DH surprised me with a prenatal massage on Sunday as an early anniversary gift. I was really looking forward to being able to lay on my stomach with one of those tables with the cutouts, but was bummed to find out that this spa does side-lying prenatal massages instead. The therapist explained that the tables aren't really considered to be the best method of PNM anymore (and that many spas don't use them), and that it can cause strain and stress on the uterus from laying face-down. She also said that the side-lying was more effective at working on the back and hip muscles. The massage itself was okay, but definitely wasn't the same type of total relaxation and comfort that you get from a normal massage.
So, my question is: if you've had a PNM, did you do it face-down or side-lying? Which is recommended? I've done some reading online and it seems like both are popular, and there aren't any restrictions on the face-down massage. I just don't know if I would want to splurge for future PNMs if they will be done in the side-lying position.
I had a side lying one and it was great. There was something she did when I was on either side to my hips and it was amazing. It was a bit more movement/talking to go from side to side, but it didn't bother me.
Post by biscoffcookies on Feb 27, 2013 12:00:05 GMT -5
Mine was side-lying. I was a bit disappointed when I walked into the room and saw the table, but it end up being a lovely massage. I found it very relaxing from a state of mind perspective, although they did not use as much pressure as I typically like (so my muscles did not get quite as un-kinked as usual).
I also found it really comfortable to lay on my side during the massage. They supported my body with a bunch of pillows that were amazing -- I seriously wanted to steal a couple to take home.
Mine was side-lying. I was a bit disappointed when I walked into the room and saw the table, but it end up being a lovely massage. I found it very relaxing from a state of mind perspective, although they did not use as much pressure as I typically like (so my muscles did not get quite as un-kinked as usual).
I also found it really comfortable to lay on my side during the massage. They supported my body with a bunch of pillows that were amazing -- I seriously wanted to steal a couple to take home.
I also was definitely comfortable on my side, since I was positioned in the same way that I sleep (with my upper leg folded up and a pillow wedged between my knees). I just didn't feel the same benefit afterward as I do with a standard massage.
Post by kangaroo11 on Feb 27, 2013 12:05:09 GMT -5
Mine was side-lying too. I liked it, but can't wait to have one done while on my stomach. It's not the best when side-lying, but it's better than not getting a massage while pregnant! I definitely appreciated prenatal massages.
I had one last week and was disappointed there wasn't a special table too but it ended up being awesome. It's not your typical zone out massage. There's a bunch of interaction. I've never had the one with the hole cut out to compare it too but I signed up to go back in three weeks so I definitely enjoyed it.
I have had both and much prefer to be on my stomach. The side-lying massage I had during my last pregnancy was nice and relaxing, but I didn't feel like I got the pressure that I like (though that may be unrelated to the side lying position).
Post by sometimesrunner on Feb 27, 2013 12:08:56 GMT -5
I had two prenatal massages--one side-lying and the other face-down. The side-lying one was fine, but I wasn't very comfortable laying on my side because my belly wasn't big enough to lay on the table, and even with pillows it strained my back. The face-down one was ah-maz-ing. I would definitely only get one of those from now-on. Could you ask around and see if anybody knows of a place that does the face-down kind?
Post by water*drop on Feb 27, 2013 12:24:01 GMT -5
I had one at a spa that was face-down, and it was okay. It was relaxing, but she didn't use much pressure. My OB's office works with a CMT to offer prenatal massages, and I had two that were side-lying by her - she said it was better to be on my side for alignment during the massage. Those were great for working out the kinks, but they were not very relaxing. I preferred the side-lying ones since they actually worked out the knots, but that may have been a function of the person doing the massage more than the position.
DH surprised me with a prenatal massage on Sunday as an early anniversary gift. I was really looking forward to being able to lay on my stomach with one of those tables with the cutouts, but was bummed to find out that this spa does side-lying prenatal massages instead. The therapist explained that the tables aren't really considered to be the best method of PNM anymore (and that many spas don't use them), and that it can cause strain and stress on the uterus from laying face-down. She also said that the side-lying was more effective at working on the back and hip muscles. The massage itself was okay, but definitely wasn't the same type of total relaxation and comfort that you get from a normal massage.
So, my question is: if you've had a PNM, did you do it face-down or side-lying? Which is recommended? I've done some reading online and it seems like both are popular, and there aren't any restrictions on the face-down massage. I just don't know if I would want to splurge for future PNMs if they will be done in the side-lying position.
Side lying and it was useless. I don't think it was the position, it's more that they seem to use it as a little break for themselves. I needed my ass and leg muscles manhandled into submission. I didn't need light strokes and soft music.
I prefer my side-lying prenatal massages to my regular face down non-prenatal massages but I sleep in that position so it's very comfortable to me. I'm going for a regular massage again soon and I'm going to ask if I can lie on my side
I had both. Side lying was my least favorite. The one place I went did flat massage with the pillows. That was good. The other place I went did the front massage on an angle pillow. That was amazing. They had pillows that hugged you and the angle felt great. Then when you turned so they could massage your back they had awesome cutout pillows that hugged you. And they had cappuccino at the end. It was amazing. I went every 6 weeks.