RichardBodywork Massage Therapy Philadelphia and Montgomery County PA logo Richard Bodywork Therapeutic Massage Banner for deep tissue swedish therapy around philadelphia
On-site service in Northeast Montgomery County
267.471.8356
Home Button for information on massage therapist, trigger point therapy, stress relief near Philadelphia, north wales, tropper, jeffersonville, norristown Button for scheduling a massage therapist, trigger point therapy, stress relief near Philadelphia, king of prussia, blue bell, plymouth meeting Background Button for information on Richard Babillis massage therapist, providing trigger point therapy, stress relief near Philadelphia, Lafayette hill, Whitemarsh Information on massage therapist, trigger point therapy, stress relief near Philadelphia, Flourtown, Fort Washington, Lower Gwynedd
Information Massage Basics and massage therapist, trigger point therapy, stress relief near Philadelphia and Upper Gwynedd

Types of Massage and massage therapist, trigger point therapy, stress relief near Philadelphia and Lower Merion Gwynedd

Massage & Stress therapist, trigger point therapy, stress relief near Philadelphia and Springhouse, PA

Corporate and Business Massage, trigger point therapy, stress relief near Philadelphia and Ambler, PA

When and When not to receive massage near Philadelphia and Erdenheim, PA

Your First Visit to a massage therapist, trigger point therapy, stress relief near Philadelphia and Conshohocken, PA

When & When Not Massage Is Appropriate

There are many benefits to massage, but there are also times when massage is inappropriate. Sometimes this is common sense and sometimes it is very specific to medications, condition, and other therapies. You must make your therapist aware of any medical condition or treatment. In some cases, you need your doctor to provide a signed medical release or massage prescription to best compliment your return to health. Some of these conditions include:
  AIDS - In general, AIDS does not contradict receiving massage but a medical release is required. Some medications and therapies can be adversely affected by massage as it accelerates the lymph and circulatory systems. Your physician may be able to recommend specific massage regimens and other alternative therapies to compliment your treatment program.  
 
 
  Aneurysm - Massage is contraindicated.  
 
 
  Arthritis - If you are taking prescription drugs for arthritis, a medical release from your physician is required. Generally massage does not interfere with arthritis but it can interfere with certain medications. Your doctor and I can work together to create a complimentary treatment plan.  
 
 
  Arteriosclerosis - Massage is contraindicated.  
 
 
  Back Problems - Generally massage is one of the best remedies for back problems. If you being treated by a doctor for back problems, a medical release is required. These conditions should be coordinated between medical providers. Your doctor most likely has x-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic tools which provide insight towards appropriate treatment. Your doctor cannot share this information without a medical release.  
 
 
  Cancer - Cancer requires a medical release. Many treatment plans can be affected by massage. As massage increases lymphatic activity, aggressive metastasizing cancers might be advanced by massage. Yet the calming affect of massage can be therapeutic in cancer recovery. Consult your doctor to see if massage fits your treatment plan.  
 
 
  Chronic Pain - Massage is an appropriate remedy for many chronic pain conditions. If you are being treated by a physician for chronic pain, a medical release is required. In addition to the medical release, you might ask for a massage prescription to coordinate treatment plans.  
 
 
  Circulation Problems - Circulation problems require a medical release from your physician. Massage can increase circulation and lymphatic drainage which is contraindicated for a compromised circulation system.  
 
 
  Epilepsy Seizures - There are several massage techniques that show promise in treating epilepsy. Unfortunately, I am not trained in these disciplines and recommend you find a therapist who is certified in treating this condition.  
 
 
  Fatigue - If you are taking medication prescribed by your physician for fatigue, a medical release is required. Fatigue can result from stress or from a number of life threatening diseases. Massage is one of the best therapies for stress related disorders, including fatigue, and I highly recommend you pursue this treatment. However, if your symptomology indicates the possibility of disease, you must be seen by your physician.  
 
 
  Fractures - A medical release is generally required. Massage is contraindicated for 8 to 12 weeks after the injury. Bear in mind, a broken toe forbids working on a foot, but you can receive a massage for a sore back. A broken arm might require foregoing massage altogether until the arm is healed. For this reason, a medical release is required.  
Geriatric - Geriatrics is a population that requires specialized training. I am not certified in geriatric care yet many of my clients are well into their retirement. I treat geriatrics on a case-by-case basis as I know many seniors are active and fit. Yet I am mindful that many require a therapist with specialized training. If I suspect your condition exceeds my training, I will refer you to a therapist who is certified in providing appropriate care.  
 
Heart conditions - Some heart conditions contradict massage since massage can increase the rate of circulation and uptake by the lymph system. If you have a heart condition, ask your physician if massage is appropriate, and if so, obtain a medical release.  
 
Inflammation - Generally inflammation due to injury does not interfere with massage; the inflamed area and regions beyond the inflammation are avoided. Inflammation due to disease generally contraindicates massage.  
 
Infection - If you have an infectious disease, please wait until you are not contagious to receive a massage. This means a cold, conjunctivitis (pink eye), bubonic plague, any condition that will make someone else sick. Regardless of whether a massage will make you feel better, there are some things best kept to oneself.  
 
Osteoporosis - Osteoporosis requires a medical release. While it does not prohibit massage, only certain techniques may be used to avoid injury.  
 
Post-Operative - Post-operative conditions require a medical release.  
 
Pregnancy - Pregnancy massage requires special training and generally should be avoided in the first trimester. I am not certified in pregnancy massage and therefore unqualified to provide this service. I recommend you find another therapist who is certified in this discipline.  
 
Psychotic Episodes - Psychotic episodes can be triggered by massage. My training does not include training in dealing with these occurrences. I recommend finding a therapist who is certified in this specialty.  
 
Recent Injury or Acute Pain - Massage is contraindicated. Consult your physician. In general, massage works best in post-acute care. If you just twisted your ankle, see your doctor, not a masseuse.  
 
Skin Infections, Lesions & Burns - Massage is locally contraindicated. If you are being treated by a physician, a medical release is required. Most of these conditions simply require common sense. If you have a wart, plantar's wart, athletes foot, a boil, or other local skin lesion, massage can quickly spread the infection. Avoiding the area is the proper protocol. However, some conditions contraindicate massage all together. If you have a small burn from cooking dinner, we can skip the area. If you have a sunburn, we can reschedule.  
 
Substance Abuse - If you are taking medication for substance abuse, a medical release is required since massage can interact with many medications. If you are under the influence, massage will be denied. If you smoked marijuana at Woodstock, good for you.  
Disclaimer: My lawyers told me to tell you and your lawyers the following: I do not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information. Massage is not meant to replace any medical therapy. Always consult your physician for any medical question. I am not liable for any actions or assumptions you undertake based on this information. Use of this information demonstrates your acceptance of these terms and disclaimer.
© Copyright 2005 - All rights reserved - Richard Bodywork