There are some instances where receiving massage could do more harm than good, to you or to me as your therapist, and some cases where massage is safe with adaptations. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not get a massage (and if you develop any prior to your appointment, let me know and I will be happy to reschedule you):
- Fever
- Any type of infectious disease
- Contagious rash/infectious skin condition or other skin condition of unknown origin
- Immediately following chemotherapy or radiation – however, it is great idea to have a massage before these treatments (ask your doctor first)
- Systemic infections
- Severe cold
- Liver and kidney diseases
- Blood clot/clotting disorder
- Pregnancy-induced diabetes, toxemia, preeclampsia/eclampsia
- Heart disease
- Fracture, acute sprains and strains directly on the injured tissue– see your physician first. Once the fracture/injury is no longer in the acute stage, massage can help reduce the loss of mobility, reduce scar tissue formation and reduce edema/swelling that frequently occurs with a fracture, strain or sprain. In the meantime, massage can help the rest of your body cope with the injury and speed healing.
- Bleeding, burns (including sunburn) or other acute injury – see your physician first – they may recommend massage therapy later to help manage scar tissue formation or swelling
- Recent surgery – wait until you have the all-clear from your surgeon to receive massage in the area where you had surgery (at least 6 weeks post-abdominal surgery to receive abdominal therapy)
There are many other conditions for which I may need to adapt my techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. painful bruising, cuts or burns). These guidelines are provided to protect both you and me. You don’t want the massage to make an underlying medical condition worse, and you don’t want to pass anything contagious.
To ensure that we work in ways that are most beneficial to you, it is important that you fully fill out the health history forms before you begin your first session. The intake form will ask general health questions to rule out any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform me of any health problems, allergies, or medications you are taking. You will be asked at any subsequent visits about any new medical or physical conditions. If you’re not asked, volunteer that information if there is anything I should know.
If you’re unsure about whether a minor condition should prohibit you from getting a massage, get in contact before your appointment. For some illnesses, other bodywork modalities may work well.