What Happens During A Typical Prenatal Massage Therapy Session?
A typical prenatal massage therapy session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes. Your therapist will begin with a brief consultation and review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. The therapist will discuss with you the focus and scope of the session and both of you will agree on what will be addressed during the massage. You set your own limits and communicate them clearly to the therapist.
You will be asked to undress to your comfort level (many people keep their underwear on) while the massage therapist is out of the room, and lie on your right side under a sheet on a padded massage table. You will have a bolster pillow on the table for additional support and comfort.
The massage therapist will knock on the door to make sure you are ready. The massage therapist re-enters the room and will then adjust the pillows to ensure that you are comfortable and properly positioned. Tell the massage therapist if you are too warm or cold.
You will be underneath the sheet at all times. In North America, only the part of the body being treated at any one time is uncovered.
The massage therapist uses a light oil or lotion on the skin and begins the massage. Depending on the agreement reached between you and your therapist, the massage may or may not address the back, legs, feet, shoulders, arms, hands, neck, abdomen and face. Protocols specific to prenatal massage will be followed.
After the massage, the therapist leaves the room so you can get changed. Take your time getting up. If you sit or stand too quickly you may feel lightheaded or dizzy. After you are dressed, the therapist will conduct a brief post-session assessment and discuss plans for future treatment with you if necessary.
Will Prenatal Massage Therapy Make You Feel Sore?
Prenatal massage therapy shouldn't hurt. You may experience mild aching when the massage therapist applies pressure over "knots" and other areas of muscle tension. A good therapist will check in with you on the amount of pressure you desire. If the pressure is too strong for you, let the massage therapist know immediately.
Precautions
Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage.
Based on your pre-session interview, the massage therapist may conclude that it would be prudent to refer you to a physician and reschedule your session. Massage therapists are neither trained nor legally permitted to diagnose. However, they are trained to be observant and to be aware of signs that may contraindicate massage. In keeping with the massage therapist's code of ethics, it is always better to err on the side of caution for your well being. It is strongly recommended that you follow your therapist's advice if you are referred for consultation. You should not be charged for the session.
