Prenatal and post natal massage Kelowna
Your body changes fast when you’re pregnant or recovering after having a baby. One day your hips feel fine, the next morning you can barely roll out of bed. Maybe your lower back aches every time you stand up from the couch. Or your shoulders feel like concrete after hours of feeding and holding your little one.
These changes aren’t just in your head. Your body is doing something big, and it needs support that actually works.
At Pro Motion Clinic in Kelowna, our Registered Massage Therapists work with people who are pregnant or recently had babies. We’re at #202-3030 Pandosy Street, and you can reach us at 236-420-0660. We accept ICBC claims and understand that your body needs care that fits what you’re going through right now.
What Happens to Your Body During and After Pregnancy
After birth, your core muscles need time to reconnect. Your posture has changed from months of carrying weight in front. You’re now holding and feeding a baby for hours each day, putting new stress on your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Why Regular Massage Matters During Pregnancy
Your lower back muscles work overtime during pregnancy. As your belly grows, the curve in your lumbar spine gets bigger, pulling on muscles along your spine.
Your hip flexors and glutes take on extra work too. They help you walk with a different center of balance. When tight, you might feel pain in your hips, legs, or groin.
Massage can help reduce this muscle tension and may improve circulation in your legs and feet.
Most people can get massage after the first trimester when done by a trained Registered Massage Therapist. Your therapist will ask about your health and adjust based on your pregnancy stage.
How Your Body Changes After Having a Baby
Post natal massage addresses these changes. Your neck and shoulders feel it most. When you feed your baby, you round your shoulders forward and tuck your chin down. Do this often enough, and the muscles in your upper back and neck stay shortened, creating tight spots that can lead to headaches and arm pain.
Your lower back needs attention too. Those lumbar curve changes don’t fix overnight. The muscles that stretched need help returning to normal length and strength.
What Happens During a Prenatal Massage Session
You’ll use a special pregnancy table that lets you lie face-down safely with openings for your belly and chest. Some positions might use pillows and side-lying setups if face-down doesn’t work.
Your therapist works on areas with the most tension – usually lower back, hips, and upper shoulders. They adjust pressure based on what feels right. Pregnancy makes ligaments looser, so deep pressure isn’t always best.
Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes. Just wear comfortable clothes you can change out of easily.
Post Natal Massage for New Parents
Your upper back and shoulders need work to fix the forward posture from baby care. Your lower back and hips benefit from releasing muscles that worked overtime during pregnancy.
Some people have scar tissue from C-sections or tears during birth. Once healed (usually after six weeks), gentle massage around scars can help with mobility.
Post natal massage can start when you feel ready. For vaginal births without complications, this might be within a week or two. For C-sections, wait until your incision has healed. Ask your doctor when it’s safe to start.
Common Problems We Address
Walking from your car to Gyro Beach shouldn’t hurt your hips. Pushing a stroller along City Park shouldn’t make your lower back scream. But when you’re pregnant or recently had a baby, these normal activities can bring up pain.
Here are some of the issues Registered Massage Therapists see often:
Lower Back Pain
Hip and Leg Pain
Upper Back and Neck Tension
Swelling in Legs and Feet
Carpal Tunnel Symptoms
Difficulty Sleeping
What Makes a Good Prenatal and Post Natal Massage Therapist
They know which positions are safe, what pressure is appropriate, and when to refer you back to your doctor. A good prenatal Massage Therapist asks about your pregnancy history, complications, and what your doctor has told you.
They also adjust as your pregnancy progresses. What works at 15 weeks might not work at 35 weeks.
How Often Should You Get Massage
After having a baby, the same applies. Weekly massage might help if your neck and shoulders hurt from constant baby care. Once a month might work if you only have occasional stiffness.
Your Registered Massage Therapist can help figure out a schedule. They’ll also give you exercises and stretches for home.
Can You Do Other Treatments While Pregnant
The answer depends on the treatment and how far along you are. Gentle exercise and stretching are usually fine. Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can help with the same issues massage addresses.
Chiropractic care can also be part of pregnancy care. Some Chiropractors have special training in pregnancy adjustments.
At Pro Motion Clinic, we have Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, and kinesiologists, along with Registered Massage Therapists. If your Massage Therapist thinks another type of care might help, they can refer you to someone on our team.
ICBC Coverage for Motor Vehicle Injuries During Pregnancy
If you were in a car accident while pregnant or recently after having a baby, you might have coverage through ICBC. Pro Motion Clinic accepts ICBC claims for massage therapy in Kelowna.
Being in a car accident during pregnancy adds extra stress to a body that’s already dealing with big changes. Whiplash, back strain, and shoulder injuries can all happen in crashes, and they need proper treatment.
ICBC coverage for Registered Massage Therapists can help you get the care you need without paying out of pocket. Call our clinic at 236-420-0660 to set up an appointment and bring your ICBC claim number with you.
Your Body Does a Lot – Give It the Support It Needs
Growing a baby and recovering after birth are huge physical tasks. Your muscles, joints, and connective tissue all work differently than they did before. This creates real pain and real limitations on what you can do each day.
You don’t have to just push through it. Massage from a Registered Massage Therapist who understands pregnancy and post natal changes can help your body feel better and move better.
Whether you’re trying to make it through your third trimester without constant back pain, or you’re three months post-partum and can barely lift your arms over your head, massage might help you get some relief.
Pro Motion Clinic is in Kelowna at #202-3030 Pandosy Street. We’re in the Lower Mission area, close to the lake and easy to get to whether you’re coming from downtown, the Upper Mission, or anywhere along Pandosy. You can book online or call us at 236-420-0660.
Our Registered Massage Therapists work with you to create a treatment plan that fits what your body needs right now. We’re not here to make false promises – we’re here to provide hands-on care that addresses real problems in your muscles and joints.
Your body is doing something amazing. Give it the support it needs to do that job well.
