Prenatal Pain Relief: Top Spots for Moms-to-Be in Philadelphia

3/8/17 - By Lindsay Li

Whether you just found out you are expecting, or you're in the home stretch, your body is probably finding 100 new ways to express pain and discomfort. Not to mention all the stresses of what you need to do when baby arrives. Is your car seat installed correctly? Do you have everything you need for a new baby? What about birth plan and delivery? Between the stress and the growing belly, it's no wonder you might be feeling out of sorts. Which means, of course, that it is time to pamper yourself! Whether you are experiencing regular pain, nausea, or just need a few moments of pampering, prenatal services such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and even massage can make a world of difference! Although a trip to the spa sounds great right about now, not all practitioners are trained to handle the particular needs of prenatal patients, so to ease at least one of your worries, we have a round up of the top spots to book for your aches and pains!

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Acupuncture

I speak from experience when I say acupuncture has been a prenatal life saver. I've used it for pregnancy related migraines, tendonitis, and even to induce labor with my first. Although moms-to-be are barred from many medications, you can even use acupuncture to treat anything from emotional discomfort to nausea and sinus-related woes. The option to use community acupuncture in the area also greatly reduces the cost of this much-needed service!
 
Community style acupuncture allows you to keep the needles in as long as you want, rather than a 30-minute or less session. Appointments are easy to make the day of, if an emergency arises, and the setting is so tranquil you can easily fall asleep and let those amazing needles do their work!
 
Restorative HarmonyRittenhouse and Narberth, PA
Specializing in women's health and fertility support, Restorative Harmony is there for all your pre- and post-natal needs, including placenta encapsulation services if that is your desire.
 
Affordable acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine treatments, such as cupping and scraping, with experience offering acupuncture services to women at all stages of pregnancy. Solitary treatments are also available if you are not interested in the community feel.
 
Offering both acupuncture and massage services, Still Waters believes in holistic health practices. The studio also offers childbirth preparation and breastfeeding classes, so you can rest assured they know how to treat your various prenatal needs! The private acupuncture services include an initial one to two hour consultation, so plan to spend quite some time!
 

Chiropractic Care

Your body is experiencing drastic shifts while pregnant, so it is no wonder it can go completely out of line! Chiropractic care can be a great relief, but it is especially important that you get your doctors OK before engaging in a treatment, and choose a practitioner who specializes in prenatal.
 
Holme Circle ChiropracticNortheast Philadelphia
Dr. Brian Karabinos of Holme Circle Chiropractic has been helping women through all the changes that occur to your central nervous system during this special time in a woman's life.
 
Ohm Family ChiropracticSouth Philadelphia and Media, PA
When you ask a group of Philly moms who to see for chiropractic care, nearly every time they will recommend Justin Ohm. Practicing out of the South Philly Community Acupuncture office,  Justin is a family legacy, taking on the practice from both parents. His mother Jeanne also still does treatments in Media, PA, but no longer actively seeks patients. New patients can work with Thomas Ohm in Media. The family practice will work with you no matter your insurance coverage or needs.
 
Quest ChiropracticCenter City and Ambler, PA
Specializing in prenatal care, Quest doctors believe that chiropractic care can have a significant impact on a safe, straightforward birth.
 

Prenatal Massage

Rub the stress and pain away! It won't be quite as deep tissue as you may be used to, and none of the luxury of laying on your back (those days are over after 15 weeks!), but expect a significant reduction in stress plus the added bonus of increased blood flow. While it is most likely a benefit you can indulge in, check with your doctor first as there can be some complications if you have high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or other pregnancy-related conditions. In addition to Still Waters above, these therapists specialize in prenatal care.
 
EviamaMidtown Village
Paying special attention ot hips, feet, and backs (the sight of so many of our pregnancy pains), get swept away in this relaxing therapy. Eviama also offers Maya Massage practice which is perfect for menstrual cramps and digestion for future reference.
 
Best of Philly winner, expect a relaxing experience that also focuses on reducing the regular discomforts of pregnancy, at a really great price.
 
Primp and Play—Center City
Experience a prenatal massage that lets you feel like you are getting away from it all, even if you have to bring the expecting sibling(s) along!
 
Root MassageSouth Philadelphia
Combining gentle and firm pressures, prenatal massage with Root is designed to help you feel completely relaxed.
 
Although side-lying massage may be unusual to you, Tranquil Therapy makes a great effort help you relax, with music and calming scents.
 
Bonus!
These massage services come to you! Perfect for moms who have little ones and don't want the hassle of arranging childcare
 
Offering traveling massage that fits your schedule and your location, serving Philadelphia and most of the southern Jersey shore. Prenatal massage comes in 60 or 90 minute varieties. Post baby, add reflexology to your session for an added sense of luxury. Another Best of Philly winner as well as Be Well Philly (2012).
 
Another in-home option, Soothe offers a prenatal package that is designed to alleviate pain including leg cramps, and the discomfort of swelling! All necessities come with the therapist, so just pick a quiet spot in your house and prepare for a relaxing experience! If parking is an issue where you live, make sure to warn your therapist.
 
Photo courtesy of Barefoot Doctor Community Acupuncture via Facebook.

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