Who Should Not Get a Deep Tissue Massage? Important Safety Guidelines from The Mark of Massage
At The Mark of Massage in Castle Rock, Colorado, deep tissue massage is a powerful therapeutic tool I’ve used since 2004 to help clients with chronic tension, sports recovery, trigger point issues, and deeper muscle restrictions—alongside modalities like sports massage, Esalen, prenatal, hot stone, and structural integration. Its firm, targeted pressure can deliver real, lasting relief, but because it works on deeper layers of muscle and fascia, it’s not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions make deep tissue unsafe due to risks like increased bruising, dislodging blood clots, fractures, or worsening inflammation.
Deep tissue massage should be avoided (or only attempted with explicit medical clearance from your doctor) in these key situations:
Absolute or Strong Contraindications (Avoid Completely)
1. Blood Clotting Disorders or History of Blood Clots (e.g., Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT)
Firm pressure increases circulation and could dislodge a clot, leading to serious complications like pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart damage.
2. Taking Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants) or Having a Bleeding Disorder
Deep pressure raises the risk of excessive bruising, internal bleeding, or tissue damage.
3. Osteoporosis (Especially Severe or Advanced)
Brittle bones are at high risk of fracture from the sustained, firm pressure used in deep tissue work.
4. Cancer (Particularly Metastatic Cancer or Cancer That Has Spread to the Bones)
Deep pressure may cause fractures in affected bones or potentially stimulate circulation in a way that worsens the condition (always get oncologist approval first; gentler styles may be safer alternatives).
5. Recent Injuries, Surgery, Fractures, or Acute Inflammation
Massage could delay healing, increase swelling, or cause further damage—wait for full medical clearance.
Other Important Precautions (Consult Your Doctor First)
• Pregnancy — Deep abdominal, lower back, or leg pressure is generally avoided due to risks; gentler prenatal massage is safer and preferred.
• Open Wounds, Skin Infections, or Certain Skin Conditions — To prevent spreading infection or aggravating the area.
• Certain Heart Conditions, Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure, or Recent Heart Issues — Deep work can affect circulation and blood pressure.
• Other Conditions like severe diabetes (reduced sensation/poor healing), rheumatoid arthritis/gout in acute stages, or medications that weaken bones/connective tissue (e.g., long-term corticosteroids).
Even for healthy people, deep tissue can cause temporary soreness (like post-workout DOMS), but these risks are minimized with proper screening. In my practice, I always do a thorough intake, communicate throughout, start gently, and adjust pressure based on your feedback—whether in-home (mobile within ~30 minutes of my Castle Rock home office at 216 Douglas Fir Ave, 80104) or in my private lower-level space (fully secluded sessions, with occasional family sounds from upstairs outside the room).
Bottom line: Safety first! If you have any of these conditions or uncertainties, consult your healthcare provider before booking deep tissue. We can often blend gentler techniques (like Swedish-inspired or Esalen) for effective relief without the intensity.
Ready for a session tailored to your needs? Let’s discuss your health history and find the perfect approach—contact The Mark of Massage today!
Sources for Verification (based on 2025–2026 health and industry guidelines):
• Healthline: Avoid if history of blood clots, blood thinners, bleeding disorders, osteoporosis, bone-metastatic cancer, pregnancy, open wounds/skin infections (https://www.healthline.com/health/deep-tissue-massage)
• WebMD: Risks for osteoporosis, certain cancers, blood clots/disorders, fractures; consult doctor for pregnancy, medications, or conditions like heart issues (https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/is-deep-tissue-good-for-you)
• Breeze Academy & Various Professional Sources: Contraindications include clotting disorders, recent injuries/surgery, skin conditions, circulatory issues, chemotherapy/cancer treatment (https://breeze.academy/blog/who-should-not-get-a-deep-tissue-massage/)
• MBLEX Guide & AMTA Guidelines: Deep pressure avoided in acute inflammation, DVT, fractures, bleeding disorders (various massage education resources)
Your health and comfort are my top priorities—hope this helps you decide safely! 😊
