Who is Massage Therapy Suitable for?
Just as with any other kind of physical treatment, it's important to ensure that it's right for you. Whilst many people can benefit from massage therapy, and it's suitable for most, there are some who it's less suitable for. There are also those for which massage could be particularly beneficial and healing.
If you feel that a massage could be of benefit to you, either physically or psychologically, then it is generally safe as long as you have no underlying medical conditions. If you do, keep reading for advice.
Asking Your Doctor Before Getting A Massage
If you suffer from any kind of health condition then it could be worth asking your doctor for advice before going ahead and getting a massage. For some conditions, a massage could actually do more harm than good. If you are unsure whether to ask your doctor, you should always contact them if you have any of the following conditions:
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant then there are certain areas that should be watched carefully. It is important to avoid massaging the feet, lower legs and abdomen during the first three months of pregnancy. For best results throughout pregnancy, it's possible to visit those who specialise in pregnancy massage.
Cancer: Massage can be extremely beneficial to many cancer patients, who find that it helps them to relax and helps to combat depression. However, massage is not always the best option with certain forms of cancer, which is why it's best to ask your doctor for advice. If you do opt for massage, then gentler massages are generally found to be safer than deep massage.
Skin Conditions: Having a skin condition in a certain area of the body probably means that a massage isn't the best option for this area. This could include cold sores, cuts, bruises, burns, swollen areas and sores.
Severe Back Pain: If you have severe pain in your back then you should visit your doctor before arranging a massage, to ensure that an underlying problem isn't present that could be worsened by massage.
Cardiovascular Diseases: If you have a cardiovascular disease then you should avoid massage. If you suffer from blood clots, then a massage could cause the clot to move, which can be fatal in some cases.
Osteoporosis: It may be beneficial to have a massage if you have a mild stage of osteoporosis. However, if your osteoporosis is severe then a massage could make things worse.
Choosing Your Massage Therapist
Massage can generally produce a number of benefits, both physical and psychological, however, it's important that you choose a good therapist. If you suffer from any specific conditions or diseases then this is even more important, as a fully trained therapist will know what to do to keep you healthy.
