See Our Reviews:Massage Care Adapted to Your Body Throughout Pregnancy
Your body changes throughout pregnancy. Sleeping, sitting, walking, or getting comfortable at work may become harder. You may also notice new tension in your lower back, hips, legs, neck, or shoulders.
Prenatal massage in Burlington at Pillars of Wellness is provided by Registered Massage Therapists. Each appointment is adapted to your needs. Before treatment, your therapist will review relevant health information. They will also ask how you feel and what you would like help with.
Your position, pressure, and treatment areas can all be changed. Your RMT may use a side-lying or supported semi-reclined position. Pillows or bolsters can add support. You can change positions, lower the pressure, or pause at any time.
You will receive one-on-one care in a private treatment room. You will have time to ask questions and make choices about your care.
Prenatal Massage at a Glance
- Provided by a Registered Massage Therapist
- Adapted to your health history, pregnancy, and treatment goals
- Side-lying or supported semi-reclined positioning may be used
- Pressure and treatment areas can be adjusted
- Consent and comfort are checked throughout the appointment
- Direct billing may be available
What Is Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage is massage therapy adapted for pregnancy. It considers physical changes and your comfort needs. It is not one set technique. It is also not the same routine for every patient.
Your RMT will consider your health history and stage of pregnancy. They will also ask about your symptoms, goals, and positioning needs. Treatment may focus on your lower back, hips, gluteal muscles, legs, feet, neck, or shoulders.
The therapist may use gentle, flowing techniques. They may also focus on specific muscles. The approach depends on your comfort and the RMT’s assessment.
How Is Prenatal Massage Different from Regular Massage?
Prenatal massage uses the same professional standards and many of the same techniques as regular massage therapy, but the appointment is adapted to pregnancy-related changes. Your Registered Massage Therapist considers your stage of pregnancy, health history, symptoms, positioning needs, and comfort before recommending a treatment approach.
- Positioning is based on treatment goals and general comfort
- Face-down, face-up, or side-lying positions may be used
- Pressure is adjusted to your preference and the therapist’s assessment
- Standard pillows or bolsters may be used
- Health screening focuses on your general medical history
- Treatment areas are agreed upon before and during the appointment
- Positioning also considers pregnancy-related changes and your stage of pregnancy
- Side-lying or supported semi-reclined positions may be more comfortable
- Pressure may be further modified based on comfort, symptoms, and pregnancy-related considerations
- Additional support may be used around the hips, legs, back, or abdomen
- Screening also includes relevant pregnancy information and current symptoms
- Certain areas or positions may be modified depending on your needs
Prenatal massage is not simply a lighter version of regular massage. Some appointments may include gentle, flowing techniques similar to Swedish massage, while others may use more focused work on specific muscles. The approach depends on what feels comfortable and clinically appropriate for you.
Why Do People Consider Prenatal Massage?
Pregnancy can place new demands on your muscles and joints as your posture, movement, and daily routines change. Some people consider prenatal massage when they begin to notice muscle tension, soreness, or difficulty getting physically comfortable.
Treatment may focus on concerns such as:
- Lower-back or hip tension
- Tightness around the gluteal muscles
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Tired or sore legs and feet
- General muscle fatigue
- Discomfort linked to prolonged sitting, standing, or sleeping positions
- A need for quiet time to rest and relax
Prenatal massage may help reduce the feeling of muscular tension and support general comfort, but results vary from person to person. Your Registered Massage Therapist will consider where the discomfort is coming from, how it affects your daily activities, and whether massage therapy is an appropriate option.
Massage therapy focuses on muscles and other soft tissues. Symptoms involving pelvic floor function, bladder changes, significant pelvic pressure, or concerns about pregnancy complications may require assessment by a pelvic floor physiotherapist, midwife, doctor, or another appropriate healthcare provider.
Is Prenatal Massage Safe During Pregnancy?
Many people can receive massage during pregnancy. However, it is not right for every situation. Your RMT will review your health history and current symptoms. They will also consider your pregnancy and any advice from your doctor, midwife, or obstetrician.
The first trimester alone does not decide whether massage is suitable. Treatment may need to change or be postponed. In some cases, you may need to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Speak With Your Healthcare Provider Before Massage If:
- Your pregnancy is considered high risk or requires extra monitoring
- You have a current pregnancy complication
- You have unexplained bleeding, severe pain, or sudden symptoms
- You have been advised to restrict activity or avoid certain positions
- You are unsure whether massage is appropriate because of a medical condition
Massage therapy cannot diagnose or treat pregnancy complications. Seek medical care for severe, sudden, or worrying symptoms. Do not use massage in place of a medical assessment.
