massage with an injury - yes or no??

In line with current thinking on exercise and injury I am often  being asked about the effectiveness of massage on an injured area. There are a number of things that would mean a massage would need to be adapted and a very few reasons for not having one at all, and it is always worth asking a therapist before booking if any condition may alter your treatment.

It is now viewed that moderate exercise is beneficial to recovery and gentle massage too can assist in healing. A therapist registered with an organisation such as the Federation of Holistic Therapists will have undergone training in Anatomy and Physiology to a good standard for the treatment offered. Don't expect someone trained soley in Indian head massage to be able to give you advice on exercises for Iliotibial Band Syndrome, but someone trained in deep tissue can support a recovery program.

Massage following an operation can ease your body back into the world of movement and many find Manual Lymphatic Drainage really helpful in keeping swelling down whilst they are unable to get up and about. (swollen ankles etc. occur when the Lymph doesn't flow back up to the nodes for a number of reasons including lack of movement because unlike the blood there is no pump to move it round the body and it is pushed around by muscles contracting)

If you have an injury or recent operation you most likely can get a massage and you are highly likely to find it beneficial. Those suffering with long term pain have found massage and aromatherapy a way to cope with the chronic pain and function easier on a daily basis.

Going into offices and not having a full 15 minute consultation before an on site massage my therapists use careful questioning and close observation to gauge what the needs of their client are in regards to recent or long standing injuries and will give the most appropriate support.

Massage is a complementary therapy. I work alongside doctors and other medical staff with them taking the role of lead professional. Massage is not an alternative, if my kids fall and break a limb I would take them to the hospital to get it set and not rub the area with essential oils.

In answer to the question, "yes" most of the time, but we will know when you should avoid a massage.