Pregnancy Massage
Gentle, Supportive Massage for Your Changing Body
Pregnancy is an exciting and incredible time, but it can also place new demands on your body.
As your bump grows and your body changes, you may experience muscle tension, aches, stiffness, tiredness or discomfort.
At Core Physiotherapy, pregnancy massage is designed to help you feel more comfortable, relaxed and supported throughout your pregnancy.
We take a personalised and holistic approach, considering how your body is changing, how you're feeling and what you need from each appointment.
Treatment is adapted to your stage of pregnancy, your comfort and any symptoms you're experiencing.
How Can Pregnancy Massage Help?
Supporting Your Body Through Pregnancy
Pregnancy massage can be a wonderful way to take some time for yourself while supporting your changing body.
Depending on your individual needs, treatment may help you:
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Reduce muscular tension
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Ease general aches and stiffness
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Support relaxation
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Improve comfort
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Relieve areas of muscular tightness
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Support mobility
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Encourage time for rest and self-care
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Help you feel more comfortable as your pregnancy progresses
Every pregnancy is different, so your treatment will be adapted to you.
Our Holistic Approach
Looking at the Whole Body
Pregnancy affects your whole body.
As your baby grows, your posture, movement patterns, balance and physical demands can change.
We look at the bigger picture rather than simply treating the area that feels uncomfortable.
We'll consider:
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Your stage of pregnancy
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How your body is changing
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Your symptoms
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Your daily activities
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Work and lifestyle
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Exercise and activity
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Previous injuries
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How you're feeling
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What you would like help with
Your treatment is adjusted throughout your pregnancy as your needs change.
What Do We Do?
Personalised Pregnancy Massage
Your appointment begins with a conversation about how you're feeling and what you would like help with.
We'll discuss:
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How far along you are
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Any aches, pains or areas of tension
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Your activity levels
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Previous injuries
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How you're sleeping and resting
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Any concerns you have
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What you would like from your treatment
This allows us to tailor your massage to you and your pregnancy.
Hands On Pregnancy Massage
Gentle, Comfortable & Supportive
Pregnancy massage uses adapted hands on techniques to accommodate your changing body.
Treatment may include:
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Gentle soft tissue massage
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Muscle tension release
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Light-to-moderate massage techniques
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Gentle stretching where appropriate
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Positioning to support your comfort
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Movement and mobility techniques
Pressure and positioning are always adapted to your individual needs.
The aim isn't to provide an intense or deep massage. Instead, treatment focuses on helping you feel comfortable, supported and relaxed.
Pregnancy Massage for Common Aches & Pains
Helping You Feel More Comfortable
As your pregnancy progresses, you may experience discomfort in different areas.
Pregnancy massage may be useful for muscular tension around:
Back & Lower Back
Changes in posture and the increasing demands of pregnancy can contribute to muscular tension.
Hips & Glutes
Your pelvis and hips adapt throughout pregnancy, which can sometimes lead to muscular tightness and discomfort.
Shoulders & Neck
As your body changes, tension can develop through the upper back, neck and shoulders.
Legs
Your legs may feel tired or heavy, particularly as your pregnancy progresses.
General Muscular Tension
Massage can provide a relaxing opportunity to address areas that feel tight or uncomfortable.
If your symptoms suggest a condition such as pelvic girdle pain rather than simple muscular tension, physiotherapy assessment may be more appropriate.
Pregnancy & Pelvic Girdle Pain
When Pain Is Affecting Your Movement
Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain can affect the lower back, pelvis, hips or surrounding areas.
If you're experiencing persistent or significant pelvic pain, we may recommend a Women's Health Physiotherapy assessment rather than treating the symptoms solely with massage.
Physiotherapy can provide:
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Movement assessment
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Individualised exercise
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Advice around daily activities
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Strength and stability rehabilitation
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Pregnancy-specific hands-on treatment
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Practical strategies to help manage symptoms
Massage and physiotherapy can sometimes complement each other, depending on your individual needs.
Comfortable Positioning
Your Comfort Comes First
As pregnancy progresses, lying in your usual treatment position may no longer feel comfortable.
We'll work with you to find a position that feels safe and supportive.
This may include:
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Side-lying positions
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Supported positions
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Pregnancy pillows and cushions
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Additional support for your bump and legs
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Regular position changes
You should always feel comfortable speaking up if you need to move, change position or adjust the treatment.
Pregnancy Massage & Exercise
Supporting an Active Pregnancy
If you're continuing to exercise during pregnancy, massage can form part of your wider recovery and self-care routine.
We can consider your:
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Walking
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Gym training
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Strength training
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Swimming
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Running
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Yoga or Pilates
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Other activities
Treatment can be adapted around your activity levels and the stage of your pregnancy.
If you're unsure whether a particular activity is appropriate during pregnancy, we recommend discussing this with your midwife, obstetrician or appropriate healthcare professional.
Pregnancy Massage & Women's Health Physiotherapy
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
Pregnancy massage and physiotherapy have different roles.
Pregnancy massage may be suitable when you're looking for relaxation, general muscular tension management and supportive hands-on treatment.
Women's Health Physiotherapy may be more appropriate if you're experiencing:
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Pelvic girdle pain
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Persistent pelvic pain
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Urinary leakage
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Pelvic floor concerns
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Significant back pain
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Difficulty moving
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Pain affecting everyday activities
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Previous pregnancy-related injury
We can help you decide which approach is most appropriate for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I have a pregnancy massage?
Pregnancy massage can be appropriate during pregnancy, but your individual circumstances matter. We'll discuss your stage of pregnancy and health before treatment. If you have any pregnancy complications or medical concerns, you should speak with your midwife, GP or obstetrician before booking.
Is pregnancy massage safe?
Massage during pregnancy should be appropriately adapted to the individual and performed by someone trained and experienced in working with pregnant clients. Your health and pregnancy history will be considered before treatment.
How is pregnancy massage different from a normal massage?
The treatment is adapted to accommodate your changing body. Positioning, pressure, techniques and areas treated are adjusted according to your stage of pregnancy and comfort.
Can I have a deep tissue massage while pregnant?
Pregnancy massage generally focuses on comfortable, appropriate pressure rather than very deep or aggressive techniques. Your treatment will always be adapted to you.
Can pregnancy massage help back pain?
Massage may help with muscular tension contributing to discomfort. However, if you have persistent, significant or movement-limiting back or pelvic pain, a Women's Health Physiotherapy assessment may be more appropriate.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing. We'll explain what you need to do before treatment and ensure your privacy and comfort throughout your appointment.
Can I have a massage after having my baby?
Yes. Postnatal massage can be considered as part of your recovery, depending on your individual circumstances. If you're experiencing pain, pelvic floor symptoms or other concerns after birth, Women's Health Physiotherapy may also be beneficial.
A Little Time Just For You
Relax, Reset & Feel Supported
Your body is doing something incredible.
Pregnancy brings constant change, and sometimes you simply need time to pause, breathe and feel cared for.
At Core Physiotherapy, pregnancy massage combines gentle hands-on treatment, a holistic approach and pregnancy-specific care to help you feel more comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy.
