When to Cancel Your Massage: Protecting Your Health and Your Therapist

Massage therapy is undeniably beneficial, offering relaxation, relief from pain, and a myriad of other health advantages. However, as the cold and flu season approaches, it’s crucial to recognize that there are times when it’s better to skip your massage session. Understanding when to cancel your massage appointment can help protect both your health and that of your therapist. Here’s why:

Your Body Needs to Focus on Healing

When you’re feeling under the weather, your body’s primary task is to combat the illness. Contrary to what you might think, receiving a massage isn’t a passive activity. Massage stimulates various systems in your body, causing physiological changes that require energy to manage. This diversion of energy can reduce your body’s ability to fight infections effectively. Therefore, knowing when to cancel your massage can actually aid in your recovery process.

The Discomfort Factor

While the idea of lying on a warm, cushioned massage table might seem inviting when you’re ill, the reality can be quite different. For instance, placing your congested head into the face cradle can intensify your discomfort due to gravity and pressure, making breathing difficult. Even if your therapist performs a sinus-draining face massage, the temporary relief might not outweigh the overall discomfort, leaving you feeling worse by the end of the session. This is another critical reason when to cancel your massage becomes evident.

Risk of Contagion

Another important consideration is the risk of spreading your illness. Most winter viruses are contagious even before you start showing symptoms. If you come in for a massage while you’re sick, you could unknowingly pass the virus to your therapist, who can then spread it to other clients. Understanding when to cancel your massage is essential to prevent this chain of infection.

Impact on Your Therapist’s Livelihood

When your massage therapist gets sick, they often need to cancel appointments and take time off work. Unlike employees who receive paid sick leave, self-employed therapists rely on their scheduled sessions for income. Missing work due to illness can have significant financial implications for them. Responsible therapists may have a fund set aside for such situations, but they’d much prefer to use those savings for positive purposes, like enhancing their services or taking a well-deserved vacation. By recognizing when to cancel your massage, you’re helping your therapist stay healthy and maintain their business.

Recognizing When to Cancel Your Massage: Key Signs and Symptoms

To help both you and your therapist stay healthy, here are specific guidelines for when to cancel your massage appointment:

• Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea: If you have experienced any of these symptoms in the past 24 hours, or if you’re still recovering from them, it’s best to reschedule.
• Fever or Related Symptoms: This includes any fever, chills, aches, or fatigue you’ve had in the past 24 hours, even if you’re managing your fever with medication.
• Respiratory Symptoms: If you have a persistent cough, or if you’re sneezing and have a runny nose and aren’t certain it’s due to seasonal allergies, it’s better to stay home. Even with allergies, the discomfort might make the massage less effective.
• Household Illness: If someone in your home is sick and you’re starting to feel unwell, it’s wise to cancel as a precaution.

Navigating the Gray Areas

If you find yourself in a recovery phase or are unsure about your symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your therapist before your appointment. Discussing your condition can help you both decide if it’s safe and beneficial for you to proceed with the massage. Knowing when to cancel your massage can help ensure you make the best decision for your health and well-being.

During any season, being mindful of your health and the health of your therapist is paramount. Canceling your massage when you’re sick ensures that your body can focus on healing and prevents the spread of illness. Remember, knowing when to cancel your massage goes a long way in keeping everyone healthy and ensuring you can enjoy the full benefits of massage therapy when you’re well again.