Massage Contraindications
Knowing When Not to Get a Massage
Massage contraindications are the conditions you can have that would prevent you from getting a massage. We know that the benefits of massage therapy can have a positive effect on your health, but there are some conditions that massage can affect negatively. Let's look at some of those conditions now.
There are some conditions that are just contraindicated locally. That means that the therapist can give you a massage but must avoid those areas when giving you the massage. These massage contraindications are kind of obvious, but I'll list them anyway.
- cuts or open wounds
- bruises
- varicose veins
- broken bones
- burns
- skin conditions
If you have these massage contraindications and you want a massage you should let your therapist know about them. It's up to the therapist to determine if he/she will give you the massage or not.
Other massage contraindications are more general. You cannot get a massage if you have these conditions because massage could cause these conditions to flare up making your problem worse. Here are the conditions that fall into these category.
Fever
Anytime you have a fever whether it be from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage. Massage increases circulation helping the infection that causes the fever to spread. It may make your condition worse.
Contagious Diseases
If you have a contagious disease you are putting your therapist and even your therapist's other clients at risk of getting it. Please be considerate to your therapist and cancel your massage if you come down with a contagious condition.
Blood Clots
Massage can loosen blood clots. This could be dangerous because the clot could migrate to the brain, lungs or heart.
Pregnancy
Unless the therapist has been trained in prenatal massage, shouldn't get massage when pregnant. It's especially risky in the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions
Massage can be put increased strain on both of these organs by increasing the movement of waste through the body. If you're having trouble with either of them you shouldn't get massaged.
Cancer
Though massage is good at relieving some of the discomfort caused by cancer, it should only be given by someone trained to work with cancer patients. The patient should obtain a release form from his/her doctor to get treatment.
Inflammation
If you have inflammation of any kind massage to the area will further aggravate the situation.
Uncontrolled Hypertension
Massage increases blood flow. If you have high blood pressure that is not under control that increased blood flow may cause problems.
|
