Almost everyone is a great candidate for relaxation and for getting massages, whatever the reason. However, there are times when it is best to not get a massage – as health precautions for your own body and for the health of others.

1. Infections

If you have a cold or a flu, the massage therapist may choose to not work with you. They obviously don’t want to catch any of the infection that you have. When you are sick, a massage may sound comforting and extra relaxing, but it is advised that you skip it until you’re better so that you don’t get anyone else sick.

2. Allergies

As long as you tell your massage therapist about any allergies you have, they should be able to avoid using any lotions and oils with any ingredients you are allergic to. However, not telling your massage therapist of your allergies may be a huge mistake because you could have an allergic reaction.

3. Intoxication

Being intoxicated while getting a massage is a huge risk as it desensitizes the patient. It makes it very hard for the patient to give any feedback on whether the level of pressure is comfortable or if it’s too much for them to handle. Being intoxicated makes it so that the client’s senses are unreliable which makes getting a massage very dangerous.

4. Medical Conditions

If someone has had history of heart or kidney failure, circulatory massage may worsen the condition and place excess demands on the already failing organs. Also, getting a massage immediately after straining a muscle may seem like a much-needed thing, but if you go to get a massage too soon afterwards, you may worsen the strained muscle and interfere with the healing process.

5. Taking Certain Medications

You should avoid or be careful with massages when you are taking certain medications, including:

• Blood thinners, as any heavy pressure applied will result in bruising.
• Blood pressure medications, as taking these medicines combined with a massage can result in low blood pressure and dizziness upon standing up.
• Topical drugs like antibiotic creams as these will transfer onto the massage therapist.
• Injectable medications like insulin. You’ll have to warn the massage therapist so that they can avoid the injection site as the massage can interfere with how the drug is absorbed.
• Muscle relaxers; you’ll need to warn your massage therapist so that they don’t overstretch your muscles.
• Pain killers can prevent you from telling the massage therapist whether or not something hurts and if they’re applying too much pressure.

It is so important that you consider the risks you are taking if you decide you need a massage. If any of these conditions apply to you, you are putting yourself and your massage therapist at risk. These guidelines are put in place so that nothing bad happens to you. In order to avoid injury, please take these precautions into consideration before you go through with the massage. Talk to your doctor and your massage therapist about any conditions you may have.