Why Deep Tissue Massage Might Not Be the Best Choice Postpartum (And What to Do Instead)

The postpartum period is a time of immense physical, emotional, and hormonal change. Your body has undergone the transformative experience of childbirth and is now in a delicate state of repair and recovery. While massages are often recommended to ease tension and improve circulation, not all types are suitable for this phase. In fact, many women find that deep tissue massages—which focus on applying intense pressure to reach deep muscle layers—can sometimes leave them feeling more stressed and aggravated than relaxed.

Let’s dive into why this happens, and explore gentler, more supportive alternatives for postpartum healing.

Why Deep Tissue Massage May Not Be Ideal Postpartum 

1. Overstimulation of the Nervous System

During the postpartum period, your nervous system is often in a heightened state due to the birth process and the ongoing demands of newborn care. Deep tissue massage applies significant pressure, which can inadvertently trigger the sympathetic nervous system (our “fight-or-flight” mode), instead of relaxing you. This overstimulation can leave you feeling emotionally tense or on edge, the opposite of the calm, restorative state essential for postpartum recovery.

2. Increased Muscle Sensitivity and Soreness

Postpartum muscles and ligaments are in a state of healing, having been stretched and strained during pregnancy and birth. Deep tissue massage can aggravate this already sensitive tissue, potentially causing muscle soreness similar to that “post-gym” feeling. Instead of feeling soothed, you might leave a session feeling more physically depleted—something to avoid when your body needs gentle support.

3. Heightened Sensitivity Due to Hormones

Hormonal shifts, particularly those involving oxytocin and prolactin, increase your sensitivity to touch. This can make pressure that once felt beneficial feel overwhelming or even painful. Deep pressure that might previously have been comforting can now feel too intense, signaling that the body needs a gentler approach to bodywork during this period.

The Benefits of Gentle Postpartum Bodywork

1. Swedish Massage: A Soothing Approach
Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes that help ease the nervous system into a relaxed state, promoting both lymphatic circulation and mental relaxation. This style of massage is ideal for postpartum mothers as it calms the body, reduces tension, and enhances blood flow, which aids in muscle recovery and helps with postpartum swelling.

2. Lymphatic Drainage: Supporting the Body’s Detoxification
The lymphatic system is a key player in the body’s natural detoxification process. During the postpartum period, a gentle lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce swelling, eliminate waste, and encourage circulation. By working with the body’s lymphatic flow, this type of massage supports healing from within and helps alleviate common postpartum symptoms like fluid retention and inflammation.

3. Postpartum-Specific Bodywork Techniques
These practices are tailored for the postpartum body, recognizing its need for tender care. Some specialized techniques include:

• Abhyanga: A gentle Ayurvedic oil massage that helps calm the mind, lubricate the joints, and nourish the skin. The warm oil used in Abhyanga supports muscle relaxation and promotes a deep sense of warmth and security.

• Marma Point Therapy: This practice involves gentle stimulation of marma points, which are specific energy centers in the body. When activated, these points help reduce tension and stimulate a feeling of wellness, making this an excellent technique for postpartum relaxation.

• Kansa Wand: Using a small metal wand, this technique massages the face, neck, and other sensitive areas, promoting relaxation while relieving muscle tension gently and effectively.

• Shirodhara: Warm oil poured continuously over the forehead, or “third eye,” in a soothing stream helps calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. This ritual is a powerful way to ease mental tension, especially beneficial during the emotional fluctuations of the postpartum phase.

Listen to Your Body’s Needs During This Sacred Time

The postpartum period is a journey of gradual healing. If you find that deep tissue massage feels more aggravating than soothing, it’s a sign to listen to your body’s needs. Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it’s about finding the right blend of support and rest that promotes your well-being.

Choosing a gentler approach to massage and bodywork allows your body the time and care it needs to recover fully. Massage therapy isn’t just about relieving aches and pains; it’s about creating a nurturing environment that allows you to heal physically and emotionally, helping you adapt to the profound transition of motherhood.

Ready to Experience Gentle, Nurturing Postpartum Support?

If you’re looking for a nurturing way to support your postpartum recovery, I offer specialized bodywork sessions tailored for this sacred period. With a focus on calming, gentle techniques, these sessions are designed to support your physical and emotional healing without overstimulating your sensitive postpartum body.

Explore the options and let’s create a plan that feels right for you. Because every mother deserves to feel supported, grounded, and whole again.

With care,
Dru Erin Houchen