Postnatal Tips

The CDC now recommends massage before prescription pain meds

Learn how massage can improve your life

Check Out Our Postnatal Tips for New York Families!

We know having a baby can be overwhelming, but we wanted to help out with some suggestions that might make this exciting time a little easier. There are a number of different issues that can occur post-baby that are completely manageable through treatment or home care. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for, and some suggestions towards resolution. As always please check with your doctor if you have any doubt about what you are experiencing.

Post Birth

Birth can be beautiful, but it is a huge change. Your body is suddenly very different. Lack of sleep and stress can add to the trauma. Taking a little time for yourself, or coming in for a massage, even for 30 minutes, can help reduce stress, reduce aches, and loosen those well used muscles. Mimicking the restful state of sleep, can be extremely beneficial.

Headaches and Neck Pain

When you have a new baby you spend most of your time looking down. This goes for both men and women. For must of us, this can cause discomfort, not due to the posture, but due to the change in frequency of the posture. For some of us this position, might also lead to headaches and neck pain. We encourage you to switch sides while you’re holding the baby so that you are not always looking one direction. Take time to stretch both arms and neck. If you are already experiencing symptoms, massage, stretching, heat and yoga can be very helpful in getting you on the right track. Ask us to go over home care with you so that you can self manage.

Depression

Holding a baby is full of joy, but sitting with rounded shoulders can mimic the posture you have when you’re depressed. Take time to pillow yourself so that you can sit comfortably with your shoulders rolled back. Stretch by holding your arms out wide and pulling your shoulders back. Touch can be very helpful if you feeling a bit blue. Massage from a partner or a professional who cares can make a difference, but remember, if your feelings are long lasting or out of the ordinary, seek medical assistance. Taking time for yourself at this point is an important step in providing for your baby.

Numbness, Tingling and Cold Feelings in the Hands

Carpal tunnel or nerve entrapment can cause numbness, tingling and cold feelings in the hands. You used both hands to do things before and now you are limited to one hand, and it is sore and over used! One hand holds the baby, and the other takes up the slack. Be sure to switch sides when you hold the baby so that one arm and hand are not doing the same task over and over. It may be uncomfortable and awkward in the beginning, but you may save yourself a lot of aggravation in the end. If you already have symptoms, stretching the whole arm can be and effective way to relive symptoms. Carpal tunnel and nerve entrapment are highly treatable with massage, and stretching. There is no reason to suffer, we would be happy to review the stretching with you, or book an appointment for you to have someone do it for you.

Low Back Pain

Your are carting around and extra 10 to 20 pounds of baby every day and your body is not used to it. Now that she /he gets older and heavier, you have started hold him/her on your hip, since its a lot easier than holding baby with just one arm. Make sure to switch sides often. holding the baby on your hip can take a lot of the stress off your upper back, but raising one hip all the time can be hard on the back. Try to stay balanced and stretch both back and the legs. A hot shower or bath goes a long way to loosening things up. Over time this over fatigue of the muscles can result in pain in the leg and tingling in the toes, so be sure to seek help if the feeling do not improve. Remember, this goes for both men and women.

C-sections

Sometimes things are not perfect. A C-section can leave you laid up for a little while. After six weeks you can seek treatment for any aches and pains you may have. There are a number of things you can do to get moving again. There are a number of places in the city that specialize in postnatal and prenatal fitness, or one of our therapists would be happy to review them with you and get you on a program that moves you toward your old self.

You should enjoy this special time as much as possible. If you experience any of these symptoms or problems, reach out for help. Your are a valued client, and we would be more than happy to get you on a program, go over self help, or possibly help make a referral to another treatment.

