Which body parts we don't message – When it is prohibited

Massage is an ideal means for those who need relaxation and relief from muscle pain. However, we are often asked which places we do not massage and if there are medical reasons that prohibit it. 

Busy people or people engaged in intense activities often face intense stress and muscle pain. The solution to relieve the things that hold you back in your daily life, is a massage session that will improve your circulatory system making you feel euphoric. It will relax you and relieve you from pain in the back, legs, arms and whole body.

Which people can have a massage?

People of all ages and gender can have a massage. You can choose a solo treatment or have couples massage your partner. It has immediate results and many benefits such as:

• Stress reduction – Relaxation
• Improved circulatory system
• Relief from muscle pain
• Well-being and mental clarity
• Improved sleep
• Faster fat burning through lymphatic massage
• Psychological stability

Everyone can have a massage and in fact, they can choose between dozens of treatments and massage techniques such as Swedish, sports, cellulite, and many more.

More specifically, many types of massage aim at the holistic treatment of chronic muscle pain, improving the circulatory system and getting rid of stress and anxiety disorders. For example, in Swedish massage, the treatment focuses on both physical and mental relief. It is one of the most popular types of massage as it is chosen by many people who find themselves in a massage studio and desire a holistic treatment.

Movement techniques such as long gliding, rapid strokes, friction or rubbing of muscles and shaking, effectively help to improve the circulatory system, reduce stress, relieve muscle pain, while improving the overall picture of your mental health .  

Despite the many benefits of massage, there are some things you should know and some things you should avoid in order to enjoy your massage without risk.

When should have a massage?

You can have a massage from 1 or 2 times a week or even 2 times a month, depending on the goal you want to achieve and the problem you are facing. For intense discomforts it is good to make an appointment once a week, while for milder or chronic discomforts such as stress or back pain, once a week to twice a month. It all depends on the size of the problem and how consistent you can be in the treatment you will follow. 

Remember that massage works cumulatively and to get immediate results you should be faithful to your appointments and not leave a long time between sessions to maintain your progress. More specifically for:

• Fighting stress and reducing anxiety, in normal contexts, you can have a massage twice a month or every 15 days. While for periods of high pressure and stress, it is recommended to visit your therapist at least once or twice a week in order to see immediate results and improve your mental health.
  
• For sports injuries or athletes in need of muscle relaxation, the ideal frequency that should have sports massage it's twice a week.
  
• People with chronic muscle diseases or musculoskeletal problems, it is necessary to receive massage services more often. Usually the duration of the treatment is defined between 4 to 6 weeks and the visit is once a week, at your house ή στο στούντιο.
  
• For muscle spasms and acute muscle pains, the treatment should be from 1 to 3 times a week over a period of three weeks, depending on the extent of the problem. 

Any muscle injury, pain or even mental stress needs to be treated accordingly. With the right massage therapy, you can see immediate results and improve your overall physical and mental health. 

Which parts of the body we not massage?

While massage is considered a safe approach for muscle pains and injuries, there are some areas on the body that should be avoided and not massaged. Points on the body that we do not massage are:

• The spine, as it can be irreparably injured  
• The abdomen, especially when it comes to pregnant women or people with stomach and abdominal diseases
• The head, when there is an injury or other factors including inflammation and swelling
• The neck, near the spine
• In the chest, when swelling is suspected 
• At ends, after breaking or cracking

When is massage prohibited?

There are certain contraindications that effectively prohibit one from receiving massage therapy. In some cases it can be completely forbidden to someone, while in others where there is a medical reason, the massage can only be done with permission from your doctor. In addition, when the problem is localized, the massage can be done normally with the exception of the points where it is not indicated. 

The reasons why massage can be banned altogether are:

• Fever
• Communicable diseases (Flu, cold, Covid-19)
• Taking medication, drugs or alcohol
• Post-operative patients
• Skin diseases (inflammations, fungal infections, psoriasis, dermatitis – eczema, herpes, ringworm or ringworm)
• Neuritis (ulnar, vestibular)
• A sun burn
• Risk of venous thrombosis
• Hypertension
• Osteoporosis

Local contraindications for which massage is prohibited

In some cases, as we mentioned above, the massage can be done in addition to specific points locally on the body. Some of these contraindications are:  

• Bruises
• Cuts
• Abrasions
• Inflammation
• Arthritis
• Pregnant women with preeclampsia
• Pregnant women with a history of premature birth
• Recent fractures or dislocations
• Varicose veins
• Lumps or abnormalities on the body
• Burns

Medical reasons that mediate and prohibit massage

If there is a medical reason that prevents you from receiving massage therapy, it is advisable to consult your doctor before making an appointment. Such reasons may be:

• Venous thrombosis
• Phlebitis
• Heart deseases
• Swelling
• Cancer of any kind
• Psychiatric diseases (nervous or psychotic in nature)
• Epilepsy
• High blood pressure
• Angina pectoris
• Pacemaker patients
• Patients with an implantable defibrillator
• Patients with advanced diabetes
• Hemophilia 
• Recent Botox or other cosmetic procedures
• Allergy to specific massage oils
• Autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Recent heart attack or stroke
• Respiratory diseases
• Immunosuppressed patients

If you suffer from any of the above conditions, it is advisable to consult your doctor before making an appointment for a massage. 

While the reasons that may prohibit massage are many, we must mention that massage is an excellent source of treatment for many ailments and often promotes healing. For example, one of the most popular types of massage that improve your overall health is lymphatic massage, since it improves the circulatory system and promotes overall health.

Signs that massage is good for you

As we already mentioned, massage has many indications of health benefits for everyone. Some of them are:

General indications and benefits

• Promotes relaxation
• It reduces stress and anxiety
• Relieves muscle pain
• Relieves general muscle tension
• Improves sleep
• Improves blood circulation
• Increases flexibility and range of motion
• Promotes emotional well-being
• Helps in faster recovery and muscle recovery
• Enhanced body awareness
• Improves respiratory function
• Promotes skin health
• It enhances concentration and mental clarity
• It helps detoxify the body
• Oxygenates the cells
• Fights cellulite
• It helps to detoxify harmful substances, such as smoking, alcohol and drugs
• Helps fight depression

Medical benefits of massage:

• Better management of chronic pain conditions
• Injury rehabilitation
• Fast recovery after surgeries
• Improves immune function
• It provides headache relief
• Enhanced digestion with abdominal massage
• Reduces scar tissue after surgery or injury
• Improves posture
• Enhances lymphatic drainage
• Pregnancy support with prenatal massage
• Prevents muscle injuries in athletes
• It relieves the symptoms of fibromyalgia
• It reduces the frequency, duration and intensity of migraines
• Relieves temporomandibular joint dysfunction

While medically massage cannot directly contribute to the treatment or cure of certain diseases, it is known that when we are relaxed and more focused, we can more easily and quickly overcome various diseases or problems that concern us. 

With the right massage therapy you can improve both your body and your spirit. The benefits you will receive are many and can holistically strengthen your body and soul. 

Always consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions or injuries, to advise you when massage is prohibited and when you can benefit from it.

If you have additional questions about when you are not allowed to massage and where we do not massage, please contact us and the specialized therapists we will make sure to solve all your questions.