This may seem like a
strange proposition but when it comes to your health it's just as important to
know when NOT to have a massage and when TO have a massage. Although some of these conditions may seem
obvious, there may be one or two that surprise you or you hadn't thought of
before.
First and foremost,
do not have a massage when you have any of the following symptoms/conditions:
- Have a fever
- Were recently involved in an accident
- Are dizzy or nauseated
- Are severely bruised or have wounds, rashes, or severe sunburn.
In these cases, it's
important to stabilize your medical condition first. After you have recovered,
or the condition is under the management of a medical provider who agrees it
would be helpful to have a massage, you can call to schedule an appointment.
Also, before you
make an appointment, review the list of medical conditions below and inform
your therapist if any of these conditions apply to you. Be sure to let
your massage therapist know who diagnosed your symptoms/conditions (your
physician or primary care provider, a complementary therapy provider, or you,
yourself).
It is important to
let the therapist know if the conditions/symptoms are ongoing but managed effectively, or new
and not managed effectively. To help you identify which is which,
read the descriptions below.
Ongoing conditions/symptoms that are effectively
managed:
- Familiar, you understand what makes condition/symptoms better or worse
- Under control with medications
- Managed effectively with supportive activities, such as exercise
- Successfully stabilized and tested over time or with specific activities
Conditions/symptoms are new and not managed if:
- You are just beginning to balance medication dosage and daily activities
- You are just beginning to observe the control or lessening of symptoms
- Your symptoms seem to be better, but have not been tested by additional daily activities
In general, medical
concerns or conditions might mean the therapist needs to adapt the massage
technique or length of session.
Tell your massage therapist if you have these
conditions
Tell your therapist
if you have (or in some cases have had) any condition from one of these
categories:
- Contagious skin conditions (boils, warts, or herpes)
- Other skin conditions (burns, rashes, or sores)
- Circulatory system issues (high blood pressure, varicose veins, or stroke)
- Digestive system issues (ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or colitis)
- Edema (swelling)
- Endocrine system issues (diabetes or thyroid dysfunction)
- Musculoskeletal system conditions (carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Lymph/immune system issues (chronic fatigue or HIV/AIDS)
- Nervous system conditions (herpes or Parkinson's disease)
- Respiratory system issues (asthma)
- Miscellaneous conditions (pregnancy, migraines, cancer)
What are some other cautions?
There are additional
conditions where massage therapy could cause adverse effects. Once again,
if you have any condition (chronic or acute), or are taking any medications,
you should consult with your primary healthcare provider before deciding to have
a massage. In some cases, massage may be appropriate with some changes to the
techniques or session.
For example, if you
have an open wound or burn, the massage therapist would avoid that area. Or if
you have any pins, staples, or artificial joints, the massage therapist may
need to alter the techniques as well. Individual decisions must be made according
to circumstances and, in many instances, medical advice.
Also, if you are
allergic to certain massage oils, creams, cleansers, or disinfectants used on
sheets and or tables, you may need to ask the therapist to use different
products, or bring your own.
Either way, we want
to you to have your massage responsibly, safely and enjoy every minute of
it! Please be assured that the massage
therapists at Balance Spa are concerned about
your safety and well being.
Always let us know if you have any concerns at all! See you soon!
