A special edition of AMTA's popular e-zine sent to you by your local AMTA member designed to present you with information on the benefits of massage.

A message from your massage therapist

What does it mean if you have a condition that is contraindicated for massage? Do you know which conditions and symptoms indicate you shouldn't have a massage or massage a specific part of your body? The first article below, “Contraindication—To Massage Or Not To Massage,” takes you through the definition of contraindication, the Client Intake Form that a massage therapist may have you fill out before starting your first session, and a sample list of conditions that are contraindicated for massage. Be sure to speak with your physician before beginning massage therapy if you have a condition or symptoms for which you are being treated.

NOTE: Internet browsers and E-mail programs differ widely. If Web and/or E-mail links from this issue are not highlighted on your screen, simply copy and paste them into your browser’s address line or E-mail form as appropriate.

CONTRAINDICATION—TO MASSAGE OR NOT TO MASSAGE

You’ve probably heard the term before—contraindication—but just what does it mean? And what does it mean in terms of receiving a massage from a practicing massage therapist?

The Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines contraindication as “something (as a symptom or condition) that makes a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable.” If a massage therapist tells you that massage is contraindicated and that he or she will not give you a massage, then most likely you have a condition or symptoms that the massage therapist is concerned might be adversely affected with massage. If you know you have a medical condition, it is always best to consult your physician before seeking a massage.

When you go in for a massage appointment, if you’ve never had a massage at the place before, the massage therapist should have you fill out a Client Intake Form. This will give the massage therapist an idea of your overall health, and if he or she needs to be concerned about any symptoms or conditions that you might have.

Some questions you are likely to see on a Client Intake Form are:

• Have you ever received massage therapy before?
• What is your reason for today’s visit?
• Are you currently taking any medication? If yes, please list.
• Have you had any surgeries, accidents or major illnesses?
• Check any of the following conditions that apply to your current health.
• Is there anything I should know to ensure your comfort?

From a recent article in MASSAGE THERAPY JOURNAL^®: “Massage therapists and bodywork practitioners are responsible for ensuring the medical safety of all those who seek [their] services … [They] must make decisions that reflect a broad spectrum of knowledge regarding the indications, precautions and contraindications … Training [typically] includes hours of instruction in anatomy, physiology, pathology and assessment that is meant to give [them] the skills needed to make decisions about when to, and when to not, massage.”¹

By doing a Client Intake Form, the massage therapist is better equipped to handle your massage session. If you know you have a condition, make sure you mention it on the form or tell the therapist. If you withhold this information, it could make your condition worse.

There are several situations where a massage therapist may recommend you see a physician and not receive a massage. Any of the following conditions may be contraindicated for massage:

• Diabetes, since it could cause circulatory system problems;
• Infectious diseases, viral or bacterial infections, skin rashes;
• Inflammation of tissues or organs, in particular if they are in the acute stage;
• Fresh burns, abrasions or open cuts, when the possibility of blood to blood or fluid to fluid contact exists;
• Cancerous conditions, tumors or abnormal growths;
• Suspected blood clots;
• Unstable heart conditions;
• Varicose veins;
• Fever or elevated body temperature; and
• Any condition that may make you prone to hemorrhage.

You may become upset if the therapist refuses to massage you, but remember, he or she is doing it for your own good!

For a basic introduction to massage therapy and its benefits for health and fitness, go to: www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage.htm.

Reference
1. Polseno, Dianne. “Who Decides If Massage Is Indicated Or Contraindicated?” MASSAGE THERAPY JOURNAL 41 (Summer 2002): 130-132.

Back to top

Massage Q & A

Q: When might the use of massage therapy be inappropriate?

A: If you suffer from certain ailments (such as phlebitis), infectious diseases, certain forms of cancer, cardiac problems, certain skin conditions, or any inflamed or infected tissues, be sure to consult your physician before initiating any massage program. A trained and experienced massage therapist also will be able to tell you when massage is not indicated.

Back to top

DID YOU KNOW?

"Based on a national survey in March 2002, an estimated 73 million Americans have used the Internet for health information with approximately 6 million [of those] Americans going online for health advice each day.”

“Unmet needs of primary care patients in using the Internet for health-related activities,” by Christopher Sciamanna et al., Journal of Medical Internet Research, April 2002.

Back to top

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PRESENT?

Then look no further than AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist^® national locator service. Give the relaxing gift of a massage! If your gift recipient lives outside of the immediate area, you can find a a qualified AMTA Professional Active member anywhere in the United States for them. The service will provide you with professionals who are well-trained, adhere to a professionally recognized code of ethics and standards of practice, and are committed to continuing their professional education and development. Visit AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist^® locator service online today at the following link: www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/locator.htm, or call the AMTA National Office toll-free at: 888-843-2682 [888-THE-AMTA].

Back to top

TABLE TIPS

After doing several stomach crunches, sometimes the neck becomes a little stiff. Before you get up from your crunch position, treat your neck to a little massage. Turn your head to the left, and place your four fingers about one inch below the base of your skull (off to the side of your vertebrae), and gently—but firmly—rub your fingers straight up the base of your skull, about one inch. Do this about 5 to 10 times on each side of your neck. The stiff neck that usually follows after a lot of crunches won't be there tomorrow.

-Sara Pender-Morales

For a different massage tip each week, visit AMTA’s Massage Room at: www.amtamassage.org/massageroom/massage.html.

Back to top

LEGAL NOTICE: Articles submitted by individual authors are copyrighted by those authors and reprinted with their permission. Views expressed in these articles are not necessarily the views of the American Massage Therapy Association^®, and should in no way be construed as an endorsement. They are for informational purposes only.

© 2005 American Massage Therapy Association^® All rights reserved.