent them from really getting some satisfying pressure on your back. Maybe my masseuses were sub-par though. My lower back is frequently sore these days too and the massages didn't alleviate the soreness
How about checking on Groupon to see if there are any local prenatal massage deals you can try? That way you're not paying top dollar!

Oh Man! @nbad311 You need to find someone that will use a pregnancy pillow! They are so much better when you can lay face down! I think the ones where you are laying on your side are a waste.

For me they help for a few weeks or so. Less if I go right back to doing a lot of hard work (like hanging drywall in the basement)

ordinary1 · November 2014

I was hesitant with my first. Then I heard of all the benefits of it and had sciatic nerve pain. This time I went ASAP and have felt so much better! Also helps with RLP.

racheltherose · November 2014

Does insurance cover your visits? Obviously I would have to look and see if mine would cover it, I just didn't know if that's something insurances would cover without a doctor referral.

lorifromwi · November 2014

I am up to a massage every other week, was previously doing monthly. This helps me manage my pain from a herniated disc. Sadly I've had some bad experiences with chiropracters, so I steer clear of them, but I know others swear by them.

jaytee16 · November 2014

I have had one and will be booking another. I found it great for relaxation and some of my overall aches and pains. I see a chiropractor as well and I find that much more effective to deal with my back pain, especially in a more long term kind of way.

ordinary1 · November 2014

My insurance covers twelve a year per person. With my last pregnancy, it was not covered.

agm04 · November 2014

Yep another chiropractor visitor here. I've only been once so far, and have another visit coming up on Friday. Possibly the best part is that I can get a 60 min prenatal massage for an $11 copay through them. That's coming up too! Hoping it all helps.

racheltherose · November 2014

Oh my gosh I seriously need to do something, my back is just screaming today. I have a friend that can refer me to her chiropractor, I need to ask for their number

loriann091 · November 2014

sugahcookie01 said:
I have a massage envy membership so I get a prenatal once a month. It helps. But I have bigger issues than the massage is helping so today I am seeing a chiroprachtor in hopes THAT fixes me up.

Agree with this -- and @sugahcookie01‌ can you update on how it goes? I go every 2 weeks to massage envy and it helps for like 5 minutes. My sciatic is so bad that my leg gives out when I walk. I want to go to a chiropractor but I'm a little hesitant bc I'm worried about the adjustments. But the pain is pretty bad so I may suck it up and go.

chicagojackie · November 2014

If you are a high-risk mom or have any chronic medical issues you would need to clear with OB before going to a chiropractor or even for a prenatal massage. Just FYI ladies. Sorry to rain on the fun alternative medicine parade.

Fun police out.

boxerrrmama85 · November 2014

I have been having really painful shoulder and neck issues. I went for a
prenatal massage and found minimal relief. So far tylenol and heat packs have helped, but I may need to look into another avenue.

mands1125 · November 2014

I also go once a month to Massage Envy. Tonight just happens to be my night in approx 90 minutes!

racheltherose · November 2014

chicagojackie said:
If you are a high-risk mom or have any chronic medical issues you would need to clear with OB before going to a chiropractor or even for a prenatal massage. Just FYI ladies. Sorry to rain on the fun alternative medicine parade.

Fun police out.

That's really good to know, fun fact or not. Luckily I am no longer considered high risk (WOOP!!!) but I was definitely going to ask my doctor before doing any kind of treatment

ordinary1 · November 2014

Both chiropractors I have seen asked if I was high risk and had me sign a consent form to call my ob/share information with.

Mrs. Zee · November 2014

Another rec for chiropractic-I have gone for the last 3 weeks and it has made such a difference. I am getting Mayan Abdominal Therapy this weekend which is a type of prenatal massage and am going to get what is called a faja which is a long piece of fabric you use to wrap and support your growing uterus and stabilize your lower back. I am hoping that helps as well!!

Boehrig2 · November 2014

Also, you may try looking for a physical therapist who specializes in the pelvic floor. Aka they work a LOT with pregnant women. My sister is one and even over the phone she had figured out a diagnosis and exercises that would help me with mine! From my experience they don't just manipulate you like some chiropractors, but give exercises , massage etc. plus many insurances cover them. Just a thought...

[Deleted User] · November 2014

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racheltherose · November 2014

sugahcookie01 said:
One appointment with a chiro yesterday and for the first time in over a YEAR I woke up with no shoulder pain. Holy crap!

I'm super sore other places from him adjusting me but it feels like a workout soreness, not the horrible throbbing ache I had before.

Get cleared for a chiro and find someone who is good with pregnant ladies!

Glad it helped you!!

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