How Will I Be Positioned During a Prenatal Massage?
You do not need to stay in an uncomfortable position. Your RMT will discuss your options before treatment. Your position will depend on your pregnancy, health history, treatment area, and comfort.
Side-lying is common during prenatal massage. Pillows or bolsters may support your head, back, hips, abdomen, or legs. Your RMT may also use a supported semi-reclined position.
You can change positions during the appointment. Tell your therapist about pressure, numbness, dizziness, or discomfort. You can ask for more support or choose another position. You can also pause treatment at any time. No single position works for every pregnant patient.
What Happens During Your First Prenatal Massage Appointment?
Your first appointment begins with a conversation so your Registered Massage Therapist can understand your needs and explain how treatment may be adapted during pregnancy. You will have time to ask questions and discuss any concerns before massage begins.
1. Health History and Conversation
Your therapist will review your health history and ask about your stage of pregnancy, current symptoms, areas of tension, and treatment goals. They may also ask which positions feel comfortable, whether you have received massage before, and whether your healthcare provider has recommended any precautions.
This conversation helps the therapist determine whether massage is appropriate and which modifications may be needed.
2. Treatment Plan and Positioning
Before starting, your therapist will explain the proposed treatment areas, positioning, pressure, and draping. You may be positioned on your side or in a supported semi-reclined position using pillows or bolsters where appropriate.
You can ask questions, request changes, or decline treatment of any area. The treatment plan should only proceed once you understand and agree to it.
3. Ongoing Communication
Consent continues throughout the appointment. You can ask your therapist to change the pressure, adjust the draping, add more support, or help you move into a different position.
You may pause or stop treatment at any time. Your therapist may also modify or discontinue treatment if your symptoms change or if continuing is not clinically appropriate.
Can Prenatal Massage Be Adapted During Each Trimester?
Prenatal massage can be adjusted as your body, symptoms, and comfort needs change throughout pregnancy. These changes are not based on trimester alone. Your Registered Massage Therapist will also consider your health history, current symptoms, positioning tolerance, and any guidance from your healthcare provider.
Early Pregnancy
Massage is not automatically unsafe during the first trimester. Your therapist will review relevant health information, discuss how you are feeling, and determine whether treatment should proceed, be modified, or be postponed.
Pressure, positioning, and treatment areas may be adjusted based on your comfort and individual circumstances.
As Pregnancy Progresses
As your abdomen grows and your posture changes, positions that were comfortable earlier may no longer feel suitable. Side-lying or supported semi-reclined positions may be used, and additional pillows or bolsters can help support your back, hips, or legs.
You may also need to change positions more often during the appointment.
Later Pregnancy
During later pregnancy, treatment may focus more on comfort, muscle tension, and areas affected by changes in movement or daily activity. The therapist may shorten the time spent in one position or modify the pressure and areas treated.
Prenatal massage should not be promoted as a way to induce or shorten labor. Its role is to provide appropriate massage therapy based on your comfort, goals, and clinical needs.
Why Choose Pillars of Wellness for Prenatal Massage?
At Pillars of Wellness, prenatal massage is provided by Registered Massage Therapists in private treatment rooms. Each appointment is one-on-one, giving you time to discuss your symptoms, comfort needs, and treatment preferences directly with your therapist.
Patients choose our Burlington clinic for:
- Care from Registered Massage Therapists
- Pregnancy-adapted positioning and treatment
- Private, one-on-one appointments
- Pressure and treatment areas adjusted to your comfort
- Ongoing communication and consent
- Direct billing where available
- A convenient location at 100 Plains Road West in Burlington
Your therapist will explain the recommended treatment approach before beginning and check in with you throughout the appointment. You can request a different position, change the pressure, decline treatment of any area, or pause the session at any time.
As a multidisciplinary clinic, Pillars of Wellness also offers access to other regulated healthcare services when appropriate. This may be helpful if your symptoms require a different type of assessment, but receiving prenatal massage does not mean that you will need another service.
Flexibility and accommodation to make your appointment viable and fit to your schedule
Highly recommended for everyone who is looking for friendly, warm and very professional help in physiotherapy. Flexibility and accommodation to make your appointment viable and fit to your schedule. Warm, new and clean environment going very well together with informative and friendly, professional personnel. My therapy clinical notes, invoices and appointment reminders were also available on line and on time. Khizar, Nancy, Thank you.
