Should I Get a Massage When I’m Sick?

[Ethan_Oleh]

This is a question often asked by those who are new to massage therapy.  If you’ve got the sniffles or you’re not feeling well generally you ought to cancel that appointment and come back when you’re feeling better.

Pros and Cons of Getting a Massage When You’re Sick

 

Illness brings a lot of stress on the body, and toxins are attacking within you.  Getting better means getting those bad bugs out.  Massage helps stimulate circulation and release of toxins.  But depending on how you’re feeling, that could be a good thing – but it may be more than your body can handle.  A massage at the onset of a cold or flu may seem like it can help reduce its duration, but it can actually make the illness last longer. Having bodywork when you’re completely sapped from coping with illness for days adds a stress load that’s too much for your body.  It’s already waging war on those toxins, which is an energy drain.  Flushing out even more nasty stuff for your system to deal with could overload your immune system.  Here are some things we do know about massage when you’re sick.

• Getting a massage when you have a cold or flu could overload your immune system.
• A fever means you should stay home.  Schedule an appointment once your temp is back to normal.
• If your stomach is already slightly upset, this probably isn’t the best time for a massage, since newly-released toxins could make you feel even more nauseated.

There’s also the issue of contagion to consider.  Spreading those virus germs around a warm, closed-in space for an hour is a bad idea. Therapists are diligent to use anti-bacterial and anti-viral cleaning practices after each bodywork session, but they don’t want to catch your illness. 

If you’re already sore, achy, and sensitive, a hot bath, a cup of herbal tea, and a good rest might be the best prescription.  Then when you’re feeling better, call your massage therapist to schedule an appointment.  

Edited February 14, 2018 by Ethan_Oleh