We live in a hustle-bustle kind of world. Work is constantly on our minds and some of us can barely find the time to grab a bite to eat. We rush to take our kids to soccer practice and walk through our front doors after work only to begin the laundry.
The majority of us carry around significant amounts of stress that reside within our muscles. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but luckily there are remedies, such as massage, to bring some relaxation back into our lives. If this would be your first time getting a massage, find out what massage is for and how it can heal.
Health Conditions and Infections: When Massage Isn’t Advisable
Although massage is a truly wonderful way to achieve peace of mind, there are times when you should refrain from getting one. There are certain conditions that may negatively affect the massage. Check out these scenarios in which you may want to consider rescheduling your appointment:
 1. Infections
Often times, a massage therapist will send a client home if they have the cold, flu, or other viral or bacterial infection. Working with a contagious patient could result in the therapist catching the infection and then passing it along to other patients. Clients are also advised to hold off on their massage appointment if they have a rash or skin infection.
 2. Intoxication
Another reason for postponing a massage treatment is intoxication. If a client has had a couple of drinks, they become desensitized and are unable to provide reliable feedback to the therapist performing the massage. Knowing the correct amount of pressure to apply is an important component of massage and intoxication causes a lack of sensation. If you’re on vacation and want to get a massage, hold off on the Mai Tais until after your appointment!
 3. Medical Conditions
If a patient has a specific medical condition, such as kidney failure, a massage may place excess demands on weakened organs.  It is also suggested that massage be avoided after an acute injury as it can interfere with the healing process.
Are you interested in becoming a certified massage therapist?
Visit the links below to explore our massage therapy programs at a campus near you:
 4. Medications
There are certain medications that may cancel or modify a massage. These medications include:
- Blood thinners—may result in bruising with heavy pressure or deep tissue massage.
- Blood pressure medications– can result in low blood pressure and dizziness upon sitting up or standing after a massage
- Topical drugs (hormone or antibiotic creams)– the medications can be transferred to the therapist.
- Injectable medication (such as insulin)– therapists should avoid the injection site since massage can interfere with how the drug is absorbed
- Muscle relaxers– the therapist may want to avoid static stretches that might overstretch the muscles.
- Painkillers—issues with desensitization
If you are unable to receive a massage because of your current state of health, then the best thing to do is wait until you are feeling better. The wait will only make the massage that much better! Let us know when you are ready to schedule an appointment and make the most of your massage.
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