How to Use the Oakworks Side Lying Positioning System

By Spa & Bodywork Market | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

Set up the Oakworks Side Lying Positioning System for prenatal massage with a step-by-step cushion arrangement that keeps the hips, belly, and knees supported.

Quick answer

Place the Oakworks Side Lying Positioning System on your massage table before your client arrives, then guide her onto her side so the belly pad supports the lower abdomen, the hip pad fills the waist gap, and the knee pad aligns the legs. Adjust each pad until her spine feels level and she can breathe without pressure.

Why pad placement matters more than table height

A side lying position for pregnancy massage only works when the cushions fill the natural gaps between the body and the table. If the belly pad sits too high, it pushes into the ribs; if the hip pad is too thin, the waist drops and the lower back twists. The Oakworks system uses separate pads so you can fine-tune each contact point instead of accepting one fixed shape.

Table height still affects your own body mechanics, but it cannot correct a poor cushion arrangement. Set the table first, then spend your adjustment time on the pads.

When the system is not the right choice

This system is designed for side lying, so it will not help if your client prefers to lie face down or semi-reclined. It also adds setup time compared with a single bolster. If you run back-to-back appointments with no turnover window, practice the sequence below until it becomes routine, or reserve the system for clients who specifically need side lying support.

Step-by-step setup for the Oakworks Side Lying Positioning System

Place the system on the table: Lay the pads on your massage table in the order the system provides, with the belly section toward the head end. Smooth the table surface first so no wrinkles press into the client. Check that the pads sit flat and do not overhang the table edge.
Position the belly pad: Ask your client to lie on her side, then slide the belly pad under the lower abdomen so it supports the belly without compressing it. The pad should follow the natural curve of the waist. A common mistake is placing the pad too high, which can press into the ribs; confirm she can breathe deeply.
Fit the hip pad: Tuck the hip pad into the gap between the waist and the table so the pelvis stays level with the spine. If the hip drops, add support; if it feels too firm, reduce the pad thickness. Watch for the lower back twisting; the hip pad should keep the spine straight.
Align the knee pad: Place the knee pad between the legs so the top knee rests at the same height as the hip. This keeps the pelvis neutral and reduces strain on the lower back. If the top knee drops below the hip, the pelvis rolls forward; adjust the pad until the legs are parallel.
Check the head and neck: Use a pillow or bolster under the head so the neck stays in line with the spine. The system does not include a head support, so this step is separate. A common mistake is letting the head tilt down; the ear should line up with the shoulder.
Do a final comfort check: Before you begin the massage, ask your client to take a few slow breaths and tell you if any area feels pressured. Make small adjustments to the belly, hip, or knee pad as needed. If she reports pressure, recheck each pad in order rather than moving them all at once.

Product facts

Oakworks Side Lying Positioning System: Designed specifically for ergonomically correct side lying positions, developed with pregnancy instructors. You can trust the pad shapes to target the belly, hip, and knee rather than improvising with generic bolsters.
Oakworks Side Lying Positioning System