What is a massage contraindication?
Ever wondered if there are any conditions or circumstances that might mean you can’t get a massage? That’s where ‘massage contraindications’ come in. But what exactly are they?
Getting a massage treatment is a wonderful way to take time out for yourself. It’s an hour (or even 90 minutes!) set aside for you to just be and let go of the day. However, it’s important to remember that massage therapy involves physically manoeuvring your body, so it needs to be carried out safely.
Sometimes, there are circumstances or conditions that mean a massage treatment isn’t suitable, and these are known as ‘contraindications’.
If you are thinking about booking a massage, it’s helpful to understand what contraindications are and how they can be managed.
After all, the last thing you want is to turn up for a treatment only to realise you can’t get your massage that day! With this in mind, let’s take a look at massage contraindications in more detail.
Why are massage contraindications important?
While massage therapy offers a whole host of physical and mental wellbeing benefits, it can also pose risks when not carried out properly. Qualified massage therapists go through months or years of training, not only learning the physical moves, but also studying anatomy, physiology, and pathology to have a deeper understanding of how the body works. This is essential for effectively and safely applying pressure and manipulating muscles and tissues.
A massage practitioner needs to have a clear understanding of your health and medical history so that they can adapt techniques if needed or suggest that a treatment isn’t suitable for you at this time. This is why you’ll find that your massage therapist will usually ask questions or get you to fill out a form ahead of your first treatment, then check in on any changes when you return for another booking.
I personally conduct a rather thorough consultation as I feel it’s super important to have as much information and context as possible so I can provide the safest and most effective massage for you and your body.
What are local and total contraindications?
Some massage contraindications mean that it’s not advisable to carry out a treatment at all. These are known as ‘total contraindications’, and they are in place to protect both you as a client and the massage therapist.
Others mean that certain areas will need to be avoided or a massage therapist will need to adapt their treatment and technique for it to be safe for you.
Total contraindications to massage
So, what might prevent you from getting a massage at all? Common total contraindications include:
Fever: If you have a high temperature, there’s a risk that massage may put stress on your immune system or spread an active infection.
Contagious diseases: If you have a cold, the flu, or another contagious illness, getting a massage treatment could put the massage therapist (and any other clients) at risk of catching it. Lying face down can also worsen congestion — not a relaxing experience for you!
Infectious skin diseases: As with other contagious illnesses, infections like impetigo could spread to the massage therapist or other people visiting the space.
Recent surgery or acute injury: It’s important that any recent surgeries or acute injuries (such as broken bones) have completely healed to avoid the chance of causing pain or infection. The contraindication timeframe may vary depending on the type and location of the surgery and the massage therapist’s discretion, but it’s usually advised to wait at least 3–6 months to get a massage.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Because massage therapy increases blood circulation, there’s a risk of dislodging a blood clot, which could be dangerous.
Severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure: As with DVT, massage increases blood circulation
Undiagnosed lumps: If you have any undiagnosed lumps or are waiting for test results, it’s advised towait until you have the all-clear before getting a massage. This is to make sure we have the full picture of your health, as an undiagnosed lump poses an unknown risk. Depending on the circumstances, a lump may be treated as a local contraindication, but it’s generally best to err on the side of caution.
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol: It’s generally advised that you don’t get a massage if you’ve been drinking heavily or have taken recreational drugs. This is because intoxicants can affect your ability to gauge pressure and pain.
Migraine: As a regular migraine-sufferer myself, I know just how debilitating an attack can be. I also know that massage can help release tension that contributes to the pain. While regular massage treatments can absolutely support overall wellbeing, reducing the number and severity of migraines, I don’t recommend getting a massage treatment when you have an active migraine, especially if you feel nauseous or get sick.
Is cancer a total contraindication to massage?
If you are going through cancer treatment, most massage therapists will see this as a complete contraindication, as specialised oncology massage training is needed to ensure a treatment can be adapted safely.
(Please note that I do not currently have oncology massage training so I am unable to offer treatments for those with cancer).
Is pregnancy a massage contraindication?
