Prenatal Massage in Scottsdale, AZ
Nurturing massage therapy designed to support your body through every stage of pregnancy.
Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but it can also bring new aches, tension, and physical changes as your body adapts. Prenatal massage offers a gentle, therapeutic approach to help you relax, relieve discomfort, and feel more connected to your changing body.
At The Scottsdale Prenatal Massage, each session is customized to your unique needs, whether you’re experiencing lower back tension, hip discomfort, swelling, or simply need time to slow down and care for yourself.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
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Sciatic nerve pain is a common and frustrating issue amoung pregnant women. Through dedicated glute and hamstring work, I’m able to encourage the muscles and fascia surrounding the nerve to soften, decreasing the sharp, shooting pain.
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Blood volume increases up to 50% and interstitial fluid up to 40% throughout pregnancy. This extra fluid volume can commonly cause swelling and feelings of heaviness in the legs, feet, and hands. Effleurage, lymphatic drainage techniques, and hydrotherapy encourage the fluid to circulate and improve swelling.
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As the belly grows throughout pregnancy, women commonly develop an anterior pelvic tilt. This tilt, along with the increased pressure on the pelvic floor, cause low back pain and hip tension. I specifically focus on relieving low back and gluteal muscles as they directly attach to the pelvis. To alleviate hip pain, I continue to work through the glutes as well as use specific neuromuscular techniques on the hips themselves to encourage the surrounding tissues to release.
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Managing stress is especially important during pregnancy. Prenatal massage is a great way to manage stress by encouraging relaxation of the physical body and mind.
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Side sleeping can be very uncomfortable for some pregnant women causing pain in the shoulders, upper back and hips. Prenatal massage focused on relieving these areas of tension while also giving you the time to relax and unwind. Our prenatal massage is performed belly down and semi-reclined so you don’t have to put pressure on the shoulders or hips.
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As the breasts grow larger during pregnancy, tension can build in the upper back and neck. Most people already are dealing with this tension pre-pregnancy as they are working desk jobs or have a toddler at home they are nursing and picking up constantly. Neuromuscular techniques and myofascial work aim to reduce this tension.
What to Expect During Your Prenatal Massage
Your comfort and safety are always the priority. Before your session begins, we’ll take time to discuss how you’re feeling, any areas of discomfort, and what you would like to focus on during your massage.
During your session, you’ll be positioned comfortably with supportive pillows and bolsters designed specifically for pregnancy. The bolsters will be adjusted based on your trimester and height to ensure you and baby are safe throughout the massage. Halfway through the massage, you will be in a semi-reclined position on your back using a wedge pillow. The wedge pillow is at a 45 degree angle to ensure your and baby’s safety.
Prenatal Massage Sessions
60-Minute Prenatal Massage
60-minute sessions are recommended if this is your first prenatal massage. These sessions give us enough time to address specific areas of tension while providing relaxation and support to other areas of the body.
90-Minute Prenatal Massage
90-minute sessions are recommended if you’ve had a prenatal massage before and are looking for full body relief and specific area support. This session allows us time to work through several problem areas while providing full body work and support.
Prenatal Massage FAQs
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The best time to start getting prenatal massages is BEFORE the pain starts. By working through any muscle tension from pre-pregnancy and keeping common problem areas loose, we can hopefully keep you mostly pain-free throughout your pregnancy.
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Yes. Generally, prenatal massage is safe through all trimesters of pregnancy. If you have any high-risk conditions, we will go over those prior to your session so I can make any necessary accommodations for your safety.
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For the beginning of the massage, you will be belly-down in a bolster specifically designed for pregnancy. The bolster is made up of 6 different pieces and very customizable to your size. You will then be on your back in a semi-reclined position on a large wedge pillow with a bolster under the knees.
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Yes. You can receive prenatal massage throughout your 3rd trimester. Once you are 38+ weeks pregnant, I recommend booking our Labor Induction Massage to get your body ready for birth.
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Primary areas of focus are up to you and what your body needs that day. I will focus on the areas you tell me to but I will also spend time working through areas I find tension. Typical areas of focus are the neck, shoulders, low back, hips, and glutes.
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This depends on your individual needs throughout pregnancy. I typically recommend monthly appointments for 1st and 2nd trimesters. As you enter your 3rd trimester I recommend coming in bi-weekly. Toward the end of your 3rd trimester I recommend weekly appointments as your body readies for birth.
Ready to Feel More Comfortable During Pregnancy?
Your body is doing something incredible and it deserves support along the way.
Schedule your prenatal massage at The Scottsdale Prenatal Massage and enjoy a personalized, nurturing experience designed around your changing body.
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