When should I avoid getting a massage? A comprehensive health guide

While massage therapy offers numerous benefits, a recent survey by the American Massage Therapy Association notes that a significant number of clients are unaware of important contraindications. Understanding when should I avoid getting a massage? is crucial for ensuring the procedure is both safe and beneficial, rather than harmful.

Quick Summary

Certain medical conditions, such as acute illnesses, recent injuries, or cardiovascular issues like deep vein thrombosis, can make massage therapy unsafe. Disclosing your full medical history to a therapist is essential to prevent complications, ensure your safety, and get the most effective treatment for your needs.

Key Points

• Fever and Infections: Always postpone a massage if you have a fever, the flu, or any contagious illness to prevent worsening symptoms and spreading germs.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Avoid massage if you have a known blood clot or symptoms of DVT to prevent the clot from dislodging and causing a life-threatening embolism.

• Acute Injuries or Surgery: Do not massage recent injuries, such as fractures or severe sprains, or areas recovering from surgery, without a doctor's explicit clearance.

• Certain Cardiovascular Conditions: Caution is necessary for uncontrolled high blood pressure or other serious heart issues, as massage affects circulation and blood pressure.

• Contagious Skin Conditions: Refrain from massage if you have active, contagious skin issues like herpes, impetigo, or ringworm to protect yourself and others.

Understanding Contraindications for Your Safety

Massage therapy is widely recognized for its ability to reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation. However, it's not always the right choice. A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. For massage, these can be localized, meaning the therapist avoids a specific area, or general, requiring the postponement of the entire session.

Infectious Diseases and Fever

One of the most common reasons to reschedule a massage is an active infection or fever. When your body is fighting off a virus or bacteria, a massage can have several negative effects. The increase in circulation caused by massage can accelerate the spread of the infection throughout your body, potentially making your illness worse. Additionally, it poses a risk to the massage therapist and other clients, as viruses can be transmitted in a confined space. A general rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 to 48 hours after a fever has subsided before booking your appointment.

• Flu or a severe cold: A full-body massage during a cold or flu can exacerbate symptoms like body aches and fatigue.
• Contagious skin conditions: Conditions such as impetigo, ringworm, or herpes simplex flares are highly contagious and must be avoided to prevent transmission.
• Unexplained fever: A fever is a clear sign your body is battling something. Adding the circulatory stimulation of a massage is not advisable.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Blood Disorders

Serious cardiovascular issues are a primary area of concern for massage therapists. The circulatory changes during a massage can pose significant risks for certain conditions.

The risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the leg. Massaging the area can dislodge the clot, causing it to travel to the lungs and leading to a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. If you have a history of DVT or symptoms like swelling, redness, and pain in the leg, you must inform your therapist immediately and seek medical clearance.

• Uncontrolled hypertension: For individuals with high blood pressure that is not medically managed, the increased circulation from massage could put undue strain on the heart.
• Bleeding disorders: Conditions like hemophilia or taking anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) increase the risk of bruising or bleeding, especially with deep tissue work.

Acute Injuries, Inflammation, and Post-Surgery

Timing is everything, especially concerning recent injuries and surgeries. While massage is excellent for recovery, it can worsen conditions in their acute phase.

1. Recent surgeries: A massage should be avoided in the weeks following surgery. The pressure can interfere with the healing process and cause complications. Always get clearance from your doctor.
2. Fractures and severe sprains: Fractured bones or severe sprains and strains are areas where massage should be avoided entirely until the acute healing phase is over. Applying pressure can worsen the injury.
3. Severe inflammation: If you have a localized area of severe inflammation, such as with a torn muscle or ligament, applying pressure can increase the inflammation rather than help.

Pregnancy

Prenatal massage is a common and beneficial practice, but it's not suitable for every pregnancy. Certain conditions warrant caution or complete avoidance.

• First trimester: Some practitioners and healthcare providers advise avoiding massage during the first trimester, especially for high-risk pregnancies, due to concerns about increased blood flow and hormonal changes.
• Complications: Conditions like preeclampsia, placenta previa, or gestational diabetes require medical clearance. A massage can also trigger contractions if specific pressure points are stimulated.

Skin and Other Medical Conditions

Beyond infectious skin issues, other dermatological conditions can be aggravated by massage. Moreover, several other systemic conditions need careful consideration.

Condition	Why to Avoid or Modify Massage	What to Discuss with a Therapist
Skin Conditions	Worsening rashes, burns, or open wounds; risk of spreading contagious issues.	Areas to avoid, specific creams or oils to use, or if the massage should be postponed.
Cancer	Concerns about metastasis, weakened immune systems, and interfering with treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.	Specialized oncology massage may be appropriate, but only with a doctor's permission and a trained therapist.
Osteoporosis	Increased risk of fractures due to the fragility of bones, particularly with deep tissue massage.	Gentle, Swedish massage may be safe, but a doctor's clearance and an experienced therapist are vital.
Diabetes	Possible nerve damage or circulatory issues. Massage may affect insulin levels.	Sensitivity to pressure, proper foot care, and monitoring blood sugar are important considerations.
Undiagnosed Pain	Massage could mask a serious underlying medical problem, delaying proper diagnosis.	Any new or unexplained pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional first.

Making the Right Decision

Ultimately, communication with your healthcare provider and your massage therapist is your best course of action. Being open about your medical history, any new symptoms, or existing conditions will allow a therapist to determine the safest and most effective approach. This may mean modifying the session, avoiding certain areas, or postponing it entirely. For more information on health and safety in massage therapy, consult a reliable resource like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a division of the National Institutes of Health The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Well-being

While the prospect of a relaxing massage is always appealing, prioritizing your health is paramount. Ignoring contraindications can turn a therapeutic experience into a harmful one, with consequences ranging from exacerbating an illness to creating serious medical complications. By staying informed and communicating transparently with professionals, you ensure that you receive the safest and most beneficial form of care possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a contraindication for massage?

A contraindication is a specific condition or factor that makes a particular treatment, like a massage, inappropriate or unsafe. It could mean avoiding the massage entirely or modifying the technique to prevent harm.

Can I get a massage if I have a fever?

No, it is highly recommended that you postpone your massage if you have a fever. A fever is a sign of an infection, and increasing circulation through massage can spread the infection and worsen your illness.

Is it safe to get a massage with high blood pressure?

If your high blood pressure is controlled with medication, a light massage is often safe. However, for uncontrolled hypertension, massage can be risky. Always consult your doctor and inform your therapist about your condition.

When should I avoid getting a massage after surgery?

You should avoid massage near a surgical site until it has fully healed and you have received clearance from your surgeon. The healing time can vary, so always follow your doctor's specific advice.

What should I do if I have a skin rash?

If the rash is contagious or has open wounds, you must avoid massage. For non-contagious rashes, inform your therapist so they can avoid the affected area to prevent irritation or aggravation.

Can massage help a sprained ankle?

In the acute phase (immediately following the injury), massage should be avoided. After the initial inflammation has subsided (typically 48-72 hours), gentle massage can sometimes aid in the healing process, but only with a doctor's approval.

Should I get a massage if I am on blood thinners?

Individuals on anticoagulant medication should exercise caution. Deep tissue massage is generally not recommended as it increases the risk of bruising and bleeding. A very light, gentle massage may be possible, but only with medical clearance.