FAQs

About Chestnut Street Wellness Center | Massage Therapy | Prenatal and Postnatal Services | About Yoga / New to Yoga

Chestnut Street Wellness Center:

What is the Chestnut Street Wellness Center?
The Chestnut Street Wellness Center is home to Motion Center and East Coast Acupuncture and Herbs. Motion Center offers yoga and dance classes as well as Therapeutic Massage, Rolfing, Thai Yoga Massage, Pre/Postnatal Massage and private yoga sessions. East Coast Acupuncture offers acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Where should I park?
During business hours until 5pm there is plenty of metered parking right in front of our building. After 5pm and on weekends you may use the lot. DO NOT PARK IN THE LOT DURING BUSINESS HOURS. Your car will be towed.

Which entrance do I use?
The main entrance on Chestnut St. is open during business hours. We are handicap accessible via our side door: to the left of the main entrance follow the path along the side of the building to the side entrance and elevators. Use the intercom to be buzzed in. After 6pm and on weekends FOR BOTH DOORS use the intercom by pressing 5 and "call". You will be buzzed in.

How can I pay for classes or massage sessions?
We accept cash and checks. Please check our pricing information on the schedule and massage therapy pages.

Where can I change if I'm coming from or going to work?
We have a changing room in our center, and there are 2 restrooms and a shower in the hallway.

Massage Therapy:

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Prenatal and Postnatal Services:

Prenatal Massage | Postnatal Massage | Prenatal Yoga | Mom & Baby Yoga

Prenatal Massage:

How is prenatal or postnatal massage different from other types of massage?
Because of the physical changes that take place during pregnancy, prenatal massage involves different positioning on the massage table. During sessions, specific precautions must be taken to keep the mother and baby safe, and specific techniques can be used to address the common discomforts that arise during pregnancy and after giving birth. With this in mind, most massage modalities (deep tissue, myo-fascial, Swedish, etc.) can be modified and applied to prenatal massage.

Do practitioners have specialized certification?
At Motion Center, all therapists working with prenatal clients have specialized certification in pre- and postnatal massage therapy. While most licensed massage therapists touch on basic precautions for prenatal massage in their initial training, the majority have not studied working with pregnant or postpartum women in any detail. We strongly recommended that you find a practitioner with advanced certification in prenatal and postnatal massage. These practitioners will not only know how to modify sessions to be safe for you and your baby, they will also be trained in specific techniques to address the common discomforts associated with pregnancy and to prepare the body for labor.

Can I lie on my stomach?
During much of the first trimester, women are often able to lie comfortably and safely on their stomach. After this time, because of both comfort and safety issues, we place women on their sides with pillow supports and bolsters. This allows full access to the back in a comfortable, safe position.

Do you have one of those tables with a hole cut out for the belly?
There is ongoing debate in the prenatal massage field about whether these tables are actually good and safe for the mother and baby. At Motion Center, we do not use tables with cut-outs, as we believe they potentially create strain on uterine ligaments and increase intrauterine pressure.

Can I lie on my back?
It is safe to lie on your back until around week 18-20. Up to week 20, if the woman is comfortable, we allow her to lie on her back, sometimes placing a small pillow wedge under her right side to avoid the uterus pressing on her vena cava (major blood vessel). After week 20, we massage women lying on their sides or in a semi-reclining position (sitting with the back at a 45 degree angle) to insure that we do not apply undue pressure to the vena cava.

What do I wear to an appointment?
Most therapeutic massage uses an oil or lotion over bare skin. While the therapist is outside the treatment room, clients undress down to their underwear or completely and then to get on the table and cover themselves with the sheet that is provided. During a massage, the therapist uncovers only the body part that they are working on, taking care to never expose the breasts or genitals. For clients who are uncomfortable getting undressed, there are many massage techniques that can be performed with the client fully clothed. Please let you therapist know if you would like to work fully clothed.

Can prenatal massage help me prepare for labor?
Absolutely. Prenatal massage helps lengthen and strengthen the muscles used in labor, helps women become more aware of how they use their body, and helps to build sensory awareness within the body. Additionally, the experience of deep relaxation provided by massage can be called upon while laboring. Let your therapist know if you would specifically like to work on labor preparation, as there are many exercises she will introduce to you, and specific massage techniques she will incorporate into your sessions.

Is prenatal massage only for relaxation?
While relaxation is a wonderful benefit of prenatal massage, there are many other benefits, including decreasing pain and discomfort and preparing the body for labor.

Can I bring my baby?
Yes, you many bring your baby to your massage session. Some women like to have the baby on the table with them; others bring bouncy chairs, moses baskets or car seats. Breaks nursing, comforting, and diaper changes are always supported.

