Guidance before booking a massage

Is Massage Right for Me?

If you’re wondering whether massage is the right treatment for what you’re experiencing, you’re not alone. Many people live with pain, stiffness or discomfort but aren’t always sure whether massage is the right place to start. This guide is designed to help you make that decision by explaining when massage is often appropriate, when medical advice should come first, and when it may be better to postpone treatment. Understanding massage contraindications forms part of that process by helping you recognise situations where massage may not be the most appropriate next step.

The aim is to help you make a more informed decision by sharing the simple thought process we use to assess whether massage is an appropriate place to start.

How to Decide Whether
Massage Is the Right Place to Start

Person experiencing neck discomfort after working at a desk
Layer 1

Can I reasonably explain why I feel this way?

Long hours at a desk
Physical work
Exercise or sport
Poor sleep
Stress

Massage is often a reasonable place to start.

Person wearing a cast following a recent foot injury
Layer 2

Is there something else going on?

Recent surgery
A recent injury or accident
Feeling generally unwell
Symptoms that appeared unexpectedly

Medical advice is recommended before deciding whether massage is appropriate.

Person experiencing abdominal pain that may require medical assessment
Layer 3

Are there any warning signs?

Unexplained weight loss or a persistent fever
Severe pain that is rapidly getting worse
Pain travelling into the arm or leg with numbness or weakness
Loss of bladder or bowel control

These symptoms should be medically assessed before considering massage.

Questions and answers

Questions People Ask Before Booking a Massage

Browse questions about whether massage may be suitable for a particular situation. Each answer explains the thinking behind the guidance.

Question
asked 2 weeks ago by Website Visitor
updated 2 weeks ago
asked 1 month ago by Website Visitor
updated 2 weeks ago

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