Some of the risks associated with massage therapy include cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and skin bruising. Injury to the massage therapist is also possible.
There are many risks associated with massage therapy. Some of these include Cardiovascular disease, skin bruising, and blood clots. Injuries to the massage therapist are also possible.
It’s important to keep in mind that these risks are rarely fatal. However, you should consider the risks and safety measures you can take to prevent them.
If you’re considering getting a massage, be sure to read about these and other risks before getting one.
Cardiovascular disease
Massage therapy may reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. It may be beneficial in stabilizing vital signs, reducing stress, and decreasing blood pressure.
In addition, massage therapy may enhance relaxation, lower blood pressure, and increase blood circulation.
Several recent studies have investigated the potential benefits of massage therapy for cardiovascular conditions. These studies, however, are limited by the limitations of current research and clinical practice.
Further research is needed to determine the optimal massage therapy for patients with cardiovascular disease.
A recent study in Circulation magazine found that massage has cardiovascular benefits. Regular massages stimulate the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms.
These nerves send signals to the brain that encourage relaxation. This results in a lower blood pressure and reduced heart rate.
The benefits of massage therapy may outweigh the risks. This is a major benefit for those with cardiovascular diseases, as the condition is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
While massage is generally safe for patients with heart conditions, it should not be used on patients with a history of cardiovascular diseases.
Massage therapists should not use deep-tissue or vigorous techniques with patients with high blood pressure. They should also avoid manipulating patients with a history of blood clots or pacemakers.
Patients with congestive heart failure should begin with short massages and gradually build up to longer sessions.
Massage can help reduce blood pressure and lower it, which are linked. Inactivity is a major contributor to heart disease. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can reduce risk.
In addition to these, massage is beneficial in decreasing the occurrence of inflammation in the skeletal muscles.
The massage affects inflammation similarly to anti-inflammatory drugs. As such, massage therapy can help keep people active.
These positive effects make massage therapy an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their cardiovascular disease risk.
The benefits of massage therapy should be understood by everyone.
Blood clots
It’s important to avoid receiving deep tissue massages if you have blood clots, as the technique can loosen the clot and send it to other areas of the body.
This can result in a heart attack or blocked artery, which can lead to serious health problems.
If you’re worried about this possibility, talk with your physician before booking a massage. They can recommend certain massage techniques that are safe for you.
A patient once presented to the emergency room with worsening shortness of breath. Her medical history indicated a history of hypertension and smoking.
However, she had recently received a vigorous massage during a pedicure. The massage had resulted in increased calf muscle soreness and defects in several pulmonary arteries.
The patient had developed a residual deep vein thrombosis, which is a medical emergency.
People with certain conditions are at a higher risk for blood clots during massage therapy. They have a decreased blood flow in their legs, which contributes to the formation of blood clots.
Other risk factors include smoking and being overweight. Some drugs, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk of clotting.
Finally, pregnant women may experience slower blood flow. Talk to your doctor to learn if you’re at risk for blood clots before you begin receiving massage therapy.
If you are concerned about the risk of developing a blood clot, you should avoid sitting for long periods of time. You should also exercise frequently and raise the bottom of the bed 4 to six inches.
Your doctor may prescribe special compression devices. You should also make sure you take all the prescribed medications.
A doctor may recommend heparin, which is a drug used to dissolve blood clots. It works quickly.
Skin bruising
While most people do not experience bruises during a massage, a few minor injuries can occur. Bruising is a sign of excessive pressure, but it does not necessarily require medical attention.
Although it is common to experience mild bruising during a massage, it’s important to understand that bruises from deep tissue massages are not typically a cause for concern.
Massage therapists should avoid pressing too hard on bruise-prone areas. In addition, you should discuss with your masseuse the possibility of bruises during your massage.
Some causes of bruising include thin blood or weak skin, or blood vessel problems. Massage therapists should be aware of this potential complication and avoid using deep tissue or muscle stripping techniques.
Instead, they should use gentle compression, petrissage, or trigger point compressions. If you suffer from bruising, consult your doctor before undergoing massage therapy. You’ll be glad you did.
While massage can reduce stress, it can also cause inflammation in the skin. During a massage, constant pressure or an older injury may cause this complication.
If you’re prone to bruising, a massage therapist who specializes in Swedish massage can recommend a light technique to minimize the risk.
If a massage therapist does not offer light pressure, you can ask them to do so.
Massage therapy can leave bruises, but they are not infections. Massage therapy is not a cure-all, but it can help you recover quickly.
Bruising from deep tissue massage is easily treated with ice, which you can apply several times a day for 48 hours to minimize pain.
A few other common treatments can help reduce the bruising from a massage, including painkillers. You can also apply a cold compress to your bruised area.
Injuries to massage therapists
Injuries to massage therapists can be a result of overuse or repetitive stress of muscles. Often, the therapist will experience achiness, soreness, and stiffness, though sharp pains may occur over a shorter period of time.
A massage therapist’s hands can also contribute to such injuries, as they are required to warm up their hands before each session.
Listed below are some common hand injuries suffered by massage therapists.
While massage therapy may not be a dangerous profession, it is a physically demanding profession. The following list of common injuries to massage therapists may help you avoid them.
Tendonitis is a common problem among massage therapists, involving inflammation of the tendons and tendon sheath.
Thumb injuries can be devastating to a massage therapist’s career. The authors recommend incorporating proper training into massage therapy continuing education courses.
Massage therapists are often called to treat acute injuries as a means to relieve pain, but massage therapy can also be an excellent treatment for an injured client.
In acute cases, R.I.C.E. treatment is often the best course of action, but a lymphatic drainage massage can also be used to speed the healing process. If the client has sustained a recent injury, R.I.C.E. is the best treatment method.
Massage therapists should exercise three times a week to maintain good circulation. They should also practice proper body mechanics to limit the amount of stress their work causes.
Those who play instruments or type on a computer often experience hand strain. Injury risks are minimal with the proper training and education.
If you are interested in becoming a massage therapist, contact a local clinic today to learn more. Once you’ve found a qualified massage therapist, start your new career.
Allergic reactions to massage oils
Some massage lubricants can make your skin sensitive or dry.
Although most massage oils are meant to be suitable for all skin types, some may contain ingredients that cause mild topical irritation or allergic reactions.
It is therefore important to read labels carefully. Knowing which ingredients to avoid will make sure your massage experience is safe.
Listed below are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a massage oil. Here is a list of common allergens that may trigger an allergic reaction.
Always contact your client if you suspect he has an allergic reaction to any of your massage oils.
If you suspect a client has an allergy to an ingredient in the massage oil, you can try an all-natural product and avoid irritating ingredients.
It is also helpful to test a small patch on your skin before beginning a massage session to make sure you don’t react to a particular ingredient.
It is best to find out whether your client is allergic to certain fragrances or other chemicals in the oil before giving a massage.
Serious allergic reactions should be treated immediately. If you experience trouble breathing, swelling of the throat or other parts of the body, contact your doctor.
Hydrocortisone is a common allergy medication used to treat allergic reactions. Cold towels are also helpful in treating the symptoms.
Allergies to massage oils should be addressed as soon as possible. Your health depends on it. So, be sure to ask your spa staff for advice about how to treat an allergic reaction.
