In one of my past blogs, I talked about having to fill out an intake form. You can find that blog here: http://stores.starfyreinc.com/blog/client-intake-forms/. I briefly touched on contraindications in that blog, but in this blog I want to talk about what a contraindication is, some of the reasons why I would have to decline or modify a massage, and list a few contraindications. I would like to begin by saying that I don’t WANT to cancel anyone’s massage. Especially if you are already here. Keep in mind that I work for myself. If you don’t come in, I don’t work. If I don’t work, I don’t get paid. If I have to cancel your massage when you are already here, I have basically zero time to try to fill in that space. Unfortunately, there are some things that are out of my and your control. Safety is my number one priority. Comfort is number two. Everything else comes later.

A contraindication is a symptom, condition, or some other factor in which it is advised against performing a service. There are a few reasons why it wouldn’t be a good idea to have a massage with a contraindication. The main reason is for your safety. The last thing that we want is for you to be harmed because a massage was performed on you when it shouldn’t have been. Drugs, alcohol, and certain medications can alter or impair your ability to give proper feedback. This can cause things such as bruising and/or internal bleeding.

There are some medications or conditions that would not require the cancellation of the massage. The massage may have to be modified in some way. Depending on the medication or condition, the massage may have to be shortened or the pressure may have to be lighter than you may normally prefer. If you have a new medication that is being prescribed to you, please make sure that you are cleared by your doctor for massage. If your doctor diagnoses you with something new, please make sure that they clear you for massage. You can always ask beforehand and see if you need to be cleared before booking. If you are unsure or if you are not cleared please do not book a massage without advising the therapist.

Drugs and alcohol including medical marijuana, CBD infused products, and over the counter medications should not be taken before a massage. These substances can alter your perception of pain which can lead to bruising. These substances can add stress to your liver when in your system during a massage. These substances can also have an increased effect on you during and after a massage. For instance, you may be fine and under the limit with one drink any other day, but a massage will get that liquor through your system faster and get you drunker quicker. This may seem fun, but it’s not. I will end the massage session at any point or not perform the massage at all if I think you have been drinking. It is to my discretion to end the massage service at any point during the session for my safety and/or yours.

I have stories from two different people that had no idea that these things were contraindications. One person told me that they smoked marijuana the night BEFORE their massage. I was not the therapist that worked on them and this was long before we had ever met. The next day, this person went in for their massage as usual. When they came out of their massage they were high. Super high. They didn’t think it would have any effect on their massage, especially since it had been done the night before.

I had another person that told me that when I had seen their mother for a massage, she had taken an Excedrin before she came in to see me. Unbeknownst to me, of course. After the massage, she said that her mother told her that she was so glad that her father was there to drive her because she was in such a relaxed state that she did not feel safe to drive. In short, she was high.

Below is a list of some contraindications where a massage CANNOT be performed. It is not a complete list so if you are unsure, please notify your therapist when booking the massage.

-Alcohol and drugs including prescription and over the counter medication – If your medical professional prescribes you a medication, please make sure that you are cleared for massage before booking your appointment.

-Fever – If your fever is at least 38°C or 100.4°F cancel your appointment if you have one, do not book one if you do not have one. Wait until your fever breaks to come in for a massage.

-Major surgery – If you have had a major surgery, please make sure that your doctor clears you for massage before booking your appointment.

-Acute and severe injuries – Massage can make things worse. Especially after a car accident, wait at least 24 hours before getting a massage.

-Shock, heart attack, stroke – If you are having or have just had any one of these, please do not book a massage.

-Infectious skin disease or condition

-Contagious, airborne, infectious diseases – These include flu, colds, strep throat, and shingles, just to name a few. If you are unsure, please ask when booking your appointment.

If you are unsure and seeing a medical professional for a condition, please get clearance from them before getting a massage. If you are still unsure, ask your therapist. This is for your health and safety as well as for your practitioner and their other clients.