Accepting New Patients Every Day! Same-day & walk-in appointments welcome at all our clinics.Same-day & walk-in appointments welcome at all our clinics.
Massage Therapy Clinical Pathway
The postpartum period involves structural adjustments as your body recovers from birth and adapts to new demands like nursing and lifting. Postnatal massage focuses on relieving tension in the shoulders, neck, and lower back caused by carrying your baby, supporting core recovery, and helping reduce stress in a calm environment.
Postnatal massage is registered massage therapy tailored to the physical recovery that follows childbirth, addressing the specific postural strain that comes from new demands like nursing, carrying, and repeatedly bending to lift a baby. The upper back, neck, and shoulders commonly become tight and fatigued from feeding positions and carrying, while the lower back and pelvis are often still settling from the physical changes of pregnancy and delivery. Sessions are adapted based on delivery type, with C-section recovery in particular requiring some additional care around the healing incision area.
The early postpartum period is physically demanding in ways that are easy to underestimate, with disrupted sleep, repetitive lifting and carrying, and the ongoing physical recovery from birth all happening at once. Postural tension from nursing and carrying tends to build up quickly and can become a source of persistent discomfort if not addressed, while core and pelvic structures are also still recovering their normal strength and alignment. Beyond the physical relief, dedicated recovery time during such a demanding period also supports the emotional and stress related aspects of the postpartum transition.
Consider this program if you are experiencing any of the following clinical signs or conditions:
We use structured clinical steps to ensure safety and target your recovery goals effectively:
Your RMT reviews your delivery type, how many weeks postpartum you are, and any specific areas of tension or discomfort to tailor the session appropriately.
Treatment often targets the neck, shoulders, and upper back, which commonly tighten from repetitive nursing and carrying positions.
Where appropriate, treatment also addresses lower back and pelvic joint tension as your body continues recovering its pre pregnancy alignment and strength.
Sessions incorporate calming techniques to support rest and stress reduction during a demanding period of disrupted sleep and new physical demands.
For a vaginal delivery, many patients book as soon as they feel physically comfortable, sometimes within the first couple of weeks. For a C-section, we generally recommend waiting until around 6 weeks postpartum, once the incision has healed, unless your surgeon advises otherwise. Ongoing sessions every few weeks are common as new parents continue adjusting to nursing and carrying demands.
Postural strain relief: Relieving tightness in the chest, shoulders, and upper back.
Structural support: Helping manage lower back and pelvic joint strain post-pregnancy.
Stress reduction: Supporting restorative rest and physical relaxation.
Postnatal massage is performed by Registered Massage Therapists regulated by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC, with technique adapted based on delivery type and stage of recovery, and additional care taken around any healing surgical incision.
For a vaginal delivery, you can book as soon as you feel comfortable. For a C-section, we recommend waiting 6 weeks to ensure initial healing.
We recommend arranging care so you can fully relax, but we can accommodate your needs if necessary.
Yes, when performed by an RMT, it is eligible for standard massage therapy coverage.
Yes, this is one of the most common concerns addressed, since repetitive nursing positions frequently create tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Once your incision is fully healed and you have clearance, gentle scar work can be included, though your therapist will avoid the area if it is still healing.
Yes, gentle techniques addressing the lower back and surrounding muscles can help support pelvic joint recovery, alongside pelvic floor physiotherapy if needed.
This varies by individual, but many new parents find every few weeks helpful during the postpartum period as physical demands continue.
Many patients find the restorative, calming nature of the session helpful for managing physical and emotional fatigue, though it is not a treatment for postpartum mood disorders.
For a vaginal delivery, clearance is not typically required for general massage. For a C-section, we recommend confirming healing progress with your surgeon first.
Yes, many new parents benefit from combining both, since massage addresses general postural tension while pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses specifically on core and pelvic recovery.
Our clinic desk is ready to help coordinate your appointment or insurance options.
