Hip pain that interrupts sleep. Lower back tension that worsens through the day. Swollen feet and legs by evening. These are not small inconveniences during pregnancy. They are physical symptoms that affect daily function and quality of sleep at a time when the body is under more demand than at almost any other point in life. Outstanding massage services tailored to pregnancy are one of the most effective ways to manage them.
Prenatal massage addresses these symptoms with technique and positioning designed specifically for pregnant clients. We offer prenatal massage throughout all trimesters in American Fork, Utah, with therapists trained in safe prenatal practice.
Here is what to expect.
Standard massage positioning and pressure are not appropriate for pregnancy. Lying face down becomes uncomfortable and unsafe as the pregnancy progresses. Certain pressure points and areas of the abdomen require modification. Therapists need to know where not to apply pressure as much as where to focus.
Prenatal massage uses a side-lying position with proper bolstering to support the belly, hips, and knees. This position is comfortable throughout the second and third trimesters and eliminates the strain that other positions would cause. Technique is modified to work safely with the changes happening in the body while still effectively addressing the pain and tension the client is experiencing.
This is not a lighter version of a regular massage. It is a different approach that requires specific training.
The most common reasons our prenatal clients come in:
Lower back and sacral pain driven by postural shifts as the center of gravity changes during pregnancy. Hip pain, including sciatic-related discomfort that radiates from the hip through the glute and down the leg. Round ligament tension and general anterior hip tightness. Shoulder tension and upper back strain from postural compensation. Swelling in the legs and feet from increased fluid retention.
For sciatic hip pain in particular, which many clients describe as one of the most disruptive symptoms of the second and third trimesters, targeted work on the glutes, piriformis, and surrounding hip muscles can produce significant relief. Several of our clients report that prenatal massage is the first intervention that consistently reduces this type of pain.
Yes, when performed by a therapist trained in prenatal technique. We ask all prenatal clients to consult with their OB or midwife before booking if they have any pregnancy complications or high-risk factors. For low-risk pregnancies, prenatal massage is considered safe throughout all three trimesters.
Our therapists ask about your trimester, current symptoms, and any relevant medical history at the start of each session. If anything changes between sessions, update us before we begin. The assessment at the start of every appointment accounts for where you are in the pregnancy that day, not just your general history.
Arrive 15 minutes before your session to complete intake paperwork. This gives us the information needed to set up positioning and prepare the right techniques before you get on the table.
Your therapist will ask where you are experiencing the most discomfort, how far along you are, and whether you have any conditions or restrictions from your healthcare provider. They will explain the side-lying position and bolstering setup before you get settled. Once you are comfortable, the session proceeds with technique adapted to your specific presentation.
Most first-time prenatal clients report that they did not expect how effective targeted work on the hips and lower back would feel. The side-lying position allows the therapist good access to the posterior hip and lumbar region, which are often the areas of most acute discomfort.
Recovery after delivery puts its own demands on the body. Postural strain from feeding positions, sleep disruption, core recovery, and the physical effort of early parenthood all accumulate quickly.
Postnatal massage is available at our clinic and addresses the specific areas most affected by delivery and early postpartum life: the upper back, neck, and shoulders from feeding and carrying, the lower back and sacrum as the pelvis recovers, and general accumulated tension from physical and emotional stress.
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