Return to Prenatal Tips

Testimonials

I was in pain, and I mean by the truck loads. Stupidly, I ignored it, popped some 800mg Advil and kept chugging along. After a few days of this, I woke up unable to walk upright without being in teeth-clenching misery.I couldn’t put the pain off any more. I asked around and a friend pointed me to Body Mechanics. Luckily, a spot had just opened up and I hobbled over to the office like a man three times my age.I’m not a man that believes in miracles, but believe me when I say a miracle was performed. I don’t know how she knew, but she knew exactly where everything hurt and fixed it. Massage therapy doesn’t even come close to describing what I experienced.I walked out of the office standing straight up, sore in a good way, and, most importantly, pain free. It was worth every damn penny and then some. Do yourself a favor, don’t wait for the pain to win, just go here.

Carl M.

Brooklyn, NY

Beret is my favorite therapist, hands down. With a past in professional dancing and a present in yoga teaching, my body often doesn’t take the breaks it needs. Beret was always able to help. Whether it was a strained hamstring or a migraine, I never walk out of her room feeling I didn’t get all I wanted and more. She is really clear and loves explaining what the problem is, so you an expect to walk out with a wealth of information about your condition. She is not scared of having patients move, even with injuries: as long as you move intelligently, which she will help you to learn. With my life choices and career, this is an incredible value: she truly wants to HEAL you!

M.T.

Brooklyn, NY

I have had severe problems with my neck for years, and more recently with my back as well. A friend of mine told me about Beret Kirkeby and how different she is from other massage therapists. He told me that she had gotten results for his problems that no one else had been able to resolve. So I figured that I would give it a try. I was skeptical. What a difference Beret has made in my lifestyle. For several weeks after my visits with Beret, I feel younger, and pain free again. Now I look forward to my visits to Beret, because I know I will feel better when I leave than I did when I got there

Richard R.

New York City, NY

Beret is an expert in the field of Massage Therapy. Her knowledge far exceeds the industry standard. While attending the Swedish Institute, Beret had assisted me with a treatment plan for a client. She helped me think and act outside the box. Incorporating specific yoga postures within my treatment plan greatly effected change and rehabilitation in a specific muscle region. Beret’s hands on approach may be surprising to some, being that her education is more oriented in Orthopedic style massage. She can not only give a relaxing session, but actually address a condition, treat it, and fix it!!Go check out her beautiful space!!!!

Shannon O.

Brooklyn, NY

Beret led two anatomy workshops for our Yoga Teacher Training this past summer. She is very knowledgeable about the body and how to work with injuries. I feel more confident as a yoga teacher with the knowledge that I gained from Beret’s workshop. I trust her completely, there is no one I know that knows more about anatomy than Beret!

Saskia L.

Brooklyn, NY

Beret is hands down the best massage therapist I have ever had. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that she’s spoiled me for any therapist who is not as talented as she is. When I first started seeing Beret, it was just for general relaxation and to relieve the occasional back pain I get from working long hours at a desk. In addition to that, Beret pinpointed a problem with one of my vertebrae that I didn’t know I had and no massage therapist had ever noticed before. She treated me for it on the spot and completely solved the issue. Now I see her regularly and every time she works on me, I feel like a new woman.I also enjoy talking with Beret during our treatments – she’s incredibly knowledgeable, funny, intelligent and wise.

Kerry P.

Brooklyn, NY

I worked with Beret for a few years at a clinic in Toronto, Ontario. On our down time, we always were discussing and figuring out new ways to treat specific ailments. Beret is an expert with knowing how the body works and what types of stretches, movements or body work needs to be done to help fix a problem area. Her wheels are always turning, trying to figure out the best treatment plan to get to the root of the problem area. Our loss is your gain NYC!

E. Matheson, L.M.T.

Beret is a warm hearted therapist. She makes the effort to find the source of your pain and rehabilitate your imbalances.

J.T.

