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pregnancy massage

I would like to know if it is safe to massage in the 3rd. trymester?
Can the client lay on their back. with pillow under head and shoulders, wedge pillow under right hip and
the head of the table raised and pillow under knees.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Roger D. Werstler on March 1, 2010 at 8:34am

Quite honestly, I'd have to say "no". You did say third trimester. I would not consider having her lie on her back at this time. If it were second trimester, I would be fine with it. Even then I would prop her up higher with several pillows so that she was lying at a 45 degree angle and add a pillow under her feet. Third trimester massages are set side-lying, as I was taught by several RNs and LMTs. This with the appropriate pillows under her head, arm, tummy, and between legs would be very safe (I like the use of one long body pillow) and comfortable for MOST clients. However, some 3rd trimester clients find even side lying uncomfortable. For those I recommend sitting at the massage table on a stool, resting the face and arms into a pillow and supporting her tummy with a pillow while sitting upon a pillow. Here she is safe, comfy, and you can work your massage magic with confidence. Hope this is helpful.

Permalink Reply by Valerie S Leggett on March 1, 2010 at 11:00am

Thank you. I do have a drop belly table and do use it most of the time, When would you consider it safe to use it through?
I have recently been told it is not safe to have a client on her back or front after the 2nd trymester, which is different to my teaching?

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Overson on March 1, 2010 at 11:01am

"Safe" yes...as long as there are no contraindications present, but pregnancy in the third trimester in and of itself is not a contraindication.

I highly recommend getting further training in pregnancy massage. :)

I always have my 3rd trimester clients in a semi-reclining position when face up. I would not have a 3rd trimester client lying flat on her back as you described, but I'm not sure how high you are raising the head of the table. 45 degrees is the guideline.

Permalink Reply by Valerie S Leggett on March 1, 2010 at 11:11am

I would only have the client in this position for about 10 to 15 mins. to work on the neck and then turn her on to her side or into the drop table.
The reason I am asking this is that I have recently been involved with a group of recent massage grads. who have been taught differently to me.

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on March 1, 2010 at 11:59am

I agree Rick and it was one of the reasons we incorporated Tom Owens and Ralph Stephens to use the Body Support System and show therapists how to position clients during pregnancies and just massage too. Tom is known as "The Father of Positioning". I could think of no one more knowledgable to help teach this class. You may want to get with them prior to the class or just attend and insert input. The class is from 2-5pm on Friday. See ya there!

Permalink Reply by Valerie S Leggett on March 1, 2010 at 12:06pm

thank you for all your replies , I would love to join thr class where is being held?
Also where is a good place to research, pregnancy safety? There seems to be so many thoughts on this.

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on March 1, 2010 at 7:44pm

This came across just now!
http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/Prenatal-massage-can-b...

Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on March 1, 2010 at 8:19pm

Where I work we are required always to do pregnacy massage in the side lying position at all stages of pregnacy. Side lying with a pillow under the head, baby,. and between the knees. No face down massages are allowed even in the first trimester. The Client also has to sign a release just in case she goes into labor or has a miscarriage saying she was informed of the risks of massage while pregnant.

Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on March 1, 2010 at 8:24pm

This is a great article. Thank you for sharing it Micheal.

Mike Hinkle said:

This came across just now!
http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/Prenatal-massage-can-b...

Permalink Reply by Valerie S Leggett on March 1, 2010 at 9:13pm

Thanks, that is great info.

Permalink Reply by Rebecca Overson on March 2, 2010 at 11:59am

I know these folks (Karen Salas is also here in Utah but I personally am not a member of Utah Prenatal Massage Association) - this just goes back to the original thread I started where people say that bodyCushions are not safe for prone positioning during pregnancy. Carol Osborne-Sheets says no, Elaine Stillerman says Yes.... Can anyone put me in touch with Tom Owens? :) I emailed him directly... would love to know if there is actually any RESEARCH out there on this topic so we can avoid circulating misinformation.

As for Valerie - I personally think those tables with the cutout bellies are terrible, especially if they offer no support to the uterus or lower back. I would not recommend them, that's just me - and you are right, no lying flat after the 2nd trimester.

A lot of your questions could most likely be answered by picking up a couple good books on prenatal massage, like Elaine Stillerman's.