What body parts are sensitive to massage?

Author: Hassie Morar  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Massage therapists may be asked to treat areas of the body that are considered sensitive; for example, the chest wall muscles, breast, gluteal region, upper inner thigh, anterior pelvic region, and groin area.

What body parts should not be massaged?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.

What are the massage sensitive areas?

A “sensitive area” includes any one of the following: chest wall musculature, the breast, upper inner thigh, and gluteal region. According to the College, touching of the genital or anal area is never clinically indicated, and would always amount to sexual abuse of a patient.

What areas are off limits during a massage?

These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.

What area should not be massaged?

Points on the body that we do not massage are:
  • The spine, as it can be irreparably injured.
  • The abdomen, especially when it comes to pregnant women or people with stomach and abdominal diseases.
  • The head, when there is an injury or other factors including inflammation and swelling.
  • The neck, near the spine.

Massage Tutorial: THE HAMMIES!!

What are the danger zones in massage?

The types of structures that are vulnerable in an area of caution may include arteries, veins, nerves, bursae, lymph nodes or vessels, or small and fragile bones. Examples of areas of caution for massage include the popliteal space behind the knee, the anterior cervical region, and the axillary region.

What are 3 instances when massage is not recommended?

Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.

Can a massage therapist massage my groin?

No worries, your therapist can easily work over the sheet to get to these pesky problem areas. Groin & pelvic pain can stick around for quite some time, so I would always suggest at least three or more sessions of massage to make a difference.

Under which conditions should not massage?

Here are the conditions that fall into these category;
  • Fever. Anytime you have a fever, whether from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage. ...
  • Contagious Diseases. ...
  • Blood Clots. ...
  • Pregnancy. ...
  • Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions. ...
  • Cancer. ...
  • Inflammation. ...
  • Uncontrolled Hypertension.

What part of the body feels best to massage?

The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.

What are the most sensitive areas of your body?

Common erogenous zones include the armpits, lower abdomen, mouth, neck, breasts, buttocks, shoulders, lower back, and genitals. Every person responds differently to stimulation in these areas, and factors like timing, mood, partner choice, and the type of stimulation can impact your preference.

What is the most pleasurable type of massage?

The Most Relaxing Types of Massages
  • Swedish Massage. The most common type of massage therapy, Swedish massage will help to relax you with a combination of specific movements including: ...
  • Hot Stone Massage. Another very relaxing type of massage is the hot stone massage. ...
  • Chair Massage. ...
  • Aromatherapy Massage.

What body system are most affected by massage?

Massage stimulates receptors that transmit sensory signals to the central nervous system, and this in turn causes the reduction in tension in muscles and the feeling of relaxation. Massage causes the release of endorphins which has been shown to reduce pain and muscle tension.

What parts of your body should you not touch?

7 Parts Of Your Body You Shouldn't Touch With Your Hands
  • MORE: The Germiest Places You Touch Every Day.
  • Your Ear Canal. You should never stick your fingers—or anything else—in your ears. ...
  • Your Face. ...
  • Your Butt. ...
  • Your Eyes. ...
  • Your Mouth. ...
  • The Inside of Your Nose. ...
  • The Skin Under Your Nails.

Which part of the body cannot be massaged during pregnancy?

What areas should not be massaged during pregnancy? During pregnancy, we would recommend avoiding massage of the abdomen, perineum and the SP6 area, which is a spot located three fingers above the inside ankle bone.

What are the three skin conditions when massage should not be given?

Some skin conditions such as severe acne, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores and open sores should prevent or restrict massage treatment to minimise the risk of more severe conditions developing.

When should massage be avoided?

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)

Can you get blood drawn after a massage?

If you are planning to start using medication, perform tests before or after treatment, and no sooner than 10-14 days post-treatment. If you are taking any medication, tell your doctor or laboratory specialist. Blood testing is not recommended after massage therapy, reflexotherapy or physiotherapy.

What is considered an inappropriate massage?

No massage technician shall make intentional contact or occasional and repetitive contact with the genitals, buttocks, gluteal fold, or anus of any patron, or the breasts of any female patron.” In other words, the touching of sensitive areas in Santa Monica is never allowed under any circumstances.

Is it okay to ask your massage therapist for a prostate massage?

Most regular massage therapists do not offer prostate massage, but you might be able to find a certified prostate massage therapist to work with. You may also want to look for someone who is trained in tantric sex practices to do prostate massage.

Is it normal for a masseuse to massage the inner thigh?

A thigh massage can relieve tension and stress within the muscles and can help a person being treated return to sports or exercise. Massage therapists at Physio.co.uk use thigh massage to treat muscle tightness and relieve any pain, stress and tension.

Where should a massage therapist not touch?

Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.

What can go wrong during a massage?

Disc herniation, soft tissue trauma, neurologic compromise, spinal cord injury, dissection of the vertebral arteries, and others were the main complications of massage. Spinal manipulation in massage has repeatedly been associated with serious AEs especially. Clearly, massage therapies are not totally devoid of risks.

What are the endangerment sites on the body massage?

  • Endangerment sites. areas of the body where delicate structures are less protected, and may be more easily damaged during a massage.
  • List Endangerment sites (19) ...
  • Anterior neck (cervical) ...
  • Delicate structures on anterior neck (cervical) ...
  • Floating ribs. ...
  • Xiphoid process. ...
  • Axilla (armpit) ...
  • antecubital (front of elbow)

What is the biggest safety issue for elderly clients receiving massage?

“Avoid extreme mobilizations, which may harm a client with osteoporosis.” Because falling is the most common safety issue for people over 65, be sure the walkways—both outdoors and inside your practice—are clear.

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