Prenatal Therapy: Massage VS Acupuncture VS Chiropractic

While massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic can benefit you in many ways, they all differ based on the procedure and effects. Find out more here!

prenatal massage SG

You’ve had it happen before: You are chilling in front of the TV, gradually becoming one with your most comfy couch and suddenly the all-too-familiar nagging back pain hits you out of nowhere. Standing on your feet with your ever-growing baby bump almost feels like lifting weights (which you are, in a way). ‘Where does this pain even come from?’ you groan. Unfortunately, with pregnancy, it is hard to tell because there can be more than one source of your body pains. After all, body pains are almost inseparable from pregnancy. Just like many other to-be mothers, we know this scene all too well too.

Pregnant mothers normally have their own ways to combat their discomforts. Many have incorporated various treatments or practices into their routine during pregnancy. If you are considering either prenatal massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic, you have come to the right place. Down below, we are comparing all three of them to help you make up your mind!

MASSAGE 

What is prenatal massage?

Prenatal massage (also known as pregnancy massage) is a body massage performed on pregnant mothers, often past their first semester. A prenatal massage, however, differs greatly with a typical full-body massage performed on other people in the sense that the former does not cover several sensitive parts of your body. Plus, certain massage techniques like deep tissue work cannot be used in this massage.

In 2010, a study conducted among a number of pregnant mothers found that massage therapy was the most common option between all other options which included acupuncture and chiropractic therapies. There is certainly a reason why to-be mothers nowadays often opt for a massage to help ease their discomforts during pregnancy. Apart from being a natural form of therapy, it is also effective in relieving a wide range of discomforts during pregnancy. Hence, prenatal massages are generally safe and widely becoming the top choice of soon-to-be moms across the globe.

Compared to the other two treatments, massage relies less on self-healing and promotes healing from the techniques and application of pressure on your body. As a physical treatment, massage is the longest-existing among the three practices listed here.

Who performs prenatal massage?

A masseuse or massage therapist who is skilled and expert in prenatal massage therapy. They should not be compared with other massage therapists as some parts of the normal body massage and pregnancy massage differ. For instance, certain parts that can induce labour would be excluded from the whole procedure of a prenatal massage. A typical masseuse who is not trained or skilled to perform pregnancy massage would not be too informed or knowledgeable regarding this matter.

What is the procedure of prenatal massage?

If you opt for a home-based massage, your masseuse will be sent down to your place. There may be items you need to prepare like a matt and several pieces of towels. The process is similar to a normal body massage, but you would never have to lie on your stomach. 

What are the benefits of massage during pregnancy?

A massage can tremendously boost your mood and help you release your stress. If you experience a lot of body aches and cramps, this therapy can ease and improve your blood circulation, relieving many discomforts caused by poor blood flow. One particular aspect in which it is better than the other treatments in here is that massage can target water retention and get rid of it since it involves lymphatic drainage.

ACUPUNCTURE

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture medical practice has been around since the 1970s and works by stimulating the acupuncture points (also known as acupressure points) on the body. It typically involves the application of needles and/or other elements like heat on certain places on the skin. Acupuncture methods, like many other TCM practices’, are concerned with the concept of Yin and Yang and Qi (energy) of the body. The treatments are meant to balance your Yin and Yang so your bodily functions can run smoothly. At the core of it, acupuncture is also meant to promote self-healing.

Who performs acupuncture?

Licensed acupuncturists. Since this practice surfaced as a part of traditional Chinese traditions, the provider of this service is most likely to be knowledgeable in Traditional Chinese Medicine practices and techniques as well.

What is the procedure of acupuncture?

After examining and locating the acupuncture points of your body, the acupuncturist will insert several fine, hair-thin needles (normally in silver or gold) into your skin to stimulate the nerves. For a significant relief of pain, you would have to go through one or two sessions per week for approximately six weeks.

What are the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy?

The effects of acupuncture mostly revolve around what happens internally like alleviating heartburn, fatigue, and nausea. Acupuncture is believed to be effective in treating back and neck pains. If you easily get constipated, acupuncture is said to be able to treat it as well. Carpal tunnel syndrome is extremely common among people with increasing weight, so many pregnant mothers have benefited in regards to this. There have been various claims that acupuncture also helps in nourishing your body and making you feel more ‘awake’. 