Queens, NY

I’m not a big review writer, but I thought Berets work on my neck/shoulder injury was exceptional. Firstly, growing up with a father as a traditional Chinese healer and massage therapist-I got a lot of great healing massages. Unfortunately, my father is much older and I feel guilty asking him for another massage!(and he moved back to China)I went to a few massage therapists and they really sucked. I was tickled,poked, and brush with their hands. I thought I could never get as good as a massage/healing unless it was from my father. Last month I injured my neck/shoulder in some athletic ventures and was totally out of the game. I had all these big goals for the summer to be doing calisthenic work that included a lot of pull-ups- NOT with this injury! I was heartbroken and lost-my dad was in China and although ice and heat helped, I didn’t know what else I could do to make it heal faster. Thankfully Beret was available to help me. She is just as nerdy as I am about anatomy and explained to me what might have happened to my neck/shoulder. I love how she spent time with me painting the picture of the injury and what was going on with my neck. I decided to get a massage with her, thinking I might be disappointed- and oh gosh was I wrong! Beret’s massage was, as creepy as it may sound, as soothing as if my father was doing it. Her ability to connect the muscles, have constant flow, even pressure- is something you think all masseurs have right? Well, Berete’s massage did the trick! My neck was feeling soooooo amazing- she even gave me tips on how to stretch and lightly exercise it. I booked another massage with her the following week to speed up the healing process.In 2 session and about 3.5 weeks of healing, I was ready to start doing pull-ups again! Now I am back on track with my summer athletic goals and it’s all thanks to that extra help from Beret’s knowledge and skills.I love her work and her passion for her work- she continuously seeks more and more knowledge to further her skill and you betcha I’m going to get more massages! Oh yes- by the way, I’d like to mention- since I never really paid for all the massages in my life, Im kinda spoiled and don’t like to pay for massages- but I definitely find so much value in her work and seek more of it!

Lucy C.

Brooklyn, NY

Beret is the best massage therapist I know, she has an amazingly in depth knowledge of the human body which she uses to literally heal people.I can’t wait for my next session with Beret at the new beautiful location.

Zalman L.

New York City, NY

Simply amazing! I came to see Beret to help me get a handle of a nagging injury that just recently flared up. I told her my symptoms and she went to work identifying and healing my muscle spasms. I left feeling like a human being again along with knowledge around what i can do to maintain the good work she did. She is incredibly knowledgeable, she helps you to understand what she’s doing and why. For a curious person like me, this was great to better understand how my body works. Can’t wait for my next session.

Melita L.

Milburn, NJ

I have known Beret for approximately 5 years during which time she has been my massage therapist for several long-term and more recent injuries.I am a 44 year old professional male has seen approximately 10 RMTs over the last 20-odd years for a variety of issues; general sports therapy, lower back problems due to damaged L3-L4-L5 disks, a broken foot and strained PCL and ACL. Beret was one of two RMTs with which I had excellent results.I don’t much like having injuries treated and she was always focused on my specific issues and progress. I found her engaging, well informed and professional. I have recommended her to colleagues in the past and have not found a comparable replacement since she left Toronto last year to return to NYC.

Tim D.

Toronto, ON

I was very pleasantly surprised by this brand new facility. It is elegant and peaceful, a rare oasis floating above the hustle and bustle, and only one step away from Grand Central. How convenient is that?I was lucky enough to receive a massage from Beret, who happens to be the owner of the place. As a former dancer and massage therapist myself, my back can get achy and needs regular attention. Beret works on the deeper side, but knows how to adapt to individual needs. Upon my questioning, she told me what she found and which approach she chose to address it and why. She is very knowledgeable, open to discussion and funny!Let’s be honest, as a massage therapist, I am picky when it comes to receiving any type of bodywork. Beret and her sophisticated medical spa doesn’t get just a thumbs from me up but both my hands up! I will be back!

Delia A.

Astoria, NY

Beret helped me immensely after a nasty fall. She has a laser focus for finding the relief button. She has magic in her fingers!! I swear. Her medical knowledge and calming bedside manner make for an ‘spa like’ therapeutic massage. If you are aching even a little bit just do yourself a favor and call her!

