ASK A MASSAGE THERAPIST
When to refer, what I treat, and how to work together.
What I Actually Do
Natalie is a massage therapist, lactation counselor, and doula who treats the physical toll of pregnancy and postpartum: sciatica, low back pain, edema, round ligament pain, leg cramps, chronic neck and back tension. She runs referrals like a real partnership, heads up notes, optional consent based updates, and a clear line back to you the moment something's outside her scope.
When to Refer to Me
- sciatica - low back pain - edema - thoracic outlet syndrome - chronic neck or back pain - pregnancy - round ligament pain - leg cramps
What a Referral Conversation Sounds Like
I refer my clients to Natalie, she's a skilled massage therapist well known for her specialty in prenatal, labor, and postpartum care.
How We Work Together
How I collaborate with referring providers: I see referrals as a partnership centered on the client's well-being. Here's how it typically works: 1. Initial referral – You send clients my way with a brief heads-up (name, due date or postpartum status, any relevant medical or pregnancy considerations). 2. Consent to coordinate (optional) – With the client's written permission, I can share relevant observations about their response to treatment, tension patterns, or comfort measures that may be useful for their broader care team. 3. Closed-loop communication (optional) – I check in with you after the first session or at key milestones (e.g., late pregnancy, post-delivery) so you know how things are going. 4. Respect for scope – I stay firmly in my scope as a massage therapist. If I notice anything outside that scope — signs of preterm labor, unusual swelling, blood pressure concerns — I refer back to the appropriate provider promptly. What I need from you to make the referral seamless: - Client's name, due date, and parity (first baby? second+?) - Key medical notes: pregnancy complications, bed rest status, blood pressure concerns, placental issues, or any conditions that modify massage precautions - Preferred contact method and turnaround time expectations - Whether you'd like a brief written update after sessions Great types of providers to collaborate with: - OB/GYNs and midwives – the core referral sources for prenatal and postpartum clients - Doulas (birth and postpartum) – they're often the first to identify when massage would help, especially during labor - Chiropractors (especially those trained in prenatal Webster technique) – great for complementary musculoskeletal care - Pelvic floor physical therapists – massage pairs beautifully with pelvic floor rehab postpartum - Lactation consultants – postpartum massage can help with the physical tension that makes breastfeeding difficult - Primary care providers – for ongoing postpartum wellness beyond the immediate postpartum period ⁃ Perinatal workout professionals - to compliment the musculoskeletal strain from intense exercise
I'm here to support your work too. Prenatal and postpartum massage isn't just a nice-to-have, it may reduce pain, improve sleep, lower stress hormones, shorten the length of labor, and help clients feel more connected to their bodies during a huge transition. When we communicate well, the client gets seamless, whole-person care. I welcome a quick phone call or coffee to talk through how we can work together.
Not a member yet? This is what Weferral actually looks like: providers who know exactly when and how to send people to each other, because they actually know each other. Join Matrikas