Treatment, Benefits and RiskTreatment, Benefits and Risk

Treatment, Benefits and RiskTreatment, Benefits and Risk

A standard massage therapy session typically lasts a half hour to an hour, but can be shorter or longer. The atmosphere should be relaxed and the patient comfortable.

The therapist may use oil or powder to reduce friction on the skin and employ ice, heat and fragrances as part of the therapy. You should feel free to discuss the techniques he or she will use prior to the therapy session.

And while there are few risks and side effects associated with massage therapy – temporary discomfort, bruising, swelling or an allergic reaction to massage oils are the most common – there are some people who should not receive massage therapy, emphasizing the need to talk to your healthcare professional prior to starting any regime. Those that should not receive massage therapy – or should consult their doctor before getting massage therapy – include:

* Those with deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs
* A bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin
* Damaged blood vessels
* Weakened bones from osteoporosis, a recent fracture, or cancer
* A fever
* Pregnancy
* Cancer
* Fragile skin
* Heart problems
* Dermatomyositis