When Should You Not Get a Massage

It’s a good idea to get a massage once in a while to de-stress and relax. Or maybe you have sore and aching muscles that you’d like to be relieved from? A massage will really help. Most people get a massage once a month while some who cannot live without it get a weekly session. There’s nothing bad about it, I suppose… but are there times when you’d rather not get a massage? When should you not get a massage then?

There are times when a massage may not be the right thing to have. Certain conditions contraindicate massage, either because of the risk it may pose to you or the risk to the therapist. It’s not a good idea to schedule a massage appointment if:

• You have a fever
• You are infectious
• You were recently involved in an accident
• You are dizzy or nauseated
• You are intoxicated
• You have wounds, rashes, or burn
• You are taking certain prescription medications

In most of these cases, it’s important to stabilize your medical condition first, if possible.  After you have recovered, or the condition is under the management of a medical provider who agrees that massage would be helpful, you can call to schedule an appointment.

If you have a cold, flu, or other contagious viral or bacterial infection, it is advised that you postpone your massage first because of the simple reason of preventing transmission of the virus or bacteria to others. Do choose to rest at home first if possible and come back once you are feeling well.

Another occasion when a massage should be postponed is if you are intoxicated. Intoxication is a risk during massage because it desensitizes you from pain and pressure. This then will make it hard for you to give reliable feedback to your massage therapist as he or she applies continuous and uninterrupted pressure to your body.

Taking prescription medications for certain kinds of conditions may also be bad if combined with massage. Due to the increased blood circulation during massage, the circulation of medications is also improved which may sometimes be bad if what you’re taking is a strictly controlled dose. Ask a go signal from your physician when you can get a massage.

The healing benefits of massage therapy are many, and it is rare to encounter situations where massage is contraindicated. If you are unsure whether or not to get a massage, you can always come back next week. Your massage therapist will still be there, surely.