Who Can Benefit from Massage Therapy?

Everyone -- including people who experience daily mental or physical stress in their jobs, gardeners, busy moms and dads, and college students who just need a break. Massage can be greatly beneficial to those who have painful medical conditions such as: fybromyalgia patients, arthritis sufferers, people affected with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and people who are recovering from accidents. Many professional athletes incorporate massage into their training program. If you participate in sports for fun and fitness, massage can enhance your experience too.

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Who Should Avoid Massage Therapy? (Contraindications)

Generally, massage is not advised for anyone with an infectious skin disease, a rash, or an unhealed wound. It’s also wise to avoid it immediately after surgery or if you’re prone to blood clots. Circulatory ailments such as phlebitis preclude the use of massage, and it should never be performed directly over bruises, inflamed or infected injuries, areas of bleeding or heavy tissue damage, or at the sites of recent fractures or sprains.

Massage is not recommended for cancer patients immediately after chemotherapy or radiation therapy. While there is no evidence that it actually prompts cancer to spread to other parts of the body, the theoretical possibility exists. Avoid massage over any known tumor, and in any area with a recent surgical incision.

Forego massage in the abdominal area for at least two hours after eating—and if you have an abdominal hernia, avoid it completely. Abdominal massage should also be strictly avoided during the first three months of pregnancy; during this period, massage of certain parts of the legs and feet is also inadvisable. Indeed, it’s best to consult your obstetrician before any massage during pregnancy.

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