If you are pregnant and your body feels like it belongs to someone else, you are not alone!
The backache that was not there before is becoming constant, your shoulders feel increasingly tight, you’re noticing swollen ankles at the end of the day and the sleep never quite feels like it’s enough anymore. It is a lot to cope with, even when everything is going well.
One question comes up all the time: can I have a massage and will it actually help?
The short answer is yes, for most women it does. But timing and context matter, so let’s go through when it’s helpful and when it’s best to wait.
I’m Kate Young, Clinical Lead and Principal Physiotherapist at Inspire Physiotherapy in Prudhoe.
What we actually mean by pregnancy massage
A lot of people think pregnancy massage is a completely separate type of massage -it isn’t. I’s a very gentle and soft massage, adapted for each person’s pregnancy. What makes it different is not a fancy technique but knowing how to position you comfortably and safely, how much pressure to use, what to avoid, and how to adapt the massage techniques as your body changes week to week.
That is why who you see matters more than what the treatment is called.
Why so many aches in the first place?
Your body is doing an incredible amount of work! Your posture changes as your centre of gravity shifts forwards and your ligaments become more relaxed as hormones prepare you for labour – which is often what causes the back ache most women feel first.
It makes sense that your lower back is working harder, your pelvis feels less stable and your neck and shoulders tighten as your body is compensating to the growing weight in your abdomen. Add fluid retention, tiredness and the fact you cannot get comfortable at night, and it’s no wonder your body feels tight and heavy!
Many women tell me they feel like they’re just not moving like themselves anymore. If that is you, it is completely understandable.
When massage can genuinely help
Most women find the second and third trimesters the most challenging. Everyday things start to take more effort and niggles turn into daily discomfort, especially as your sleep becomes more broken
This is often when a gentle massage can help you feel more like yourself again.
For lower back pain, which is so common as your bump grows, soft tissue work can ease tension and help you move more comfortably. If pain is persistent or stops you doing normal things, that is when a physiotherapy assessment is useful to look at the root cause – not just the sore areas.
For tight shoulders and neck, which often come from how your posture changes without you realising it, gentle release of the upper back, neck and shoulders can make breathing and sleeping a little easier.
For swollen legs and feet, light techniques can support circulation and reduce that heavy feeling. It will not remove the cause of swelling, but it will certainly make you feel more comfortable.
And for sleep and stress, many women simply sleep better after treatment because their body finally has permission to switch off. Taking time to care for yourself in pregnancy is not a luxury,tit’s part of looking after your well being.
What about the first trimester?
This is often the first question I’m asked when people call to book in.
Some therapists prefer not to offer massage in the first twelve weeks, others will after a careful assessment. There is no single rule that every clinic follows.
If you’re in early pregnancy, have a conversation with your therapist first. They will ask about your medical history, how you are feeling, and any advice you have been given by your midwife or GP. That way they can decide together what is right for you.
When you should get checked first
Pregnancy massage is generally safe when carried out by a suitably trained therapist who understands how to adapt for pregnancy. But there are times when it is not appropriate and you need medical advice first.
Please seek advice from your midwife, GP or consultant and postpone massage if you have any of the following:
- Any vaginal bleeding that has not been assessed. This always needs to be checWondering if pregnancy massage is safe? Discover the benefits, risks and warning signs with expert advice from Inspire Physiotherapy.ked first.#Sudden or severe swelling, especially in your hands, face or legs. This can sometimes be linked to complications that need prompt assessment.#A diagnosis of pre-eclampsia. This needs medical management and massage should only be considered with guidance from your healthcare team.Severe or unexplained abdominal pain. Any new pain like this should be investigated before treatment. Advice given for you to avoid certain activities. If you have been given that advice, we follow it.If you are ever unsure, do not guess or Google! A quick conversation with your healthcare provider is always the safest next step.
Is it safe?
For most healthy pregnancies, yes. When it is carried out by someone who is qualified and experienced in working with pregnant women and who takes the time to understand your pregnancy and your medical history, it is safe.
Every pregnancy is different though. What was right for your friend may not be right for you. That is why personalised advice will always be better than general advice you read online.
How often should you have one?
There is no set rule. Some women come in once when symptoms flare up. Others find that a regular session every few weeks through the second and third trimesters helps them keep on top of tension and sleep better.
It depends on your symptoms, your stage of pregnancy and what you’re hoping to get from treatment. We can talk that through at your assessment.
When to seek professional advice
If aches and pains are starting to affect how you move, sleep or enjoy your day, you do not have to just put up with it because you are pregnant.
If pain is not improving, if it is getting worse, or if you are worried about anything at all, seek advice. An assessment is not about finding something wrong, it’s about understanding what your body needs right now so you can feel more comfortable and confident.
You deserve to enjoy this part of your journey, not just endure it!
At Inspire Physiotherapy our mission has always been to help you Move Better, Feel Better and Live Better. We spend time listening to you,how you are feeling and what support is most appropriate for you and your stage of pregnancy. You are the most important person in the whole process, so it’s important for us to know what you need to get out of each session.
If you would like to talk through whether pregnancy massage is right for you, get in touch with the team at Inspire Physiotherapy in Prudhoe. We are happy to answer your questions and guide you to the safest next step.