Caitlin R.

New York City, NY

As a healthcare provider, I recognize and appreciate professional, courteous service from another practitioner. I found Beret Kirkeby to be both warm and knowledgeable in her delivery of care for my work-related musculoskeletal strains and discomfort. She always maintained a soothing, relaxed atmosphere and “checked in” periodically to ensure pressure was effective yet not uncomfortable. Beret listened carefully during sessions and was always skilled in her response. Without hesitation I would recommend her as a massage therapist.

Ron McFarlan, RN, BScN

Toronto, Canada

I have been looking for a massage therapist since moving to New York two years ago. I’ve gone to several different people throughout the Brooklyn and Manhattan. I found that most spa type places were overpriced for a standard massage or that it was uncomfortable going to a random persons house for massage. Beret has been working on me for about 8 months now and has helped treat a really bad problem with my IT Band (which she also gave me stretches to help remedy) as well as relieve neck, shoulder and back pain. Along with being super knowledgeable she’s been nothing but professional and friendly. I don’t have anything but good things to say about Beret. I’ve referred her to co-workers and friends alike. Definitely schedule an appointment if you’d like to get a relaxing treatment or if you’re experiencing aches and pains.

Ryan G.

Brooklyn, NY

Came here for sports massage as a a last resort for an injury to my achilles tendon (severe achilles tendonitis) and I'm glad I did.  A few massage treatments here helped fix what months of PT could not.  I went from limping when I walked to running again within 3 weeks.  I now get regular massages here for maintenance and general well being.  On top of the work being top notch, the space is beautiful and relaxing.  The massage therapists at Body Mechanics are of the highest calibre and I could not recommend them enough.

Chris L.

New York City, NY

I can't say enough great things about Beret and her team at Body Mechanics. As a former dancer I feel Body Mechanics massage is the place to go for a superior massage. Not only do I have the regular aches and pains from former injuries, I like many others now sit at a computer for 8 hours a day which only adds to the stress in my upper body. I spent years going to a chiropractor regarding neck pain. After 3 massage sessions with Beret, it vanished. Truly.  I've seen other members of her staff for shoulder and hip pains- they are all so incredibly trained knowledgeable about every area of the body - it just works. They all spend time talking to you about what your issues are before the massage and no one rushes you out of the calm and beautifully decorated massage room the moment your time is up. The office and massage rooms are an atmosphere of serenity. Whether you have a body part that is bothering you or just want to treat yourself to an amazing massage that takes you out of the world, you should definitely go to Body Mechanics. I always take cards to give to my friends. They are amazing.

Annie E.

No matter which therapist I see, I know that I will get a professional massage geared towards my orthopedic aches.  

Anna S.

Since finding Beret, I cannot imagine going to anyone else. She is not only extremely well-versed in all forms of massage and integrates them into her own technique (which, simply put, is whatever will work best for you during your session), but is more knowledgable about every single body part, tendon and muscle in my body than my own doctor! I have not had a pain that I've brought to her that she couldn't completely relieve. I even once had terrible chronic jaw pain that I'd been living with for two years. I didn't think of telling Beret of it sooner because I didn't think of massage for jaw pain. Incredibly, she took away the pain in one session. It was remarkable. I've also been to Beret with intense neck pain, back pain and bursitis (in the knee). She knew what to do in each case and in just one or a few sessions (depending on how bad the problem), relieved my pain completely. Beret is simply the very best.

Stacy B.

New York City, NY

Beret is the best massage therapist I've ever seen.  She is so knowledgeable in orthopedic massage and has been an instrumental part in my recovery from major knee surgery (osteotomy).  She took a lot of time to understand my past history and exactly where I've struggled in my rehab.  From there, her expertise showed immediately as she found all the areas where scar tissue had built up and through a mix of massage and stretching, she helped to relieve pain and speed my recovery.  I have been to dozens of therapists over the past 20 years and none were nearly as knowledgeable and thorough.  She really cares and remembers all the specifics of when my surgeries took place and where I should be in my recovery.  I've been to her many times and plan to continue!!

