Indications and Contraindications to Massage

Let’s face it, massage therapy is among the most sought after relaxing experience, but it wasn’t designed for everybody.  The best way to enjoy a relaxing experience when having a massage is to make sure that the treatment is not getting in the way of any present condition or illness you might be experiencing.

Indications for Massage are:

• longstanding pain and muscle spasm
• chronic joint pain
• chronic fatigue
• tight muscles
• chronic fatigue

Certain medical illnesses that will benefit from massage are:

• Anxiety and depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Myofascial pain sundrome
• Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
• Insomnia
• TMJ Dysfunction
• Spastic Colon and Constipation
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Sports Injuries (except at onset of injury)
• Asthma and Bronchitis
• Cancer – but massage may spread your cancer.  You must seek your doctor’s advice first prior to getting a massage

Contraindications to massage include:

• Fever
• Inflammation
• High blood pressure
• Infectious diseases
• Hernia
• Osteoporosis
• Varicose veins
• Broken bones
• Skin problems
• Cancer – massage may spread your cancer.  You must seek your doctor’s advice first prior to getting a massage
• HIV infection

It is best to assess oneself, making sure that you are free from these listed contraindications.  Massage has a lot to offer, but it can be pretty threatening too, if used despite its contraindications.