Dangers of Amateur Massage

Massage involves the application of force and pressure to specific parts of the body to relieve tension and stress,promote relaxation and help in recovering from injuries. A professional massage therapist will know exactly how much force to apply, in what way and for how long so as to maximize the benefits of the massage. However, if the pressure is not applied in the right way to the right places, not only will the massage be unsatisfactory, it could also be hazardous, starting from short term pain to more serious long term injuries. That is why any form of amateur massage can be dangerous. Even if you have had massages from a friend or partner before, on a specific day your body may be more susceptible to injury which neither you or the person giving the massage may be aware of. Or pressure may be accidentally placed on a part of the body that professional therapists avoid because they know the harm that can be caused. There are some parts of the body that experts avoid.

Where ‘Not To’ Massage

There are parts of the body that should not be massaged by a non-professional because of the injury that could be caused. Professional therapists may apply pressure because they know how much to use to be beneficial.

•     The front of the throat.

•     The eyes.

•      A woman’s breasts. This does not apply to men, especially athletes who may need to pave  their pectoral muscles massaged.

•     The spine – excessive direct pressure on the spinal cord must be avoided.

•    The tailbone.

•    The middle of the buttocks (the “butt crack” if slang may be used).

•    The temples – this is a common area to massage for stress relief, but excessive pressure can    lead to headaches or worse.

•    The armpits.

•   The front of the elbows. This is where major blood vessels are located and unwanted pressure here can be counterproductive.

•   The back of the knees for the above said reason.

•    The ankles of pregnant women. Excessive pressure here is known to cause premature labor.

Massage Is Safe

All that has been mentioned here should not put you off from a massage experience. It is a great way to relax and unwind and a wonderful stress and tension buster. The therapeutic benefits of massage are recognized by medical professionals across the globe. The right way to experience the benefits of a massage is to go to a spa and have it done by a licensed therapist who will give you the massage you want and which is right for you while ensuring that no pain or injury is caused. That is why regular visits to a spa are becoming an increasing part of people’s lives.

If you drove a Ferrari or Rolls Royce you would not take it to a hole-in-the-wall mechanic for service or a tune up. You would take it to a specialist. Your body is more sophisticated and complex than any car ever made. Massage is a way of caring for it and tuning it up. Take it to a specialist.