Contraindications of Getting a Massage

By Mike Metzger

Though I have been practicing massage therapy for more than 20 years I’m still constantly amazed at the carefree mentality of so many clients seeking massage therapy. Most of the people coming in to receive a massage usually tell the massage therapist, “I just want to get a relaxing massage,” because they don’t understand how health and underlying medical issues, even those as minor as a cold, can be a major contraindication to receiving a massage.

Clients need to observe and respect some of the contraindications, or cautions, of massage. This is why it is imperative that we as therapists educate our clients on the benefits of massage, which are more obvious, but most important, the contraindications, which may not seem so obvious to the client.

The contraindications of massage should be taught within the first week of massage therapy certification, as it is required for state-approved massage schools.

The following are just a few contraindications to be observed by my clients:

· Proper Hydration:

The importance of drinking plenty of water before as well as after receiving massage is that the client possibly may experience “flulike symptoms” if he or she hasn’t hydrated properly. The symptoms of a dehydrated client after massage could include one or more of the following: headache, nausea, and body aches/sore muscles.

· Cancer or Tumors:

The old approach for massage therapists was to not give the massage at all. Now the medical industry is taking a closer look at massage therapy.

Many physicians are allowing properly educated massage therapists to do advanced therapeutic techniques beyond the typical “Swedish” approach.

New research indicates that these techniques in conjunction with other medical treatments are a more effective approach overall than medical treatment alone.

Examples of these therapeutic techniques allowed for cancer patients are: lymphatic massage, myofascial release, medical massage, and so forth. It is a must that massage be done under direct medical supervision and that the massage therapist be formally trained in these specific techniques by a state-approved massage school. If massage is done incorrectly it could allow cancer cells to spread more rapidly through the body and tumors to grow at a faster rate!

· Medications:

Medications in general are prescribed to do the following:

1. Inhibit a body process
2. Stimulate a body process
3. Replace a chemical in the body

A detailed, current reference book on pharmacology (medications) should be a must in the libraries of massage therapists and even clients.

When in doubt, therapists need to have the client talk to the physician who prescribed the medication initially. If massage and the specific medication achieve the same goal, it’s usually okay for the client to receive massage. Massage is often used to manage undesirable effects of certain medications. Exercise caution with the following types of medications: blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, analgesics, and so forth. Also be cautious of “over-the-counter” products and certain supplements.

· The Elderly:

In most cases geriatric massage is very beneficial but light to medium pressure is preferable even if the client wants deeper bodywork. Common things to observe about the elderly client: thinner skin, varicose veins, open wounds, extra sensitivity to bruising, muscle atrophy (weak or unused muscles), certain medications, dehydration, edema, and so forth.

· Endangerment Sites:

These are common areas of the body of which to be extra cautious: eyes, ears, spine (spinus processes of the vertebrae), medial (inner) arm and leg areas, anterior (front of the neck), posterior (back side) of the knee. Areas of caution on pregnant women are all the above and ankles and lumbar and abdominal areas.

· Miscellaneous Cautions:

Avoid giving a massage to clients with these basic conditions:

• Fever
• Whiplash (even mild)
• Varicose veins
• Open wounds, rash, acne
• Sunburn
• Edema (swelling) and lymph edema
• Pregnancy (unless therapist has proper prenatal massage training

Remember, respect the cautions of massage and when in doubt, refer to a qualified professional.