When It's Not a Good Idea to Get a Massage
Most people are great candidates for
the relaxation and health benefits of massage therapy. However,
there are times when a massage may not be the right choice. Certain
conditions contraindicate massage, either because of the risk it
may pose to the client or to the therapist.
For example, if you have a cold, flu, or other contagious viral
or bacterial infection, your therapist may decline to work with you
because they don't want to catch a cold. Most importantly,
they don't want to risk passing the infection to other
clients.
When you have a cold or flu, a massage might seem comforting,
however, when you have an infection, your body is already working
hard to fight it and recover. A massage can be very
stimulating internally and place certain demands on your body
during a time when you should be simply resting.
Another occasion when a massage should be postponed is if you
are intoxicated. Many folks seek out massage while on
vacation or under stress. They may have also had a few cocktails to
relax as well. Intoxication is a risk during massage,
primarily because it desensitizes you. This makes it hard for
you to give your therapist reliable feedback. A massage
therapist needs to know what level of pressure is comfortable and
what is too much. If you're intoxicated, those sensations are
unreliable.
An acute injury is also likely to be a contraindication to
massage. Although it may seem like a great idea to get a massage
immediately after straining a muscle, if there is damage to the
area, massage may actually interfere with the healing process.
A good therapist will guide the discussion on your health issues
so that they can determine the right technique for you and whether
or not a massage is contraindicated for you that day. Always let
your massage therapist know of any health issues, or any
medications you may be taking, prior to a massage. A massage
therapist may ask to consult with your physician if he or she is
concerned about how massage will affect your condition.
The healing benefits of massage therapy are many, and it is
fairly rare to encounter situations where massage is
contraindicated for very long.
To make an appointment for massage or a health consultation on
whether massage therapy is a good option for you, call the NUHS Whole Health Center -
Lombard at 630-629-9664.
