8 Disadvantages of Body Massage Explained!

There are loads of positive benefits to having a body massage – but there are also some disadvantages of body massage to be aware of.

The advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but you still need to be aware of them.

Plus, there are times and reasons why some people shouldn’t have a massage, as I’ll explain.

8 Disadvantages of Body Massage Explained

Some of the possible disadvantages of a body massage you should be aware of are:

You Could Be Left Feeling a Little Bit Sore

This is because your muscles have been worked and manipulated. It’s similar to the feeling you get after going to the gym. The good news is that the soreness should go away within a day or so.

You Might Experience Some Bruising

This is especially true if you have a deep tissue massage. The bruises are usually small and go away quickly.

You Could Have an Allergic Reaction to The Massage Oil or Cream

If you’ve never had a massage before, it’s best to test a small area first to see if you have any reactions.

You Could Feel Lightheaded or Dizzy After the Massage

This is because your body has been relaxed and your blood pressure has lowered. It’s important to drink plenty of water after the massage to help flush out toxins from your body.

You Might Feel Tired After the Massage

This is perfectly normal and is due to your body releasing all the tension that was built up in your muscles during the massage.

Inflammation Could Be Triggered

If you have any inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, massages can sometimes trigger inflammation.

Reddening of Your Skin

This is usually due to the manipulation of your skin and muscles during the massage. It should go away within a day or so.

An Old Injury Could Be Aggravated

If you have an old injury that hasn’t fully healed, a massage could aggravate it.

Related – Disadvantages of hot stone massage explained!

When Should You Not Get a Massage?

There are certain times when you shouldn’t get a massage, such as:

• If you have a fever

• If you have an infectious skin disease

• If you’re pregnant (consult with your doctor first)

• If you have open wounds

• If you have cancer (consult with your doctor first)

If you have any doubts or concerns, you should always consult with a physician, massage therapist, or another medical professional.

It’s also worth mentioning that when going for your first massage with a new therapist or their place of business, you should be offered a pre-massage consultation.

This is your opportunity to bring up all and any health issues, concerns, and any other questions you have.

What Are Contraindications in Massage?

You may have heard the term ‘contraindication’ used when looking up the pros and cons of massages.

A contraindication is defined as “any factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient.”

In other words, it’s a reason to avoid or not do something.

In the context of massage, contraindications are health conditions that would make massage either inadvisable or dangerous.

Some common contraindications to massage are:

• Cardiac conditions

• Dizziness

• Epilepsy

• High blood pressure

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

• Pregnancy (in some cases)

There are also local and medical contraindications, so some might not be a reason to not have a massage at all.

As always, the best advice is to seek the guidance of a medical professional before getting a massage if you have any concerns.

Can a Massage Damage You?

A massage, in general, should not damage you.

There are some conditions where massage is contraindicated, as I’ve just listed.

And there might be some discomfort after a deep tissue massage as your muscles adjust and heal.

But overall, massages are meant to relax and rejuvenate you, not leave you worse off than before.

Is It Possible to Get Too Many Massages? (Too Much of A Good Thing!)

This is a common concern, especially for those who enjoy massages and feel great after getting them.

The short answer is that it is possible to get too many massages, yes.

If you’re getting massages too often, your body might not have enough time to rest and recover between sessions.

This can lead to overuse injuries and other problems.

There’s no set number of massages you should or shouldn’t get in a month or year.

It really depends on your individual needs and health goals.

If you’re not sure how often you should be getting massages, talk to your massage therapist or doctor for guidance.

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, while there are some disadvantages to getting a massage, overall they are minor and easily avoidable.

Massages can be an excellent way to relax, reduce stress, and relieve pain.

Just be sure to consult with a medical professional beforehand if you have any concerns, and listen to your body during and after the massage and I’m sure you’ll leave the table feeling like the best version of yourself!

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Header Photo by Raphael Lovaski on Unsplash