Scott. S.

New York City, NY

Best massage service I have experienced and very competitive price!

Ken B.

New York City, NY

I am a professional classical singer. I have suffered from TMJ for many years. Body Mechanics offers extremely helpful TMJ massage. My symptoms have greatly decreased. I am thrilled with the results and my singing has greatly improved.

Archie W.

New York City, NY

I’ve had terrible TMJ for about 20 years. I see them for their TMJ Massage. I tried everything but nothing worked until I found Body Mechanics.  My TMJ is now under control to the point that I hardly notice it---an occasional twinge if I’m stressed.  Truly a miracle after 20 years of constant pain. I also found that the therapists at Body Mechanics were able to fix an issue I had with a leg that locked up. I’ve tried three of their therapists and have found that, even though their techniques are different, they are all extremely effective. These people really know what they are doing. I don’t know what I could do without my bi-weekly massage. For anyone who has injuries or chronic pain, I couldn’t recommend them enough.

C.L.

Manhattan, NY

Beret has done an amazing job with this place. The space is comfortable, classy, and convenient. I have some back issues that I have been dealing with and after speaking with a few massage therapists and acupuncturists, Beret was the only one who could give me some real information to work with. She showed me what was happening in my hips and lower back, worked extensively on that area, and then gave me some exercises to do at home (along with information about what exercises to avoid - also very important). I trust Beret and I also trust that she has hired the best massage therapists to work beside her. She is very knowledgeable and professional. I would recommend Body Mechanics Massage to anybody looking for some answers or even just for a relaxing massage. Plus, you get some little goodies once your massage is over! I will definitely be back!

S. F.

Brooklyn, NY

These guys are like my new church!! I spent a couple years in constant back pain from a horse racing injury, I search for a solution with a chiro, acupuncture, stretches Etc etc. It wasn't until I went in to Body Mechanics Massage for the first time that I finally felt both understood by the highly skilled staff, in particular Sarah A for her massage., and RELIEF! It was a GAME CHANGER! I have since sent other friends in, and all of them feel the same way I do. If you're need results, go to the people who know how to get them! Love you guys!![related_posts]

Erik C.

Brooklyn, NY

What a relief to have found Beret.  I have been getting regular massages for 25 years now.  I suffer from chronic lower back pain as well as severe TMJ.  When I moved into the city from New Jersey five years ago, my greatest concern was being able to find someone who could address these issues as well as the therapist I had been seeing.  Happily a friend referred me to Beret--and amazingly, she is the best I have ever worked with!  Whereas I always felt good when I got off the table in the past, with Beret, the effects are much longer lasting.  As I am a professional speaker, my TMJ can be a particular problem.  It can affect not only my ability to speak but also my ability to concentrate--my back teeth won't meet and it makes my entire head feel loopy.  I am thrilled to say that since I've been going to Beret, I have had not one single such episode.    I have also noticed better results with my back than in the past, including the work several chiropractors had done.  My problems are primarily muscular, and Beret identified the root cause and applied treatment that has made a real difference! Sometimes I forget that Beret is not a doctor!  Then again, the level of relaxation I feel when we are done with a treatment, not to mention the beautiful facility she provides, serve to remind me that she is simply the best therapist I have been fortunate enough to know.

Sherry L.

Manhattan, NY

I have had nothing but positive experiences since I began going to Body Mechanics Massage at the beginning of 2014. Beret has done an incredible job growing the business, and I am never hesitant to see a new therapist in the event I need to schedule a last minute appointment. The entire staff is well-trained and extremely knowledgeable!

Tim F.

New York City, NY

I first came here after a running injury (IT Band) but stayed and kept coming back because it not only helped my running injury, but I felt more limber after each massage. Great work and great service. I always look forward to coming. [related_posts]

Lily Z.

