Skin Conditions 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.
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)
Total contraindications are such things as unstable hypertension or high blood pressure, contagious diseases such as the cold or flu, a significant fever, and/or recent surgery. As a massage therapist, we also learned about endangerment sites.
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.
Discomfort or Pain During the Massage
While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain. If you leave feeling no relief from tension or soreness, that's a major red flag that the massage was ineffective.
These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.
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.
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.
1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.
This massage is about you and it's important that you feel comfortable. For some people that means leaving some clothing on. For others, it means taking it (mostly) all off. There is no right or wrong, this is your massage.
But don't worry—it's not an uncommon reaction. During a massage, the combination of physical touch and deep breathing relaxes your body. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for “rest and digest” body functions such as slowing the heart rate, digestion, and yes—arousal.
Avoid talking too much.
Talking during a massage is not conducive to staying relaxed. You should let go mentally and emotionally and allow your body to relax. Conversations block the healthy benefits of a massage.
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.
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.
The area of the upper inner thigh, either in front or back, is an area that is also rarely touched. More specifically, the therapist never works within two to three inches of the genital area at the inner thigh, as doing so may evoke sexual stimulation, fear or both.
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 body parts should not be massaged? Certain areas of the body should be avoided during massage if there are injuries, inflammation, or conditions such as varicose veins. Areas like the abdomen during pregnancy, broken bones, and open wounds should also not be massaged.
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.
“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.
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.
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.