Massage therapy can be a nice adjunct to a healthy lifestyle and wellness plan for many people but it may not be right for everyone or in every situation. Certain conditions, ailments and health concerns can be exacerbated by massage therapy, or simply rule out the ability to receive a massage.
If the massage therapist is trained in energy work or other forms of bodywork, a session may not have to be canceled but simply changed to accommodate the condition. Ask your therapist about your specific needs and goals prior to the session to see what options are available.
Massage in Cold and Flu Season – Cancel if Sick
Getting a massage with an active cold or flu can make the symptoms much worse before they improve. Always check with your massage therapist about their particular sick policy, many therapists request that a client cancels if the cold is contagious.
Feeling left out in the cold? Consider a pressure point bodywork practitioner like a Shiatsu therapist or a reflexologist instead. These modalities can bring fast relief and speed through a cold quickly – check with the practitioner first about their policy though.
First Trimester of Pregnancy – Wait Until Week 13
As a general guideline massage therapists do not work with women during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Experienced and specially trained prenatal massage therapists may work with existing clients that have been following a fertility protocol.
Consider acupuncture as an alternative therapy to massage to get through morning sickness. Once the placenta has taken over at the 12th week of gestation the body begins to experience greater shifts so massage may be a welcome relief to aches and pains during the second and third trimesters.
Active Skin Conditions – Reschedule Until Cleared Up
Allergic skin reactions such as contact with poison ivy or oak, food allergen, or other inflamed skin conditions are likely to be contraindicated for a massage. Small, localized skin outbreaks may allow the massage therapist to work around but it is best to ask if in doubt.
Other skin conditions such as significant bruising, burns, open skin wounds, rashes and such are also general contraindications. In some cases a modified massage session will do the trick, in other cases consider booking an appointment with a Reiki practitioner for touchless relaxation.
Chat with Your Massage Therapist
If a new condition has arisen, or if you’re simply unsure whether to keep the session or cancel it, consult your massage therapist first. He or she may have some suggestions for homework as well as insight on how your body may respond to the massage.
The massage therapist would be much happier to speak with a client over the phone prior to an appointment to discuss a condition rather than having to turn someone away at the office or spa.
References:
- Massage Basics by Davide Sechi, Stirling Publishing Co., Inc., 1997.
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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