How to Know Your Massage Is Safe (Yes, It Matters)

Let’s get this straight—massage therapy, when it’s done by a well-trained and experienced therapist, is generally very safe. If you’re seeing a licensed massage therapist in Surprise or Sun City Grand who knows their stuff and works with care, the risk to your health is extremely low.

But here’s the catch: you should be just as picky choosing a massage therapist as you are choosing a doctor, dentist, or mechanic. Check licenses. Ask questions. Get referrals. This isn’t the time to be shy.

One of the smartest questions you can ask any therapist before booking is:

“Are there any health conditions that would make massage a bad idea, and why?”

If their answer is vague or dodgy, that’s a red flag. A competent therapist should be able to name specific conditions and explain the risks clearly. Here are a few big ones:

1. Cancer

Massage can absolutely help people with cancer feel better—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Different cancers and treatments affect the body in different ways. Some massage techniques might offer real relief, while others could cause serious complications.

Before any massage happens, the client’s medical provider needs to be looped in. Here’s why:

Fragile bones: Cancer and certain treatments can weaken bones, making fractures more likely under pressure.

Bleeding risks: Deep work can trigger internal bleeding if clotting is compromised.

Tumor concerns: There’s debate about whether massage spreads tumors. We don’t mess around with that—we avoid tumor sites entirely to be safe.

Lymphedema: If lymph nodes were removed, some massage techniques can make swelling worse.

Flu-like symptoms: Chemo can make the body react unpredictably after massage.

Pain flare-ups: Cancer patients often deal with high pain levels already, so any post-massage soreness can be extra rough.

Bottom line: massage for cancer patients can be beneficial, but it requires coordination with a medical team and careful adjustments. No guesswork.

2. Immediately Post-Surgery

If you’ve just had surgery, your body is still healing inside and out. Pressing too hard on or near the area can cause bleeding, reopen incisions, or mess with clotting. It’s best to wait until your doctor gives the all-clear before getting a massage—especially anything deep or targeted.

3. Skin Conditions

If you’ve got a rash, infection, or sores, that area shouldn’t be touched. Massage can make skin issues worse or spread bacteria to other parts of the body. A good therapist will work around problem spots or recommend waiting until it’s cleared up.

The Takeaway

Massage is incredibly safe for most people when the therapist knows what they’re doing and communicates openly about your health. If you have any medical concerns, talk with your doctor first, then book with a licensed therapist who respects those boundaries.

At Vital Kneads Massage in Surprise, AZ, I take this seriously. I work with a lot of active adults in Sun City Grand and the surrounding areas, and my job isn’t just to make you feel good for an hour—it’s to make sure the work I do is safe and effective for your body.

If you’ve got questions about whether massage is right for you, let’s talk. You can check my availability or book online at www.vitalkneads.net.