Prenatal massage... Do you do that here?

Name: Bodyworks DW Advanced Massage Therapy
Rating: 5

We get asked about prenatal massage in NYC all the time. And the answer is... Yes!

All Bodyworks DW therapists are NYS licensed massage therapists and are required to learn basic prenatal massage in NYC. In addition, all Bodyworks DW massage therapists have additional advanced training on how to effectively treat pregnancy related pain issues directly from owner David Weintraub.

We focus on pain management for pregnancy related issues such as:

sciatica
foot pain
back pain
knee pain
shortness of breath
hip pain

Need to know more? Check out this WebMD article on the benefits of pregnancy massage! Also, check out this in depth blogpost from MomLovesBest.com which quotes owner David Weintraub 🙂

Is it okay for me to get prenatal massage in NYC?

If you are generally healthy and have been cleared by your OBGYN for light exercise, then you can get prenatal massage at any point during your term.

Be sure you get clearance from your doctor before you try a massage, if any of the following apply:

You're experiencing nausea, vomiting, or morning sickness
You're at high risk of miscarriage
You have a high-risk pregnancy such as placental abruption (where the placenta slightly detaches from the wall of the uterus) or preterm labor

We'd like to dispel a few myths about massage and pregnancy

Myth #1: You can't get massage during the first trimester

False. Doctors used to worry that massage during the first trimester could lead to miscarriages based on a false assumption of how intense massage work can be on the body. This has since been debunked by several studies but the idea still makes the rounds with older doctors who haven't kept up to date. The medical profession used to use the same assumption about getting massage during cancer treatments. After studying the effects of massage on the body, it has been determined that even a deep tissue session is roughly equivalent to a medium workout at the gym. Massage, even deep tissue massage, is safe for both parent and baby throughout the entire pregnancy term, as long as there are no abnormal health issues. If you are healthy enough to go to the gym, you are healthy enough to get a massage!

Myth #2: You can't get deep tissue massage during pregnancy

False. Based on the same bad assumption as above, doctors also used to advise only light massage during pregnancy. This has also been debunked by the above studies. You don't have to suffer through a light rubdown that simply feels like an expensive application of massage oil just because you are pregnant anymore. In fact, due to all the relaxin hormones running through a pregnant person's system, many pregnant people prefer more pressure during a massage, not less.

Myth #3: You need a table with a large hole cut out

False. Well, okay, you can choose to get a massage that way, and for most pregnant people that is fine. For some, towards the end of the term, those pregnancy tables with the large cut outs aren't big enough and can be uncomfortable to both you and the baby. We do all of our prenatal massage sessions on regular tables in a side lying position with extra pillows. It's safe, it's very comfortable, and it works at any point during the pregnancy.

"Highly Recommended!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I attribute my easy pregnancy to David's work. David's efforts prevented many aches and problems that typically accompany a pregnancy. I'd originally come to David a few years prior with a severe sciatic nerve pain, which he fixed, and it was fine throughout all the nine months. As a result of David's work, I was able to enjoy my pregnancy. I highly recommend him as a therapist!

Olga T.

"I Feel Like a New Person" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have been working with Bodyworks since the 2010 NYC marathon. David helped me profoundly with my running recovery and adjusting my running form. This is not massage experience for lightweights--he is going to work you over, and it may hurt badly while he's working on you, but afterwards you will feel like a new person.

I became pregnant this year, and I've found the experience incredibly uncomfortable, so I scheduled an appointment with Shiho for a prenatal massage. This was one of the BEST decisions I have made. My body was immediately more comfortable, and the effects lasted for about 14 days. I am really looking forward to my next prenatal massage with Shiho. I think with her help, I can be a much less miserable pregnant lady.

Megan J.

"Have Sent Many Friends to Him" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

David has worked with me post-partum for two pregnancies and in between. He has worked with my back pain, knee pain and neck pain. If he is unable to relieve the pain, he will assess it and give a recommendation for additional work from another care provider (chiropractic, PT, etc.). He is excellent at listening to the various things that may have caused the pain and gives great exercises to follow up the work that he has done to manage it. I have sent many people to him. David…relieving the stress of New Yorkers, one person at a time.

Elana G.