Massages can be a great source of pain relief and stress relief, and they can also just make you feel more relaxed. There are, however, a few medical conditions that require you to take extra precautions before getting a massage. Use this checklist to help determine if you need the care of a physician before you get a massage.
History Of Blood Clots
If you have a history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis, your doctor may advise against having a massage. During a massage, a blood clot found in your legs may become loose and travel to your lungs. This can cause a pulmonary embolism, which can lead to severe complications, including heart failure. Because pregnant women are at risk for blood clots, you may want contact your doctor before scheduling a massage. He or she may recommend a soft tissue massage that avoids the legs and other areas that may be prone to clotting.
Blood Thinners
If you are taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin, you may want to avoid having a massage. This medication can cause bruising and bleeding, and certain types of massages can cause complications with blood thinners, such as internal bruising and bleeding. Your doctor may be able to recommend light massage therapy options that give you the therapeutic benefits of massage. This may include having the massage performed in a medical facility where your condition can be monitored.
Insurance Referrals
In some cases, you may want to consult with your doctor because massage has true therapeutic benefits for a condition you have. Your insurance company may cover the cost of massage if your doctor prescribes it for you. Massage has been advocated as a treatment for many different types of conditions, including:
If you are interested in an approach to healthcare that combines modern medicine with some holistic practices, talk to your doctor about the different massage options for you. In addition, your doctor may recommend massage as part of your physical therapy regimen after an accident or injury. Your physical therapist may be able to provide the massage therapy, which can help with insurance coverage. You'll want to contact your insurance company to verify that you do have coverage for this type of therapy.
Checking with your doctor before you get a massage can help you to ensure you have a safe and relaxing experience. Be sure to discuss your medical history with your massage therapist as well so you can work as a team to find the right massage therapy options for your mind, spirit and body. Contact a company like Mana Massage for more information.
Share17 March 2016
