Massage Precautions

Side effects of Massage Therapy may include temporary pain or discomfort, swelling, sensitivity to the massage lotion and/or a sensitivity to the essential oil(s).

Massage Therapy has very few serious health risks if performed by a Professional Massage Therapist who is following appropriate precautions.

Cautions for Massage Therapy:

Vigorous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders or low blood platelet counts, and by people taking blood-thinning medications.

Massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, weakened bones, or where there has been a recent surgery.

Massage Therapy is generally safe for cancer patients. Any direct pressure over a tumor usually is discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about Massage Therapy with their Oncologist.

Pregnant women should consult their health care provider before using Massage Therapy.

Do not use Massage Therapy to replace your regular medical care or as a reason to postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.

Massage should not be used if you have one of the following conditions:

Massage should not be used locally on affected areas (i.e., avoid using massage on the specific areas of the body that are affected by the condition) for the following conditions: rheumatoid arthritis flare up, eczema, goiter, and open skin lesions. Massage may be used on the areas of the body that are not affected by these conditions.

If one has a health condition and has any hesitation about whether Massage Therapy would be appropriate, a Physician should be consulted.