When You Should Not Get a Massage (the Contraindication Checklist)

Massage is safe and helpful for most people, but knowing when not to get a massage matters just as much. Skip a session, or check with a doctor first, if you have a fever or an infection, a suspected blood clot, a new injury or recent surgery, broken or infected skin over the area, or if you have been drinking heavily. Most of these are temporary, so the answer is usually to wait rather than to avoid massage for good. When you are unsure, ask a doctor before you book.

• Fever, infection, or feeling generally unwell: wait until you are better
• A suspected blood clot (DVT): do not massage the area, see a doctor
• A new injury or recent surgery: give the body time to heal first
• Broken, infected, or inflamed skin: avoid that area
• Heavy drinking: leave the massage for another day
• Some conditions are fine once a doctor gives the go-ahead

How safe is massage, really?

Very safe for most people. A review of the research in the journal Rheumatology concluded that massage "is not entirely risk free," but that serious harm is "probably" a true rarity, and that the few serious cases on record were mostly tied to unusual techniques rather than ordinary Swedish-style massage.

None of this is a reason to fear a massage. The list below is simply the specific situations where a massage can do harm or delay care you need, and knowing them lets you relax during the massages that are fine.

Fever, infection, or feeling unwell

When your body is fighting an illness, a massage does not help and can make you feel worse. If you have a fever, a cold or flu, or any contagious infection, wait until you have recovered.

There is a courtesy reason too. A home therapist works closely with you, so booking while you are contagious puts them at risk. Rest, and rebook when you are well.

A blood clot or suspected DVT

This is the most important one. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot, usually in the leg, and pressing or rubbing the area can be dangerous. The NHS warns that a clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening.

Signs of a DVT include throbbing pain, swelling, and skin that looks red or discoloured, usually in one leg, in the calf or thigh. If you notice these, do not massage the leg and do not book a massage. See a doctor promptly. Our guide to massage for tired legs and circulation covers this line in more detail.

A new injury or recent surgery

Right after an injury, the body needs rest while it heals. Massaging a fresh sprain, a possible fracture, or a bruised area in the first few days can worsen the swelling and slow healing. Give an acute injury time before booking, and get anything that might be broken checked first.

Recent surgery is the same. Wait until your surgeon says the area has healed and clears you for massage, and keep any therapist well away from a healing scar or surgical site until then.

Broken or infected skin

Massage works directly on the skin, so it is not suitable over open wounds, burns, an unexplained rash, or a skin infection. Oil and pressure on broken or infected skin can spread the problem and hurt.

This usually applies to just the affected spot. If a rash or a graze is limited to one area, a therapist can simply work elsewhere and leave it alone.

After drinking alcohol

A massage after a few drinks is a bad mix. Both alcohol and massage affect your circulation and can leave you lightheaded, and alcohol dulls the feedback you would normally give about pressure and pain. If you have been drinking, leave the massage for another day.

When to check with a doctor first

Some situations simply need a doctor's go-ahead first. With that clearance, and often a gentler approach, a massage can still be fine.

• Cancer, or if you are in treatment: ask your medical team before booking.
• High blood pressure or diabetes: usually fine with care, covered in our guide to massage with high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Pregnancy: safe for most, with some timing and technique rules, set out in our guide to massage during pregnancy.
• Blood-thinning medication, or a condition that bruises you easily: mention it, and ask for lighter pressure.

In all of these cases, let a doctor decide, and tell your therapist so they can adjust the massage or advise waiting.

A good therapist asks first

A professional service does more than take the booking. A good therapist asks a few health questions before starting, checks for anything that should change the plan, and is happy to work gently or skip an area. If a service never asks, that is a warning sign in itself.

With Iris Home Massage, the therapist confirms a few details when you book and again on arrival, so a session is only ever a comfortable one. Tell them about any condition or recent change to your health, and they will adjust or advise waiting.

Common questions

When should you not get a massage?

Avoid a massage if you have a fever or infection, a suspected blood clot, a new injury or recent surgery, or broken or infected skin over the area, and after heavy drinking. Most of these clear up, so it is usually a matter of timing.

Can you get a massage with a fever?

No. A fever means your body is fighting an infection, and a massage will not help you recover. Wait until it has passed and you feel well again, then book.

Why can't you massage a blood clot?

Because pressure can dislodge the clot, which may then travel to the lungs and cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. If you have signs of a DVT, such as pain and swelling in one leg, avoid massage and see a doctor promptly.

Can I get a massage after surgery?

Not until your surgeon clears you. The tissue needs to heal first, and pressure near a fresh incision can set that back. Wait for the go-ahead, then ease back in gently.

Is it bad to get a massage when sick?

Yes, if you are contagious or running a fever. It will not speed your recovery, and it puts a home therapist at close range. Better to sleep it off and book once you are over it.

Can you get a massage after drinking alcohol?

It is best not to. You can end up lightheaded, and drink makes it harder to feel and flag too much pressure. Wait for a day when you have not been drinking.

Book a home massage when the time is right

If none of the situations above apply, and you are well, a home massage is a safe and easy way to unwind. If one does apply, it usually just means waiting until you are in the clear.

When you are ready, a licensed therapist comes to your home or condo in 20 to 45 minutes, daily from 3 PM to 3 AM, and works on your own bed. A home Thai massage or any other session starts with a quick check that you are good to go. Message us on WhatsApp or LINE to book, and see our frequently asked questions for anything else.