Massage contraindications — when to hold off, and when to ask a doctor

Before every treatment at Tera Thai, we run a short health consultation — and sometimes the outcome is advice not to get a massage today. We'd rather lose one visit than your trust. The list below explains why we ask what we ask.

Absolute contraindications — postpone your visit

In these situations, we simply don't perform the massage; wait until they've passed:

• Fever and active infection — your body is fighting; massage adds extra load and can worsen symptoms.
• Acute inflammation — working on inflamed tissue can make things worse.
• Fresh injuries — sprains, bruises, tears and fractures need a diagnosis and healing first, massage only after.
• Thrombosis and phlebitis — the most serious contraindication: pressure could dislodge a clot. If thrombosis is suspected, see a doctor first, never a massage.
• Wounds and active skin conditions in the massage area — we work around them or postpone the treatment until healed.
• First trimester of pregnancy — in the first 12 weeks, we don't perform massage in any form.
• Recently after surgery — return to massage only after your surgeon's approval.

Relative contraindications — ask a doctor first

Here, massage is often possible, but the decision should come from a doctor who knows your history:

• Heart conditions and unstable high blood pressure — especially with heat treatments (stones, stamps), which dilate blood vessels.
• Diabetes with complications — especially with sensory disorders (neuropathy), caution requires limiting heat therapy.
• Cancer under treatment — decide about massage only in agreement with your oncologist.
• Advanced osteoporosis — we replace firm pressure and stretching (e.g. in Thai massage) with gentler techniques.
• Varicose veins — we avoid the affected vessel areas; with extensive changes, ask a doctor for their opinion first.
• Pregnancy after week 12 — only a gentle relaxation massage is possible, with a doctor's or midwife's approval. Details in our article on massage during pregnancy.

Everyday situations — common sense

• Alcohol — we don't combine it with massage; it shifts your pain threshold and puts extra load on circulation.
• A heavy meal — wait an hour or two; a massage on a full stomach is simply uncomfortable.
• A fresh tattoo — we avoid the area until it's fully healed.
• Menstruation — not a contraindication; go by your own comfort.

Why we ask this before every visit

The list looks serious, but in practice, for most guests it means one quick “no, none of that” during the consultation. It lets your therapist know whether they can work firmly, which areas to avoid, and whether to suggest a heat treatment or classic manual work instead. You can read exactly what that conversation looks like in our article on your first visit.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I get a massage with a cold?

  No — a fever and an active infection are an absolute contraindication. Massage adds extra load to a body already fighting an infection and can worsen symptoms. Postpone your visit a few days; you can reschedule your booking free of charge.

• Is massage possible during pregnancy?

  In the first trimester, we don't perform massage in any form. After week 12, only a gentle relaxation massage is possible — and only with the approval of a doctor or midwife managing the pregnancy.

• Do I have to tell my therapist about my health conditions?

  Yes — it's the only way to safely choose techniques and pressure. The consultation is short and discreet, and the information is used solely to guide the treatment. Withholding something like thrombosis or a fresh injury can be dangerous for your health.