Contraindications for Massage Therapy

At Rejuvenate with Angela in Sonora, California, your safety and well-being are my top priorities. Understanding when massage might not be suitable is crucial. This page outlines specific conditions and situations where massage may be unsafe or require a doctor's consultation.

When Massage May Be Unsafe or Need a Doctor’s Approval

  1. Fever or Active Infection: Massage can increase circulation, potentially spreading infection or worsening symptoms.
  2. Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT): Massage could dislodge a clot, leading to serious complications like a stroke or pulmonary embolism. Always get medical clearance if you’ve had a history of clots.
  3. Recent Surgery or Injury: Massage may interfere with healing, increase pain, or disrupt stitches and surgical sites. Consult your doctor first if you’ve recently had surgery or a serious injury.
  4. Severe Osteoporosis: Fragile bones are more prone to fractures, so massage pressure needs to be carefully adjusted or avoided.
  5. Certain Heart Conditions: If you have severe heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or heart failure, massage may place added stress on the cardiovascular system.
  6. Skin Infections, Rashes, or Open Wounds: Massage over these areas can worsen the condition, spread infection, or cause irritation.
  7. Cancer (Under Treatment): While massage can be beneficial for relaxation, specific techniques or areas may need to be avoided depending on the type of cancer, treatment stage, or medical advice.
  8. Pregnancy (First Trimester or High-Risk Pregnancy): Massage is typically avoided during the first trimester or in high-risk cases without doctor approval, as certain points and positions might not be safe.
  9. Contagious Illnesses (Colds, Flu, COVID-19): To protect both the client and therapist, massage is avoided when a client is actively ill.
  10. Severe Varicose Veins: Massage over varicose veins can cause pain, bruising, or worsen the condition.
  11. Uncontrolled Diabetes: People with diabetes may have reduced sensation (neuropathy) or fragile skin, requiring special care and possible medical clearance.
  12. Recent Stroke or Neurological Disorders: Massage may affect circulation or nerves in sensitive ways, so clearance from a healthcare provider is important.

Temporary Conditions That May Require Postponing a Massage

  1. Cold, Flu, or COVID-19 Symptoms: If you’re experiencing fever, coughing, body aches, congestion, or other illness symptoms, it’s best to wait until you’re fully recovered. Massage can tax the immune system and potentially worsen symptoms — plus, it helps keep both you and your therapist safe.
  2. Recent Injury (Bruising, Sprains, Strains): If you’ve recently injured an area, especially with swelling, pain, or bruising, massage could aggravate it or delay healing. It’s safer to wait until inflammation has gone down and your doctor clears you.
  3. Fever: A fever signals the body is fighting an infection. Massage increases circulation and may spread infection or make you feel worse.
  4. Severe Sunburn: Massage on sunburned skin is painful and can cause further skin irritation. It’s best to postpone until your skin has healed.
  5. Skin Irritations or Allergic Reactions: Rashes, hives, or other skin outbreaks can be worsened by massage pressure and oils. Wait until your skin is calm and clear.
  6. Nausea or Vomiting: It’s best to avoid massage if you’re feeling nauseous or unwell, as lying down and pressure on the body may increase discomfort.
  7. Recent Vaccination (Within 24-48 Hours): After a vaccine, people often feel achy, sore, or fatigued. It’s better to let your body rest and reschedule your massage a few days later.
  8. Menstrual Cramps (If Severe): While some people find massage helpful for cramps, if you’re experiencing severe discomfort, nausea, or fatigue, it might be best to wait.

Possible Risks or Negative Effects of Receiving a Massage with a Contraindication

When someone has a contraindication (a health condition or situation where massage could be harmful), getting a massage without proper precautions or medical clearance can lead to serious risks or negative effects like:

  1. Worsening of Symptoms: Massage increases circulation and lymph flow, which can make certain conditions like infections, inflammation, or injuries worse — causing more pain, swelling, or irritation.
  2. Spread of Infection: If someone has a fever, cold, flu, or skin infection, massage can spread the infection faster through the body or to others.
  3. Dislodging Blood Clots: In cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other clotting conditions, massage pressure could dislodge a clot, potentially leading to life-threatening complications like a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.
  4. Increased Pain or Discomfort: Massaging areas with fresh injuries, sprains, strains, bruising, or surgical wounds can cause increased pain, tissue damage, or prolong healing.
  5. Interfering with Medical Treatment: For people undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, recent surgery, or heart care, improper massage can interfere with recovery or stress the body more than it can handle.
  6. Skin Damage: Massage over sunburn, rashes, open wounds, or other skin issues can cause pain, irritation, infection, or worsen skin conditions.
  7. Fainting or Dizziness: If someone has a fever, low blood pressure, dehydration, or is feeling weak, massage can lower blood pressure further, increasing the risk of fainting or dizziness.

When In Doubt...

I always recommend that clients consult with their healthcare provider if they have any concerns, medical conditions, or recent health changes before booking a session. Massage is generally safe and beneficial — but it’s not for every situation. That’s why I always ask about health history and temporary conditions during your intake process, and why I encourage open communication before each session.

Your safety always comes first at Rejuvenate with Angela.