Pregnancy is considered a total massage contraindication in the first trimester for safety to both the parent-to-be and the baby.
Once you are into your second trimester, massage isn’t a total contraindication as such, however, it’s important to find a practitioner who has dedicated pregnancy massage training. For safety and your comfort, techniques will be adapted quite significantly (for example, you may have extra bolsters and pillows for support and lie on your side rather than your back).
Massage therapists with training in pregnancy also require specific insurance and must hold your records in accordance with GDPR guidelines until your baby reaches the age of 21.
(Please note that I am not trained in pregnancy massage at the moment so I am unable to offer maternity treatments).
What about certain medications?
During your massage consultation, I’ll ask if you’re taking any medication. This is because some medications may affect your suitability for massage or mean I need to adapt my technique.For example, if you are taking blood thinners, deep massage could lead to bruising, internal bleeding, and potential blood clots. With this in mind, light massage could be safe and suitable, but I will always take the rest of your medical history and current health into account to be sure.
Local contraindications to massage
With local contraindications, we can usually adapt a treatment to avoid contact with the area in question, so you can still enjoy full relaxation. Examples include:
Verrucae, athlete’s foot, or fungal nail infections: If you have any type of fungal infection on your feet, you can still get a massage treatment — your massage therapist will just avoid the affected foot (or both feet)
Varicose veins: Firm pressure on varicose veins poses the risk of creating or dislodging blood clots, so it’s essential that only very light massage strokes are carried out over affected areas. The safest bet is to omit massage over varicose veins altogether.
Cuts, abrasions, and bruises: Open wounds, cuts, and scrapes can feel sore, and any contact with them could introduce bacteria and infection, so it’s important for massage therapists to avoid touching them. Bruises can also feel tender to the touch, so if any massage is carried out over them, it should be gentle. Sometimes, when bruises are towards the end of the healing process, you may not feel them at all, and so light massage may be suitable. If you have any visible bruises, I’ll always ask if they are tender before continuing with the treatment — if they are painful, I’ll skip that area altogether.
Localised inflammation or irritation: If you experience areas of skin inflammation or irritation, such as eczema or psoriasis, it may be considered a local contraindication. It depends on whether you’re currently experiencing a flare-up. If an area is sore, broken, weeping, or irritated, it’s important to avoid contact and friction to prevent it from worsening. However, if the affected area is dry and the skin is intact and not feeling sore at all, light massage can still be carried out.
Can you get a massage on your period?
Absolutely. Not only is massage safe to get when you’re on your period, but gentle treatments can also be helpful in lowering stress and alleviating cramps, menstrual headaches, and lower back pain. That said, it’s generally best to avoid firmer, deep tissue work, as this may be uncomfortable in areas that feel tender.
It’s worth being aware that, because massage has an effect on circulation, it can increase flow, especially if you have heavy periods. If you have any worries about this and would feel more secure keeping shorts or leggings on over your underwear, you are more than welcome to. I can also provide extra towels to place under you for peace of mind if you would like them.
Booking a massage treatment
If you’re looking to book a massage treatment but have any concerns about contraindications, you can always get in touch with your massage therapist. They can help you work out if a massage treatment is safe and suitable, if it’s best to wait until symptoms have cleared up, or if the safest option is to check with a doctor and get full clearance.
When you book your first massage with me, I’ll get in touch via email (or Instagram DM if you’ve booked that way!) to share some helpful information. This covers:
Contraindications that mean we may have to reschedule your appointment
Finding my massage studio in Cardiff
Parking
What to expect when you arrive
Aftercare advice
Payment details if you’re paying by bank transfer rather than through my booking system
I’ll then go through a full consultation form to discuss your medical history, any medication you may be on, and anything relevant you may be experiencing. This will help me confirm that massage therapy will be safe and beneficial for you and make any necessary adaptations so you can get the best experience possible.
Fancy a massage treatment in Cardiff? Please feel free to book a massage treatment directly through my Setmore page or get in touch if you have any questions at all. I’ll always be happy to help out with any information and advice I can!