10/06/2019
Massage vs Colds and Flu
Some might think that it could be a good idea. Massage does boost the immune system and relieve your tension. However, when your body is already fighting off a virus due to a cold or flu, a massage can actually make things worse.
Massage increases circulation throughout the body. With this increased circulation and manipulation of the muscles, it releases and/or pushes metabolic waste through your system faster than normal.
Have you ever gotten a massage and noticed about halfway through you might be getting a little congested? That is something I notice is quite common with my clients. That is a sign your body is ridding itself of waste, it gets a little backed up in the sinuses. When you are already dealing with symptoms in the early stages of the sickness, the massage can increase your symptoms and make you feel worse. Your body is already having to fight off the virus, you don’t want to be adding to it.
Best idea is to stay home and rest. If you are too sick to go to work, probably too sick to get a massage.
Make sure you are past the initial, acute stage of the sickness. Never come in for a massage if you are contagious. That is just being considerate of your therapist and the other clients.
My advice if you are wondering if you should get a massage while you are sick would be to just stay home. Your therapist won’t mind rescheduling your appointment, and they should send you home if you show up with a sickness.
We are in a small room working closely with you, with little ventilation, and germs can spread through the air easily in those conditions. If we do not get sick, one of our other clients is more prone to catch it. Best for everybody if you come back when you are feeling better!
(Performance Bodywork)