In this Article

• Introduction to massage therapy
• What is massage therapy, and what are the types of massage?
• Who provides massage therapy?
• What do massage therapists do in treating patients?
• What are side effects and risks of massage therapy?
• What are some other points to consider about massage therapy as complementary and alternative medicine?
• What are the health benefits of massage therapy?
• Where can people get more information about massage therapy?
• Massage Therapy Index

Side effects and risks

Massage therapy appears to have few serious risks if appropriate cautions are followed. A very small number of serious injuries have been reported, and they appear to have occurred mostly because cautions were not followed or a massage was given by a person who was not properly trained.

Health care providers recommend that patients not have massage therapy if they have one or more of the following conditions:

• 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



• Any of the following in an area that would be massaged:



• An open or healing wound



• A tumor



• Damaged nerves



• An infection or acute inflammation



• Inflammation from radiation treatment

If you have one or more of the following conditions, be sure to consult your health care provider before having massage:

• Pregnancy



• Cancer



• Fragile skin, as from diabetes or a healing scar



• Heart problems



• Dermatomyositis, a disease of the connective tissue



• A history of physical abuse

Side effects of massage therapy may include:

• Temporary pain or discomfort



• Bruising



• Swelling



• A sensitivity or allergy to massage oils