The weeks and months after childbirth can place new demands on the body. Feeding, carrying a baby, interrupted sleep, and spending more time in unfamiliar positions can contribute to muscle tightness and physical fatigue. At Lenox Hill Massage & Physical Therapy, post-natal massage is designed around how your body feels after pregnancy and the areas that need the most attention.
Each 60-minute session is individualized, with the therapist adjusting positioning, pressure, and techniques to your comfort and stage of recovery.
60 Minutes | $140
Benefits of Post-Natal Massage After Childbirth
The postpartum period brings another set of physical changes as the body adjusts after pregnancy and delivery. At the same time, feeding, lifting, carrying, and caring for a newborn can place additional demands on muscles that may already feel tired or tense.
Depending on your recovery and individual needs, post-natal massage may help:
- Ease back, neck, and shoulder tension associated with feeding, holding, lifting, and carrying your baby.
- Reduce general muscle soreness and stiffness as your body adjusts after pregnancy and childbirth.
- Relax overworked muscles affected by repetitive movements and new childcare routines.
- Address tension around the hips and lower back that may continue as posture and movement patterns change after pregnancy.
- Support comfortable movement and mobility by working with muscles and soft tissues that feel tight or restricted.
- Provide relaxation and stress relief during a physically and emotionally demanding period.
- Ease tired legs and general physical fatigue when appropriate for your stage of recovery.
- Provide dedicated time for rest and body awareness while your daily routine is focused on caring for your baby.
A post pregnancy massage is adapted to how you feel at the time of your appointment rather than following a standard routine. The areas treated, level of pressure, and positioning can all be modified according to your comfort and stage of recovery.
Massage is complementary care and does not replace postpartum medical care. Persistent or severe pain, significant or sudden swelling, fever, signs of infection, concerns about an incision, or other new or worsening postpartum symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Techniques Used in Postpartum Recovery Massage
Post-natal massage can incorporate different hands-on techniques depending on your stage of recovery, areas of muscle tension, and comfort with pressure. Your therapist selects techniques based on what is appropriate for you rather than using the same combination for every client.
Techniques may include:
- Gentle effleurage: Long, smooth strokes that can help relax the body and provide comfortable introductory work to areas of muscle tension.
- Petrissage: Controlled kneading and lifting movements used to work with tight or overworked muscles, particularly around the back, shoulders, and neck.
- Myofascial techniques: Focused work with connective tissues and areas of restriction that may help improve comfortable movement and reduce feelings of tightness.
- Trigger point techniques: Targeted pressure may be used on specific areas of muscle tightness when appropriate and comfortable.
- Light lymphatic techniques when appropriate: Gentle, rhythmic movements may be incorporated for certain clients. New, significant, painful, or one-sided swelling after childbirth should first be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- Modified deeper-pressure techniques: Firmer pressure may be appropriate for some areas and clients, but it is adjusted according to your recovery, sensitivity, and comfort rather than automatically applying a standard deep-tissue approach.
Positioning can also be modified throughout the appointment. Pillows and other supports may be used to help you remain comfortable, particularly if certain positions are sensitive after delivery.
If you have had a C-section or another childbirth-related procedure, tell your therapist before treatment. Massage should not be performed directly over an incision or other area that has not adequately healed, and your healthcare provider may need to clear massage depending on your recovery.
Postpartum Massage for Common Areas of Tension
The physical demands of caring for a newborn can create new patterns of muscle tension. Feeding and holding your baby may affect the neck, shoulders, and upper back, while repeated lifting and prolonged sitting can place additional strain on the lower back and hips.
Postpartum massage allows the therapist to focus on the areas that are most affected by your current routine. One appointment may concentrate on the shoulders and upper back, while another may give more attention to the lower back, hips, or legs.
The focus can change as your recovery progresses and your daily activities change. Tell your therapist where you feel tightness, fatigue, or sensitivity so the session can be adjusted accordingly.
Postpartum Care at Lenox Hill Massage & Physical Therapy
Lenox Hill Massage & Physical Therapy provides post-natal massage at our Upper East Side location at 261 E 78th St in Manhattan. Our therapists combine hands-on massage care with an understanding of the musculoskeletal demands that can accompany pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
If you are looking for postnatal massage NYC, your session can be planned around your current stage of recovery, areas of muscle tension, and comfort with different positions and levels of pressure.
Learn more about Lenox Hill Massage & Physical Therapy and our approach to massage and physical therapy. We work with medical insurance for eligible services and plans; coverage and requirements vary, so it is best to confirm the details before your appointment.
If you recently gave birth, have questions about whether massage is appropriate at your current stage of recovery, or would like to ask about insurance, contact our team before scheduling your session.
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