Massage: Treatment Advice & Aftercare

Preparing for Your Massage & What to Expect Afterwards

Massage uses a combination of hands-on techniques to work with the soft tissues and muscles of the body.

Your treatment will be adapted to your individual needs, areas of tension and preferred pressure. Massage can be used to encourage relaxation, ease muscular tension and support an overall sense of wellbeing.

Before treatment, your therapist will discuss your health, any areas of discomfort and what you would like from your massage.

Before Your Massage

To make your treatment as comfortable as possible:

• Keep normally hydrated.

• Avoid eating a very large or heavy meal immediately before your appointment.

• Avoid excessive alcohol before treatment.

• Tell your therapist about any areas of pain, injury, swelling or tenderness.

• Tell us about any recent surgery, medical procedures or significant injuries.

• Let us know about any medical conditions that may affect your treatment.

• Tell us about medication that may be relevant to massage, particularly medication affecting bleeding, circulation or sensation.

• Let us know if you're pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

• Tell us about any allergies or sensitivities to oils, creams or other products.

• Let your therapist know if your health has changed since your previous appointment.

You don't need to prepare your muscles or exercise before treatment.

When Might Massage Need to Be Adapted or Postponed?

Massage isn't suitable in every circumstance.

Please tell your therapist if you:

• have a fever or are currently significantly unwell

• have an active contagious illness or infection

• have a blood clot, suspected DVT or history that may be relevant

• have unexplained swelling, redness, heat or pain in a limb

• have a recent significant injury, fracture or acute inflammation

• have recently had surgery

• have an open wound, active skin infection or contagious skin condition

• have significant bruising or bleeding problems

• take anticoagulant medication

• have reduced or altered sensation

• have significant osteoporosis or another condition affecting bone strength

• have a significant heart or circulatory condition

• have cancer or are currently undergoing cancer treatment

• are pregnant

• have another significant medical condition that your therapist should be aware of.

Having a medical condition doesn't automatically mean you cannot have massage.

In many cases the treatment can simply be adapted, a particular area avoided, or a gentler technique used. Occasionally we may recommend seeking advice from an appropriate healthcare professional before treatment.

Do not stop prescribed medication in order to have a massage.

Pregnancy

Please tell us if you're pregnant, including during the early stages of pregnancy.

Massage can often be adapted appropriately during pregnancy, but your therapist will consider your stage of pregnancy, medical history and any pregnancy-related complications before treatment.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, unexplained bleeding, significant swelling, severe headache, high blood pressure or another pregnancy-related concern, seek advice from your maternity team rather than using massage to manage the symptoms.

Cancer & Cancer Treatment

A history of cancer doesn't automatically mean that massage is unsuitable.

However, massage may need to be adapted depending on your individual circumstances, particularly if you're currently receiving treatment, have recently had surgery, have lymphoedema or are at increased risk of bruising, infection or blood clots.

Please discuss this with your therapist before treatment.

Varicose Veins & Circulation

Having varicose veins doesn't necessarily prevent you from having massage, but direct deep pressure over prominent or painful veins may be avoided.

Tell your therapist if you have unexplained swelling, heat, redness or pain in a limb.

These symptoms can occasionally indicate a medical problem such as a blood clot and should be medically assessed rather than massaged.

During Your Massage

Your therapist will discuss the areas you would like treated and the pressure you prefer.

Massage should not be something you have to endure for it to be effective.

Please tell your therapist at any point if:

• the pressure is too strong or too light

• something feels painful

• you're too hot or cold

• your position is uncomfortable

• you feel dizzy, unwell or uncomfortable

• you'd prefer an area not to be treated.

We can adjust your treatment at any time.

What to Expect Afterwards

Most people feel relaxed following massage.

You may also experience:

• temporary muscular tenderness

• a feeling similar to having exercised

• tiredness or relaxation

• temporary light-headedness when getting up

• increased awareness of areas that were particularly tight or tender.

These effects should generally be mild and settle naturally.

Aftercare

Following your massage:

• Continue your normal hydration.

• Get up slowly if you feel particularly relaxed or light-headed.

• Gentle movement or walking can feel beneficial.

• Avoid immediately doing very strenuous exercise if the muscles feel tender.

• A warm bath or shower may feel comfortable if appropriate for you.

• Allow yourself time to relax if you feel tired following treatment.

• Follow any individual advice your therapist gives you.

There is no need to force yourself to drink excessive amounts of water after massage.

Exercise After Massage

Normal daily activity is generally fine.

If you've had a particularly deep or intensive massage and the muscles feel tender, you may prefer to avoid a heavy workout involving those muscles until they feel comfortable again.

Listen to how your body feels rather than following a fixed period of inactivity.

How Often Should I Have Massage?

There isn't one ideal schedule for everyone.

How often you choose massage will depend on:

• why you're having treatment

• the type of massage

• how your body responds

• your lifestyle and activity levels

• your personal preference.

Some clients book massage regularly for relaxation or muscular tension, while others simply book when they feel they would benefit from treatment.

When Should I Seek Medical Advice?

Massage shouldn't be used to diagnose or treat an unexplained medical problem.

Seek appropriate medical advice if you develop or already have symptoms such as:

• severe or unexplained pain

• significant swelling

• a hot, red or swollen limb

• sudden weakness or numbness

• chest pain or shortness of breath

• persistent pain following an injury

• symptoms that are severe, unusual or worsening.

If you experience an unexpected reaction following your massage, please contact Eco Skin Clinic so we can advise you appropriately.