02/12/2026
Sometimes the most professional thing I can do…
is say no.
Not because I don’t want to help you.
Not because I’m being difficult.
But because massage affects circulation, inflammation, nerves, and healing—and timing matters.
Massage is powerful.
And powerful things require good judgment.
There are times I may pause, modify, or reschedule your session, such as:
• Fever, cold, flu, or active infection.
Massage increases circulation and lymphatic movement. When your body is fighting illness, this can spread symptoms, increase fatigue, and slow recovery.
• Recent illness where you’re “mostly better” but not fully recovered.
If your immune system is still working overtime, massage can leave you feeling wiped out instead of restored.
• Recent surgery, injections, or medical procedures.
Your tissues need time to close, settle, and heal. Massage too soon can disrupt that process and increase inflammation or pain.
• Blood clots, clotting disorders, or unexplained leg pain/swelling.
Massage can increase the risk of a clot moving. This is a safety issue, not a comfort issue.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart conditions, or cardiovascular instability.
Massage influences the nervous system and circulation. If these aren’t well managed, massage can place unnecessary strain on the body.
• Acute injuries (new strains, sprains, tears).
If it’s hot, swollen, or sharply painful, your body is protecting itself. Massage at this stage can delay healing instead of helping.
• Severe inflammation or flare-ups of chronic conditions.
During a flare, your body is already overwhelmed. Massage may need to be lighter, targeted, or postponed.
• Skin infections, rashes, open wounds, or contagious skin conditions.
This protects both you and others, and prevents spreading infection or irritating compromised skin.
• Bruising, fragile capillaries, or blood-thinning medications.
Pressure may need to be modified—or avoided—to prevent excessive bruising or tissue damage.
• Recent fractures, osteoporosis, or fragile connective tissue.
Massage must be carefully adapted to avoid injury or stress to weakened structures.
• Severe nerve pain, numbness, or unexplained tingling.
These can be signs of nerve compression or underlying issues that need medical evaluation first.
• Dehydration, hangovers, or severe exhaustion.
Massage increases fluid movement. Without proper hydration, you may feel dizzy, sore, or unwell afterward.
• If your intake doesn’t match what your body is showing me.
Your body always tells the truth—even when we want it to say “go ahead.”
If I slow things down, change the plan, or reschedule, it isn’t rejection.
It’s professionalism.
Massage should support healing, not compete with it.
Sometimes care means modification.
Sometimes it means rest.
And sometimes it means waiting until your body is ready.
🖤 Thank you for being honest on your intake
🖤 Thank you for trusting my clinical judgment
🖤 And thank you for understanding that boundaries are part of ethical care
Your safety will always come before a service.
—Black Dahlia Massage Therapy