Feeling better by the day. Thank you so much!
This is the first time I give a review. I cannot say enough about this clinic. They are really amazing. Friendly, great customer service and helped me with a condition I have for years. Feeling better by the day. Thank you so much!
I was very impressed by their customer service and professionalism
I recently used Pillars of Wellness services for my injuries. I was very impressed by their customer service and professionalism. The first time I came to do my assessment, the owner, the physiotherapist and the chiropractor sat with me to help me figure out the best way to feel better and faster. I spent 6 weeks with on-going treatment using different modalities. The end result was no more pain and I was able to move again!! Thank you so much for your help. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone.
Summing it up Pillars of Wellness is a well run top notch health clinic!
Lori and Laurent Pinci who run Pillars of Wellness along with their team are very professional and efficient. They make you feel welcome with a smile and kind words every time you walk through their doors. They truly care. We have not yet had the need to experience the many other services that Pillars of Wellness offers, but if we ever did, we definitely would not hesitate to use them.
I’m feeling very supported during my recovery….
On the advice of a friend, I reached out and booked a series of appointments with their occupational therapist, Lori; physiotherapist, Abida; and their naturopath, Dr. Galantai to help with recovering from a concussion. It has been an excellent experience! They are all incredible practitioners.
This is the first time I’ve ever experienced a longer term injury and their genuine, individualized care has really lessened my stress. I’m feeling very supported during my recovery and highly recommend their clinic. I credit my continual improvement to the holistic way I’m getting treatment for my symptoms and am very grateful.
I went to different clinics I finally found one worth going to.
Friendly, caring and professionals like nothing I have seen around Aldershot//Burlington. Attentive to the needs of their patients. They take the time to listen. Beautiful and well designed clinic that is extremely well maintained. I have had two car accidents in the last year and I went to different clinics I finally found one worth going to.
Before Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions About Prenatal Massage in Burlington
Is prenatal massage safe?
Many people can receive massage during pregnancy. Whether it is appropriate depends on your health history, current symptoms, pregnancy circumstances, and the Registered Massage Therapist’s assessment. Treatment may be adjusted, postponed, or discussed with your healthcare provider when needed.
Can I have prenatal massage during the first trimester?
Massage is not automatically unsafe during the first trimester. Your RMT will review relevant health information, ask how you are feeling, and determine whether treatment should proceed or be modified. Speak with your doctor, midwife, or obstetrician if you have complications, unexplained symptoms, or concerns about receiving massage.
How do I lie down during prenatal massage?
Side-lying and supported semi-reclined positions are commonly used. Pillows or bolsters may support your back, hips, abdomen, or legs. Your therapist can help you change positions during the appointment if you become uncomfortable.
Do I need permission from my doctor or midwife?
Medical clearance is not required for every prenatal massage appointment. However, you should speak with your healthcare provider if your pregnancy is considered high risk, you have a complication, you have been given activity restrictions, or you are experiencing unexplained or concerning symptoms.
What should I wear to a prenatal massage?
What you wear depends on your comfort and the areas being treated. You may remove only the clothing you are comfortable removing, and professional draping is used throughout the appointment. Some treatment may also be provided through clothing when appropriate.
Can prenatal massage help with back or hip tension?
Prenatal massage may help some people manage muscular tension or discomfort around the lower back, hips, and gluteal muscles. Results vary, and the RMT will assess whether massage is appropriate based on your symptoms. Severe, sudden, or unexplained pain should be medically assessed.
How often can I book prenatal massage?
There is no schedule that is right for everyone. Appointment frequency may depend on your symptoms, treatment goals, response to massage, stage of pregnancy, availability, and insurance coverage. Your RMT can discuss an appropriate plan without requiring you to commit to a fixed number of appointments.
Is prenatal massage covered by insurance?
Massage therapy provided by a Registered Massage Therapist is included in many extended health benefit plans. Coverage, annual limits, referral requirements, and direct-billing options vary between policies. Pillars of Wellness offers direct billing where available, but you should confirm the details of your plan with your insurer.
Can I receive massage after giving birth?
Massage may also be appropriate after giving birth, depending on your recovery, symptoms, delivery circumstances, and guidance from your healthcare provider. Your RMT will review your health history and adapt positioning and treatment to your comfort. You should seek medical advice before massage if you have complications or concerning postpartum symptoms.
