What should you tell a massage therapist about a recent illness, injury, or medical procedure?
Tell the massage therapist what happened, when it happened, your current symptoms, treatment received, and any restrictions from your healthcare team. Include wounds, devices, new medicines, bleeding or clotting risks, reduced sensation, and limits on movement or positioning. Share this before the appointment so the provider can adapt, postpone, or refer appropriately.
Give a concise, useful account
You can say: “I had surgery three weeks ago. The incision is still healing, I cannot lie on my stomach, and my surgeon said no pressure near the area. I am taking a blood thinner and want only gentle shoulder work.” This gives the therapist actionable information without unnecessary detail.
Include changes since the last visit
Report fever, new swelling, worsening pain, dizziness, unusual bruising, or a change in breathing. Tell the therapist if a diagnosis is still being investigated. A previous intake form may no longer represent your current health.
Bring restrictions when available
Written instructions can clarify approved areas, pressure, movement, and timing. Do not assume a general clearance covers hot stones, cupping, deep tissue work, or forceful stretching.
Tip: Ask for privacy when discussing sensitive details. You can decline to disclose information, but the therapist may then be unable to judge or provide a particular treatment safely. Agree on a limited session or postpone when essential safety information remains unclear.
Commonly asked questions
What symptoms mean you should seek urgent medical care instead of getting a massage?
Seek urgent medical care instead of massage for chest pain, unexplained breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, sudden severe headache, fainting, major injury, or a possible blood clot. Severe infection, uncontrolled bleeding, serious allergic reactions, and new loss of bladder or bowel control with back symptoms also need urgent attention. Stop treatment when these symptoms appear.
Should massage be postponed after a new injury?
Postpone direct massage over a new injury until you understand what happened and whether significant damage is possible. Early deep pressure can aggravate pain, bleeding, or swelling. A minor familiar soreness may need only reduced activity, but a sudden injury with loss of function, major swelling, or severe pain needs assessment first.
Should you postpone a massage if you have chills or feel feverish?
Yes. Postpone massage if you have chills, feel feverish, or are becoming unwell, even if you have not measured a high temperature. These symptoms can signal an infection or another acute illness. Rest, assess your symptoms, and seek medical advice when indicated rather than trying to sweat out or massage away the illness.
Can you get a massage if you may have a contagious illness?
Postpone massage if you may have a contagious illness, especially with fever, a new respiratory infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or an infectious rash. Massage involves prolonged close contact and shared surfaces. Tell the provider before attending, follow guidance for the suspected illness, and reschedule when you are recovering and no longer require isolation or other restrictions.
