Who Should Not Get A Massage?
As harmless as massage may actually be, there are still some instances when people should refrain from getting themselves a massage. Usually, a massage can have some adverse effects on a particular health condition, which indicates that getting one should be prevented or avoided. Such conditions are then referred to as contraindications.
What does contraindication mean?
The word contra is used in place of against, while indications refer to the things that tell a particular person about which things to do one way or another. Therefore, the word contraindications are things that tell a person not to do a specific thing.
The contraindications for massage are actually a lot. Most of such contraindications are actually medical conditions that, at first glance, do not even seem like massage may have any effect on them.
Fever
Whenever someone has a fever, it means that the body is doing its best trying to expel or isolate a particular pathogen. Since a massage is effective in increasing the overall circulation, it may make the body able to work against the natural defenses of the body, which is, in case of an infection, a bad thing.
Inflammation
When a massage is performed on an area that is inflamed, it can worsen that specific part’s inflammation. This is why massage should never be administered to an inflamed part of the body. However, in cases where the inflammation is only localized and having a massage might be necessary for pain relief, it can be done but only around the area. The main priority is to avoid applying pressure to the center of inflammation.
Hypertension
Hypertension is the medical term given to high blood pressure. This is a case wherein there is excessive pressure bounding against the walls of the blood vessels. A massage can have some positive effects on the person’s blood vessels. This means that those who have a medical condition that affects the heart or the blood pressure should get themselves a light massage that is oftentimes sedating.
Hernia
Hernias are actually protrusions of a particular organ, most commonly the intestine, through the walls of the muscles. It is never a good idea to apply pressure, such as that from a massage, in order to push such organs back to its appropriate place. In cases of hernia, surgery is always the best answer.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the medical condition of elderly people who stoop to their shoulders. This means that their bones have already become porous, fragile and brittle. A massage could be too much intense for this kind of condition.
Varicose veins
Massaging over varicose veins can only worsen the disorder. However, some results from research have indicated that applying light pressure around or near the affected area, especially when directed towards the heart, can have some medical benefits.
Fractures
When bones are broken, they are called fractures. Massages should not be done on areas that have mending bones or bones that are approaching recovery. Doctors recommend little amount of light massage to the surrounding area so that circulation is still improved.

