We always talk about the benefits of getting a massage and why it is so important to have a regular massage, BUT there are times when one should opt out.
Avoid massage therapy in this situations:
- Vigorous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders, low blood platelet counts, and by people taking blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin.
- Massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, weakened bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer), or where there has been a recent surgery.
- Although massage therapy appears to be generally safe for cancer patients, clients should consult their oncologists before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure. Any direct pressure over a tumor is usually discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about massage therapy with their oncologist.
- Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using massage therapy. However, after the first trimester, massage can be very beneficial to an expecting mother. This topic will come up in another blog. 😊
General Contraindications
For certain medical conditions, massage therapy is generally contraindicated or should be avoided at the time. These include:
- Systemic contagious or infectious diseases, including the common cold;
- Acute conditions requiring first aid or medical attention;
- Severe unstable hypertension; or
- Significant fever
Local Contraindications
For the following conditions, massage therapy is locally contraindicated, or the affected areas are to be avoided:
- An acute flare-up of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Deep vein thrombosis
- An aneurysm
- Frostbite
- Local contagious or irritable skin conditions
- Open sores or wounds
- Recent surgery
- Recent burn
- Varicosities
- Malignancy
Please avoid eating anything at least an hour prior to your massage. Even though massage is extremely relaxing and feeling good, eating a meal just before your massage can cause the client to feel nauseated. It’s possible that there could be an onset of vomiting or the immediate need to move bowels—both of which you probably will not want to do at your massage therapists office 😊
If you have any questions about whether or not you ought to avoid getting a massage, contact me and ask!