CHIROPRACTICS

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic encompasses the treatment of relieving mechanical pains. These pains are mainly caused by abnormal stress and strain being placed on the muscles of the backbone or spine. You may experience these pains if you have poor posture, poorly-designed seating, and incorrect bending and lifting motions. The practice of chiropractic emphasises the body’s ability to heal itself..

Who performs chiropractic?

Chiropractors. They are not medical doctors, but they are skilled and trained in musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Make sure to seek licensed practitioners who have had extensive training in chiropractic care.

What is the procedure of chiropractic?

One of the main techniques of chiropractic is the spinal manipulation where the chiropractor will apply a controlled, sudden force to your spinal joint, whether using their bare hand or a tool. This can greatly improve your body’s physical function. If you aren’t familiar with chiropractic, you may recognise this practice from the treatment consisting of a lot of cracking noises from fixing the spines.

What are the benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy?

One of the most significant improvements seen among mothers who opt for chiropractic care is an improved posture. It controls symptoms of morning sickness while relieving back, neck, and joint pains. To a certain length, chiropractic can prevent potential cesarean delivery as well. If this is your biggest concern, you may consult your doctor about taking up chiropractics to hinder complications during delivery.

Can massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic induce labour?

These practices can induce labour ONLY IF that’s what you request. Some pregnant mothers who wish to induce labour naturally would go for a specific type of massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic for that reason. In that case, however, the treatments would be called the labour massage, labour-inducing acupuncture, and induction chiropractic instead of being respectively known as pregnancy massage, prenatal acupuncture, and pregnancy chiropractic adjustment. Their methods and the physical areas they cover also significantly differ. For example, the pregnancy massage will avoid areas like breast and tummy as to not send any signals to your body that you are ready to deliver. On that account, all three treatments we discuss today will not and are not meant to get you into labour.

All of the above are safe and natural. If done properly, they should not pose harmful risks so weigh your options carefully and go for one that gives you the best bet. If you are simply not big on needles and the thought of having your bones ‘cracked’ make your knees knock, opt for a massage. Some services also offer home-based treatments where the practitioner or therapist will go to your house to perform the treatment. 

Which one should you go for?

It all depends on what you are looking for. Have you been stressed out a lot during pregnancy, and the physical discomforts just add to it and making your stress worse? Perhaps a massage can calm you down since it is meant to lower the levels of your stress hormones, all the while alleviating your body aches. If your discomforts mostly come from your spines or back, maybe you would need some chiropractic treatment. On the other hand, if they are generally internal ones like headaches and tension, you can give acupuncture a try. Keep in mind that all of these treatments have overlapping or similar benefits, so perhaps you simply want to go with one that gives you the most benefits. 

If you are like most mothers, you would enjoy getting a massage the most. Look around for prenatal massage SG services that can send down a masseuse to your house so you don’t have to travel far – or at all for that matter. We understand that you may still be at a crossroads so we would like to help you come to a decision. On that note, here is a simplified comparison table you can refer to!

Prenatal Massage
Acupuncture
Chiropractic
Techniques
  • Rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints
  • Use of long strokes and gentle pressure
  • Insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points
  • Adjustment of parts of the body like spine and joints through popping or low-force impulse
Tools 
  • Hands
  • Oil
  • Lotion/ herbal paste for post-massage use
  • Special acupuncture needles 
  • Hands
  • Occasionally involves the use of activator (a spring-loaded, hand-held tool)
Main Effects
  • Improved mood
  • Relaxed muscles
  • Relieved neck strain
  • Improved blood flow
  • Reduced cramps, joint pains, & body aches
  • Reduced water retention
  • Relieved headaches
  • Reduced neck tension
  • Reduced eye strain
  • Improved immune system
  • Fixed posture
  • Aligned spine
  • Increased mobility and function
  • Relieved sciatica (mild to sharp pain in the back, hip, and sides of the legs)
  • Decreased back and body pains  

Note: Keep in mind that this table only highlights areas where there are clear distinctions between the three therapies

Postnatal Massage Recovery Postnatal Massage Recovery
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