Massage Precautions and Contraindications — Who Should Not Get a Massage
Massage is one of the health-care practices Thais have long been familiar with and fond of — easing muscles, relieving fatigue, and calming the mind. But what many people may not realize is that massage isn't suitable for everyone or every physical condition. In some cases, incorrect massage or massage done in a state where it shouldn't be can cause more harm than good. Thailand's Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has therefore clearly set out contraindications and precautions. This article walks through which groups need special caution, so your massage is truly safe and beneficial.
Let's start with the most common general contraindications — massaging while the body has a high fever, because massage raises body temperature and can push the fever higher still. Generally, with a fever above 38.5°C, you should not be massaged at all. The same goes for areas of acute inflammation that are swollen, red, and hot, as massage will only stir up more inflammation. People with infections or open wounds on the body also shouldn't have those areas massaged, as it risks infection and spreading the wound.
The next group to watch involves skin problems — whether inflamed skin conditions, itchy rashes, boils and pus, or various blisters and ulcers. Massaging these areas not only hurts and worsens the condition, but can also spread the infection to other areas or to the therapist, especially skin diseases transmitted by contact. So if there's a skin problem where you'd be massaged, avoid it or wait until it fully heals first.
Bone and joint issues are another group deserving special attention. People with fractures, dislocations, or bones not yet fully healed after surgery should absolutely not have those areas massaged, as it may worsen the condition or cause re-injury. Very importantly, those with severe osteoporosis — common in older adults — have thin, brittle bones that make heavy-pressure massage, bending, or pulling dangerous and prone to causing fractures, especially around the neck, spine, and ribs. Consult a doctor first and choose only gentle massage.
Vascular diseases are a precaution many overlook. People with phlebitis (vein inflammation) or a blood clot in a vessel shouldn't have that area massaged, because massage may dislodge the clot, sending it to block a vital organ — a severe, life-threatening danger. Those with varicose veins, fragile blood vessels, or abnormal blood clotting are likewise in the group that must be careful and consult a doctor before a massage.
For people with certain medical conditions, massage must be done with particular care. Patients with severe heart disease and high blood pressure need caution, as inappropriate massage may over-stimulate the heart or raise blood pressure. As for cancer patients, never massage the area affected by cancer, and always consult the treating doctor first about whether other areas can be massaged, because massage in cancer patients involves specific considerations that require a doctor's guidance.
The last group needing special care is pregnant women. Many expectant mothers have aches and want a relaxing massage, which is possible — but only after consulting a doctor and only with a therapist who specializes in prenatal massage. The key cautions are to avoid massaging the abdomen and pressure points that could stimulate uterine contractions, and to avoid the face-down position. Massage during pregnancy focuses on gentle relaxation, not therapeutic or heavy-pressure work.
From all of this, it's clear that safe massage begins with knowing your own body and condition first. If you have any of the conditions mentioned, or a medical condition you're unsure about, consulting a doctor before a massage is the safest path. And whatever type of massage you choose, the most important thing is to always tell your therapist about all your symptoms and conditions before starting, and to choose certified, knowledgeable therapists and shops — because correct massage in expert hands is the key that makes massage truly a matter of caring for your health.
If you're looking for a trustworthy therapist who takes safety seriously, on GoThaiMassage you can find and book pre-screened therapists and shops nationwide, checking real user reviews and ratings before deciding, filtering by service type, province, and price, with pre-screened therapists and shops (✓ T-Verified / ✓ S-Verified).