New York City, NY

Beret is AMAZING. And if you have TMJ, it is transformative- major pain relief- to have a massage by Beret is a wonderful experience. [related_posts]

Jen T.

Manhattan, NY

I have severe TMJ pain and the TMJ massage here is the only thing that helps. Each therapist I have had is super knowledgeable and skilled. Highly recommended.

Brittnay. L.

New York City, NY

I've had several prenatal massages here and all of the therapists have been wonderful. They listen to my problem areas and really focus on those specific areas during the massage. I feel so relaxed and stretched out after. The best massage I have had in NYC!

Yvonne

Manhattan, NY

I have been coming to see Sarah for massage for months to work on a rotator cuff injury. I have have tried everything short of surgery for pain relief. The massage techniques she uses is the only thing I have found that has managed the pain and given me more mobility. Everyone is incredibly  nice and helpful and the space is beautiful.

Mariah F.

New York City, NY

Each time I come by, I feel I am getting the best Orthopedic Massage done here. It really is the best ever.

Suniana K.

New York City, NY

Beret of Body Mechanics Massage is hands down the best and most knowledgeable massage professional I have ever worked with. There really is no comparison.

Allison P.

New York City, NY

The body mechanics space encourages relaxation but also is interesting as each massage room is different and charming. A massage with Beret leaves me feeling as good as a session with my physical therapist and it's certainly a lot more enjoyable!

Lisa L.

New York City, NY

I love Body Mechanics. My therapist Sarah is amazing and really tailors the experience of the massage to what I need. You really get the sense that your problems and specific pains are being addressed rather than just being generally rubbed around. Also the office is very thoughtfully designed and relaxing. Highly recommended.

Amy Chang

New York City, NY

Ivan really knows what he is doing. He is able to work out all of my knots and tight muscles in every session. I feel very relaxed afterwards!

Michael C.

New York City, NY

I had a pain in my neck and shoulder for a while and came to body mechanics to seek relief, Sylvia was amazing and in finding the problem and working it out! I felt great afterwards, so now I stop in 2x a month. Its worth it, don't wait till your in pain. Come get a massage.

Shawn P.

New York City, NY

I have searched near and far and had massages in many states and never found a place that no matter who was providing the massage, it would be reliably fantastic. It is disheartening to spend good money on a Sub-par massage, particularly as many view it as a luxury. For me it is necessary to get a good reliable  orthopedic massage and this is the place.On top of it, everyone is friendly, patient, knowledgeable, and go above and beyond. Once they even put my Tupperware in the fridge and they have chocolate in the lobby ( the good kind!) Also worth noting, the decor and ambiance are a ten, beautiful, relaxing and very clean. a+ all around.

Adrianna

New York City, NY

I’ve had chronic pain in my rotator cuff for years now and Beret has been working on it to help alleviate the pain which has been very successful. I’m excited to see she has opened up anew location and will continue to use her as my massage therapist because she really understands the needs I have with my shoulder issue.

Craig H.

Toronto, ON

I had been feeling extreme pain near my left bicep for a couple of months. I finally decided I’d had enough and saw Beret. Turns out I had torn by left tricep and it had healed incorrectly. Amazingly enough, she was able to do the impossible- not only did it stop hurting that day but the pain never came back. Magic touch.Since then, I have seen her quite a bit…Once for a minor whip lash injury (body surfing on my wedding day, not a smart move) and just recently, for tennis elbow.

New York City, NY

My husband and I have both been in the care of Beret recently. I for prenatal massage and my husband for a bulged disk. Beret does the best work we’ve had. She takes a holistic approach to her practice bringing in her training in anatomy, yoga, breath, physical therapy, diet, etc. There aren’t many professionals in the area that are versed in all areas and can provide the BEST care. We recommend her practice highly.

Caroline A.