Who should avoid deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that applies sustained pressure to the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It helps relax the muscles, loosen up tense areas, reduce pain, improve circulation, and encourages relaxation. While deep tissue massage offers many benefits, there are certain people who should avoid it. This article will provide an overview of those who should avoid deep tissue massage and the reasons why.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that uses a variety of techniques to relax and relieve muscle tension throughout the body. It applies pressure to the deeper muscle layers, as opposed to just the surface-level muscles. The pressure applied can vary from light to firm, depending on a person’s preferences, and the therapist’s training and experience. By loosening up the deeper layers of tissue, the pressure helps reduce stress, improve circulation, and provide relief from pain.

Who Should Avoid Deep Tissue Massage?

People who have a weakened immune system, osteoporosis, cancer that has spread to the bones, open wounds, or skin infections should avoid deep tissue massage. Those with a history of blood clots, diabetes, or lymphedema should also avoid this type of massage. Deep tissue massage can be dangerous for children and teenagers, especially those whose muscles and tissues are still developing. Additionally, pregnant women should steer clear of deep tissue massage and instead opt for a more gentle form of massage.

Deep Tissue Massage with Weakened Immune System

People with a weakened immune system should avoid deep tissue massage. The massage can put extra strain on the body, which can make it more difficult for the immune system to do its job of fighting off invading pathogens and fighting illness or infection. Additionally, if there are any open wounds, or if the massage puts pressure on tumors or other diseased areas, it can lead to further complications or spread existing infection.

Deep Tissue Massage with Osteoporosis/Cancer

People with osteoporosis or cancer that has spread to the bones should avoid deep tissue massage. The firm pressure used in deep tissue massage can cause a fracture, particularly in individuals with bone weakening disorders. Because fractures can be especially serious in those conditions, caution should be taken and deep tissue massage should be avoided.

Deep Tissue Massage with Blood Disorders

Individuals with a history of blood clots, diabetes, and lymphedema should not receive deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage can increase the risk of a blood clot being released, so for those with pre-existing blood clots, it should be avoided. However, this does not prevent them from receiving a massage entirely. Instead, lighter pressure techniques can be used. Those with diabetes may be at an increased risk of nerve damage, so again, lighter pressure should be applied. Lastly, if someone has lymphedema, areas where swelling with deep tissue massage can occur should be avoided.

Deep Tissue Massage with Children/Teenagers

Deep tissue massage should be avoided with children and teenagers whose muscles and tissues are still developing. While providing some of the same benefits of a regular massage, the firm pressure used in deep tissue massage can be damaging or dangerous for those who are not fully developed.

Deep Tissue Massage with Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should stay away from deep tissue massage. This is because the pressure used in deep tissue massage can be stimulating, which can be dangerous for an unborn baby. For pregnant women, a more gentle form of massage, such as Swedish massage, should be used instead.

Conclusion

Deep tissue massage has many benefits for those who receive them, however there are some individuals who should avoid it. People with weakened immune systems, osteoporosis or cancer, diabetes, and lymphedema should not have a deep tissue massage . Additionally, children and teenagers whose muscles are still developing, as well as pregnant women, should avoid deep tissue massage. If you are unsure if you are one of these people, it is important to talk to your doctor before proceeding with a deep tissue massage.