Contraindications for Massage
Why is this a blog post? I may not be a practicing massage therapist anymore (though I am still licensed in IL), but I still believe that informed consent works best when you’re informed! Consider this a resource for your awareness and safety when looking for future massage services.
A contraindication is simply something to avoid or look out for when certain services are being performed. This is to say, if you are aware you have a condition listed, certain modalities may not be for you until either that condition is addressed, or a further conversation is had, with either your practitioner or a medical professional.
As a related aside, please note that a massage therapist cannot perform spinal adjustments, diagnose, or prescribe medication for any medical condition. As a massage client, you always have the right to withdraw consent at any time during any massage session (if this is ever contested by your practitioner, consider finding a new one). Massage room doors should never be locked for safety reasons both for your protection as a client and the protection of the massage therapist.
Some blanket contraindications:
Fevers (and by extension, colds, flus, etc): this is for a number of reasons, you should stay home and rest when you’re under the weather. It favors your chances of feeling better and reduces the likelihood of getting others sick. But avoiding massage is important because massage stimulates your blood flow, which in turn could increase inflammation, ultimately making your fever feel worse.
“First or worst” headache: what this means is simply, the first headache you’ve had in a long time, or the worst headache you’ve had in a long time. Massage can be great for some types of headaches, specifically tension headaches, but not all headaches are equal. If you’re experiencing a headache that is noticeably different from your baseline, it might be best to consult your doctor and focus on hydrating.
Uncontrolled Hypertension: as mentioned earlier, massage stimulates the blood. If you are prone to hypertension and it is not being managed, massage may exacerbate the hypertension.
Being under the influence of alcohol and/or various drugs (prescribed or not): a spa day after bottomless mimosas at brunch isn’t exactly your friend, for many reasons. Alcohol (and various drugs) impair your senses. It’s best for clients to be lucid during intake and during initial hands-on moments in the massage to judge pressure. Alcohol, psychotropics, or even painkillers (including ibuprofen) can alter how you receive pressure, which can cause prolonged soreness or recovery after a massage session. Additionally, once again, because massage stimulates the blood the impacts of drinking may hit you harder or might be prone to linger (hello hangover). If you’re uncertain how your medications might impact your massage session contact your therapist before booking or ask your doctor.
Car Accident (acute): if you find yourself in a car accident on the way to your massage session, please cancel. Even if you feel okay in the moment a massage is more likely to make you feel worse than better in the acute phase (first 48 hours). Whiplash can take a moment to be noticeable and pre-emptive treatment will only exacerbate the symptoms that follow. Because practitioners cannot work with you in this state, they are also very unlikely to charge you for late cancellation in this instance and will happily reschedule, if you’re concerned about payments and cancellation policies, so all you have to worry about is recovery.
Cancer: cancer patients should work with oncological therapists or receive a doctor’s note prior to pursuing massage treatments.
Local contraindications
“Local” applies to a specific location on the body. For example, if you injured your calf just before your session, it is unlikely that your lower leg would be worked on, but regions above (or more “proximal,” your thigh and above in this example) could still be worked on. Areas “distal to” (below) your injury, however, would also not be worked on. Specific examples of local contraindications would be: acute injuries and excess inflammation (areas that feel hot-to-the-touch), bruising, and sunburns.
*Bonus: Contraindications For Cupping
Open wounds
Cancer
Renal, hepatic, or cardiac organ failure
Pacemakers
Various heart conditions or blood disorders
Recent blood donation
Sunburn
Considerations
As a general advisory, before a cupping session please consider the fact that you will likely have marks (bruising) for several days after treatment and plan accordingly (for example, don’t schedule a massage for at least 4 days after, for healing time. Or, maybe you have a big event 2 days after and a strappy dress to wear, not everyone minds this, but some people do—and that’s ok). This said cupping can be added to a massage session, post manual tissue manipulation, but should not be performed before.