It’s uncomfortable to lie on my breasts; will you be able to massage my back?
For comfort, it is often helpful to nurse just before having your massage. If lying directly on the breasts is still uncomfortable, supports can be placed under the body to decrease pressure, or you can receive massage for the back in a side-lying position.

Is postnatal massage only for relaxation?
No; In addition to facilitating relaxation, postnatal massage is also a wonderful way to rehabilitate the abdominal muscles, decrease muscular tension resulting from nursing and carrying infants, re-educate postural alignment and, in the case of cesarean sections, aid in functional scar healing.

Prenatal Yoga:

What’s the difference between prenatal yoga and other yoga classes?
Prenatal yoga takes into account the specific structural and physiological changes that take place during pregnancy, and utilizes postures that are safe and supportive to the changes. In addition to avoiding postures that put undue strain on the body, prenatal yoga classes incorporate postures and breath practices that specifically help support the body during pregnancy and prepare the body and mind for labor.

Do I need to have practiced yoga before becoming pregnant to attend classes?
No--classes are gentle and teachers are able to modify postures for students at different levels.

I have to pee frequently; will this disrupt class?
Not at all--please use the restroom as often as you need.

Can I eat and drink during class to keep my blood sugar stable? Absolutely--we recommend that you bring a healthy snack and something to drink to class. While this is not recommended in “regular” yoga classes, it is very important in prenatal classes.

Are classes difficult or gentle?
Classes are gentle, but do take effort. Modifications in intensity are offered for all students at different levels. Classes are never vigorously cardiovascular or taught in a heated room, as this is not recommended during pregnancy.

How soon after labor can I start to attend class?
This is different for different women. Many healthcare workers like women to have the 6-week “all clear” appointment before beginning yoga. Others suggest that women begin whenever they feel up to it. Our recommendation is to check with your healthcare provider* and to wait until you are feeling eager to move out of the house and connect with people. If the idea of making it to class feels overwhelming and like just one more things you must do, then it is most likely too soon to begin. *We require women who have had cesarean sections to consult with their healthcare provider before beginning classes.

Where is my baby during class?
Your baby will be on a blanket, in a chair/seat or in your arms throughout class. Mother’s are never more than a hand’s reach away from their babies.

What if my baby or I are disturbing the other students with noise, diaper changes, or the need to move around?
While every mother worries about this at some point in Mom & Baby classes, nursing, noise, diapers and movement are just part of the reality of Mom & Baby classes. The more you are able to attend to your own and your baby’s needs without feeling concerned about bothering others, the more relaxed everyone else in class will feel about doing the same for themselves. And there is no other group of people who will be more understanding of what it is to care for an infant!

What if I need to nurse?
You should feel free to nurse or attend to your baby at any time during class. You will get the most out of class if you allow yourself to tend to your baby as he or she needs. With this attentive tending, babies quickly become used to the class and mother’s gradually increase the amount of time they can actually participate in class.

What if my baby cries during class?
Feel free to take care of your baby in whatever way you/he/she needs, and don’t worry about the noise. We will keep moving through class, and you can rejoin us as the baby settles.

When will I be ready to take “regular” yoga classes?
This will depend on what type of class you are interested in taking, and how you, individually, are feeling and healing. We encourage you to discuss this with your Mom and Baby yoga teacher.

About Yoga / New to Yoga:

What is Yoga?
In Sanskrit, the language of ancient India, the word yoga means union; the union of the body, mind and spirit. In the West, yoga instruction often focuses on the physical postures (asana) and breathwork (pranayama). Frequently, through practicing these, students go on to explore the other practices of yoga. To learn more, you can read about the Eight Limbs of Yoga and visit our Resources page.

How do I get started?
Our Level 1 and All Levels classes are suitable for beginners. We also offer Intro to Yoga, a 4-week series that will teach you the basics. Each month will focus on a different style and be taught by a different teacher. Check out our schedule and class descriptions for details.

What style is right for me?
There are many different styles of yoga. Some are fast-paced, some more gentle. All are challenging and transformative. The choice is individual and may depend on your level of fitness, your personality, and your reason for practicing. Read the class descriptions and try a few different classes to find the one that’s right for you.

What are the benefits of yoga?
There are numerous benefits. These include:
• increased strength, flexibility, and balance
• improved physiological function
• increased sense of vitality and clarity
• reduced stress and anxiety

How often should I come to class?
Coming regularly, at least once or twice a week, allows you to progress in your practice and avoid injury.

What is the Chestnut Street Wellness Center?
The Chestnut Street Wellness Center is home to Motion Center and East Coast Acupuncture and Herbs. Motion Center offers yoga and dance classes as well as Therapeutic Massage, Rolfing, Thai Yoga Massage and Pre/Postnatal Massage. East Coast Acupuncture offers acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine.

What should I bring to class?
While we have mats in the studio we encourage students to bring their own. It is more hygienic and can encourage you to practice at home.