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Get a Grip: Is massage ever unsafe?

Writer's picture: ArielAriel


I am a big believer in the healing powers of touch. Sometimes words are not enough, and after that rubbish meeting at work or the terrible news we heard, we just want someone to offer a hug or a hand hold. Sometimes there is that little ache or niggle that won’t go away despite the painkillers we have taken to ease our discomfort. I know that many people seek massage as a ‘complementary therapy’,-a treatment meant to dovetail nicely with whatever medical advice we are following and while I am very happy to provide massages for people who are not completely well, I follow guidance around ‘contraindications’ to keep you (and me) safe.

I will go through these questions during our first consultation so you will have an opportunity to discuss them with me then. If you are worried that I might not be able to treat you because of an illness, it is worth looking at the list below or reaching out before hand to chat through. It is a good idea to think ahead to any medical history that might be relevant and there are some conditions, like circulatory or inflammatory issues that I would need you to speak to your GP about and get their green-light for massage treatment in writing. You can be assured that once you have filled it in, I will read every word of the questionnaire I offer, and in turn, I hope you will feel comfortable and confident enough to bring up whatever you feel I should know. Occasionally people present with a set of symptoms that they have their suspicions about but which has not received an official name yet or is still being investigated. While I will leave the art and science of diagnosis to your GP or other health professional, it is always useful to know any symptoms you have so I can make a comprehensive treatment plan.

If you have any of the following, please find my advice about pursuing treatment:

Fever, viral infections or Covid symptoms

Please reschedule when you're better.


Thrombosis/embolism

Massage is not advised unless you've received the all clear from your GP.


First trimester of pregnancy

Massage is wonderful during pregnancy but I ask to wait till after fourteen weeks to book a massage.


Cardiac conditions or aneurysm

These will require GP consent.


Cancer

Massage can be of great help during or after cancer treatment, but I may need to make adaptations for the treatment depending on your circumstances or require GP consent. Please allow plenty of time before the massage to fill in the form, and expect the first treatment to be longer than an hour as we'll need to go over the details.


Liver, kidney, respiratory, heart failure (or any organ failure)

Massage should be avoided.


Recent injury or surgery

Please allow time for swelling to reduce or anaesthetic to wear off. In the case of a recent major surgery, a doctor's approval may be needed, and you'd need to wait for some weeks before proceeding.


Allergies and asthma

Please let me know when booking and I can prepare the correct mediums for this.


Epilepsy or Diabetes

I would need more information and potentially GP consent.


High Blood pressure

Regular massage is a great way to reduce blood pressure, but treatment should complement the plan made by your GP to manage your high blood pressure medically.


Low Blood Pressure

Massage can lower your blood pressure, so if you haven't had one before, maybe book a shorter appointment to start and see how your body responds to it. Take care when getting off the couch as you may feel lightheaded or dizzy.


Acute infectious conditions - such as Hepatitis or food poisoning

Best avoided. Massage can cause added strain to the systems already struggling to cope.


Infectious skin disorders

Infectious conditions such as Athlete's foot, warts or ringworm can all be spread by massage so it's essential I know about them in order to avoid the area.


Non-infectious skin disorders

Eczema, psoriasis or insect stings may sometimes be irritated by massage. But if you know you haven't had a reaction in the past, then it's probably fine, I may decide to do a patch test to ensure there's no reaction to the medium I'm using.


Chronic swelling/Oedema

It's important to have already checked out the reason for this with a GP. Depending on the reason, massage can be helpful or make it worse.


Varicose veins/sunburn/acne/bruises/scratches or open cuts

I can avoid the areas so you don't feel discomfort.

A note about being treated by another Physiotherapist/Osteopath etc: If you are in long term treatment with another provider it's important to make them aware first or finish treatment with them before seeing me as I don't want to operate at cross-purposes to their work. If you'd like, I'm happy to be in touch with the other professional and check that my plans don't conflict with their treatment plan.

A note about medication: massage increases blood flow and as a result may enhance the effect of any medication you are on. For example, if you are taking insulin you may need to have your next dose sooner than expected. Or if you are on blood thinners including aspirin, you may bruise more easily.




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