Burnaby Massage Therapy
PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL MASSAGE
Massage Therapy
Prenatal & Postnatal Massage Therapy in Burnaby – EastWest Physiotherapy
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, but it also brings physical changes that can leave your body feeling tense, sore, and exhausted. At EastWest Physiotherapy in Burnaby, our Prenatal and Postnatal Massage Therapy treatments are designed to support mothers through every stage—before birth, after birth, and everything in between.
Our Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) use safe, gentle, and research-informed techniques to ease discomfort, promote relaxation, and help your body adapt to the ongoing changes. Whether you’re dealing with low back pain, swollen legs, tight hips, or post-birth recovery, our goal is to help you feel comfortable, supported, and ready for the next chapter of motherhood.
Every session takes place in a private one-on-one room to ensure maximum comfort, privacy, and safety.
What Is Prenatal Massage?
Prenatal massage is a therapeutic treatment specifically tailored to the needs of pregnant women. As your body changes—your posture shifts, ligaments loosen, and muscles work harder—prenatal massage can help reduce strain and support healthy pregnancy movement.
Our RMTs use gentle, targeted pressure, avoiding deep techniques that are unsafe during pregnancy. Instead, we focus on easing muscle tension, improving circulation, reducing swelling, and enhancing rest quality.
You may benefit from prenatal massage if you are experiencing:
- Lower back or pelvic pain
- Hip tightness
- Leg cramps
- Swelling in hands or feet
- Rib or mid-back pressure
- Neck/shoulder tension from postural changes
- Sleep difficulty due to discomfort
What Is Postnatal Massage?
Postnatal massage is designed for mothers recovering from childbirth, whether natural or cesarean. After birth, your body undergoes major changes: muscle fatigue, hormonal shifts, and the physical demands of newborn care.
Postnatal massage helps:
- Reduce back, neck, and shoulder pain from feeding or holding the baby
- Improve circulation and tissue healing
- Reduce swelling
- Support C-section recovery (once medically cleared)
- Improve sleep and relaxation
- Ease tension caused by new postural habits
Whether you are weeks postpartum or several months in, postnatal massage can support recovery and help your body regain balance.
Health Benefits of Prenatal & Postnatal Massage Therapy
Regular pregnancy and post-pregnancy massage can lead to significant improvements in comfort, mobility, and recovery. Key benefits include:
Pain Relief
Massage reduces muscle tension in the hips, back, ribs, neck, and shoulders—helping you stay active and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
Improved Circulation
Better blood flow helps reduce swelling, supports tissue healing, and decreases muscle fatigue.
Reduced Stress & Anxiety
Gentle massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress hormones and encouraging emotional calm.
Better Sleep
Many expectant and new mothers experience poor sleep due to discomfort. Massage promotes deeper, more restorative rest.
Reduced Muscle Tension
Massage helps manage overuse soreness from daily tasks, both during pregnancy and while caring for a newborn.
Faster Postpartum Recovery
Treatments can help improve mobility, reduce swelling, and support healing after childbirth.
Hormonal Regulation Support
Massage has been shown to help reduce anxiety-related hormones and enhance mood throughout pregnancy and postpartum stages.
Improved Immune Function
Massage has been shown to support immune function in certain clinical populations such as pregnant individuals, post-surgical patients, and cancer patients.
Conditions Prenatal & Postnatal Massage Can Help Treat
Prenatal and postnatal massage therapy can benefit a wide range of pregnancy-related conditions, including:
Prenatal Conditions
- Low Back & Pelvic Pain – One of the most common pregnancy complaints due to ligament laxity and postural shifts.
- Sciatica – Pressure on the sciatic nerve caused by pelvic alignment changes.
- Round Ligament Pain – Sharp lower abdominal pain from expanding uterus support ligaments.
- Swelling (Edema) – Reduced circulation leads to fluid buildup in legs, feet, and hands.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Fluid retention compresses the median nerve.
- Neck & Shoulder Tension – From breast changes, weight shifts, and poor sleeping positions.
- Sleep Difficulty – Tension release encourages deeper rest.
Postnatal Conditions
- Upper Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain – Common from nursing, bottle-feeding, and infant handling.
- Low Back & Hip Pain – From pregnancy recovery and lifting baby gear.
- Postural Strain ("New Mom Posture") – Forward head, rounded shoulders, low back fatigue.
- Scar Tissue Restrictions after C-Section – Gentle techniques help soften tissue (after clearance).
- Pelvic Floor Related Tension – Can support comfort but does not replace pelvic floor therapy.
- Stress & Emotional Fatigue – Massage helps reduce cortisol and promote emotional well-being.
Revitalize Your Body and Mind With Post-Pregnancy Massage
Childbirth and the consequent life changes can be stressful. Many new mothers in Burnaby, BC may feel emotionally and physically overwhelmed by the new demands and lifestyle changes. Postnatal massage is ideal for creating essential personal time, reducing stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and promoting overall well-being.
Begin the journey to restoring your body to its pre-pregnancy state with a thorough consultation from a compassionate and certified postnatal massage therapist at EastWest Physiotherapy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and receive answers to any questions you might have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prenatal massage safe during all stages of pregnancy?
Prenatal massage is generally safe throughout pregnancy when performed by a trained RMT. We modify positioning and techniques depending on your trimester. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, please check with your physician before booking.
Can I get a massage if I'm experiencing swelling or fluid retention?
Yes — prenatal massage is particularly effective for reducing swelling in the legs, feet, and hands. However, if swelling is sudden or severe, seek medical clearance first.
How soon after giving birth can I receive a postnatal massage?
For vaginal delivery, many women are comfortable receiving massage within 2–6 weeks. For C-section recovery, we require physician clearance before working near the incision site. Gentle upper-body work can be done earlier.
Do you offer side-lying positioning for comfort?
Yes. We use pillows and bolsters to ensure safe, comfortable, and supported positioning throughout the session.
Will massage affect breast milk supply?
Massage does not negatively affect supply. In fact, reducing stress and improving circulation may support healthy milk production.
Why Choose EastWest Physiotherapy for Prenatal & Postnatal Massage?
At EastWest, we understand the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and early motherhood. Our clinic offers:
- Private, one-on-one treatment rooms
- RMTs experienced in prenatal and postnatal care
- Safe positioning and pregnancy-specific techniques
- A calm, supportive, and non-rushed environment
- Integration with physiotherapy care if needed
- Convenient Burnaby location near Brentwood and Highway 1
- Direct billing and receipts for extended health plans
You’ll receive personalized care focused on comfort, safety, and overall well-being.
Book Prenatal or Postnatal Massage Therapy in Burnaby
Whether you’re preparing for childbirth or navigating the early stages of motherhood, our RMT team is here to support your comfort, mobility, and emotional well-being.