What body parts should not be massaged?

Author: Miss Kirstin Jakubowski PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

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 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.

Will a massage therapist massage your inner thighs?

Yes, massage therapists can perform inner thigh massages as part of a broader massage session, especially if the client has specific areas of tension or discomfort in that region. However, it's important for the client to communicate their comfort level and preferences with the therapist.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

  • 1. Excessive Pain: While some discomfort can be normal, especially in deep tissue massages, excessive pain is a red flag.
  • 2. Bruising: Minor bruising can occur, but significant or frequent bruising indicates that the therapist is using too much pressure or improper techniques.
  • 3. Nerve Pain:

What is the most important body part 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.

Areas To Avoid In Couples Massage - Massage Monday 72

Which part of the body is not commonly 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.

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.

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 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.

How do you know if a massage place is shady?

Here are some of the signs of human trafficking in massage parlors:
  1. Any sexual or erotic services are provided, or they advertise on illicit websites.
  2. The providers are wearing very little clothing.
  3. They refuse to service females.
  4. You have to buzz in to get into the business.

What happens at a Lomi Lomi massage?

A traditional Lomilomi body massage will be an hour or more and will involve long flowing strokes all over your body. Your massage therapist will also use gentle stretches to release tension and improve flexibility. The goal is to create an environment where your body, mind and soul can be in sync and relaxed.

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.

Can I ask my massage therapist to massage my breasts?

Therapeutic, full chest and breast massage to support wellness and/or as treatment for medical conditions is currently legal in about 75% of the states within the USA. Breast massage used only to treat medical conditions is legal in several additional states. The client must consent to this treatment.

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.

What not to do in a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  1. Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  2. Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  3. Don't break wind. ...
  4. Avoid talking too much. ...
  5. Don't use your phone. ...
  6. Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Which massage technique is usually performed without lubricant?

Myofascial release is usually performed either without lubricant or with smaller amounts than Swedish massage. As a result, your therapist is able to move very slowly, stretching the tissues apart. The most commonly targeted muscles in the back for this technique are the spinal erectors. And the quadratus lumborum.

Who shouldn't get massage?

Tell your therapist if you have (or in some cases have had) any condition from one of these categories:
  • Contagious skin conditions (boils, warts, or herpes)
  • Other skin conditions (burns, rashes, or sores)
  • Circulatory system issues (high blood pressure, varicose veins, or stroke)

What are the endangerment sites on the body massage?

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.

Can I get a massage if I have shingles?

Shingles hurts, it hurts a lot. Conditions that hurt make people cancel massage appointments, and that helps keep us safe from the risk of doing harm, and it helps keep our other VZV naive clients safe from the risk of unintended exposure.

Where do they touch in a full body massage?

During your massage, your therapist will typically begin by massaging your back and shoulders; for this, you'll need to be laying down comfortably on your stomach. Then, the therapist will massage your legs and feet, (and your glutes if this has been agreed to) before proceeding to massage the arms.

When shouldn t you massage?

The skin rashes that are contagious or sensitive should not be massaged. A sunburn is also contraindicated for massage therapy, and the sunburn should be healed first. If you have uncontrolled inflammation you may not want to get a massage.

What areas do massage therapists avoid?

Blood vessels such as major veins and arteries are a massage area of caution. A good rule of thumb for massage therapists is to avoid applying pressure anywhere that you can feel a pulse.

What is the most requested massage?

Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.

What is a Hawaiian massage?

Lomi Lomi massage originated in the Hawaiian regions centuries back. It was originally an indigenous religious or spiritual practice that evolved. The massage has the peculiar technique of kneading the muscles, which targets body pain and tries to achieve harmony in the body.

What body part feels the best in a massage?

Ask anyone and they probably wouldn't turn down a good shoulder rub or back rub. Getting a massage in these areas feels great and can help relieve pain and stress.

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