Unlike your doctor, your massage therapist spends a whole hour with you — massaging your tissues, moving fluids around, and helping the body get rid of things that have settled and been there for a long time. Sometimes too long. The body's job is to maintain homeostasis no matter what, and it will do that at the detriment of something it might feel isn't necessary for life. For instance, a leg.
That's the part most people don't realize: an hour of skilled hands on tissue is a clinical event, and it intersects with whatever else is happening in your body whether we know about it or not.
So here's the simple ask: tell us what's going on.
What we can't see
What I've seen recently is a big uptick in people not sharing their medical information, and with massage there are too many unknowns. We are massage practitioners, not MRI or X-Ray machines. We can't see inside the body. We take the medical information you tell us and build a massage plan that aligns with your goals for the treatment, while also making the changes needed to customize the work to your medical situation.
Sharing your information doesn't mean you won't get your massage. It just means we're not putting you at more risk than we do good once you're on the table relaxing.
What can go wrong when we don't know
Here's a real example. If you're prone to thrombosis — a clotting issue usually established in the legs — but you don't share that information with your massage therapist, they may work deeper on your legs than what would otherwise be advised. Their massage could inadvertently cause the body to release a blood clot into the bloodstream, leading to a possible heart attack or stroke.
That's the worst end of the risk spectrum, and most cases are nowhere near that severe. But the principle holds for almost every condition: information we don't have is information we can't account for. Disclosure of all medical conditions is what lets the therapist ensure client safety, enhance the outcomes of treatment, and ensure your comfort while on the table. Everything is customizable, including which strokes we use, where we use them, and how deeply.
What changes when we do know
Here at That's the Rub, we're looking to be your partner in health, not just a one-time relaxation massage. The information you share helps us shape recovery from surgery, recovery from a hard workout, and everything in between.
For instance, I have a regular client who gets bimonthly massage. When they had a knee replacement, we skipped a massage or two while they were in initial recovery. When they started back, we didn't pick up where we left off — we shifted techniques specifically to serve their post-surgical recovery. That helped them recover faster, sleep better, restore range of motion sooner, and have more energy than they would have without massage post-op.
Why does that work? Because we tailored the massage to what their body actually needed in that moment, changed our techniques for better recovery outcomes, AND we didn't put them at undue risk because we understood what was going on. Massage helps the body process the byproducts of anesthesia after surgery by increasing blood circulation. It also calms the nervous system after the stress and tension of any medical procedure, helping the body restabilize and return to homeostasis faster. That homeostatic environment is where the body lives its best life.
We'll dig deeper into how the body handles inflammation specifically in a companion piece coming this week.
What's actually worth sharing
The intake form covers the basics, but here's what clients most often forget to mention that we wish they would:
- Current medications — especially blood thinners, NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, and anything new in the last 90 days
- Recent diagnoses or imaging — even if you don't think it's relevant to massage, your therapist might
- Recent surgeries or procedures — including dental work, cosmetic procedures, and anything outpatient
- Family history of clotting disorders — particularly DVT, pulmonary embolism, or stroke before age 65
- Autoimmune conditions — RA, lupus, MS, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, or anything that affects how your tissue responds
- Pregnancy or trying to conceive — first-trimester clients especially
- Skin sensitivities or allergies — including allergies to oils, lotions, scents, latex, or nuts (we use almond and other nut-based oils)
- Areas of recent injury — even minor ones, even if they're feeling fine that day
- High or fluctuating blood pressure — affects how we work the neck and how quickly we transition you from lying to sitting
If you're not sure whether something matters, mention it anyway. The two-minute conversation is always worth more than the wrong assumption.
Your information is confidential
The information you share with us is confidential, just like the information you share with your doctor. It lives on your intake file, gets reviewed by your therapist before each appointment, and isn't shared outside our team. We use it to make better clinical decisions for you, and for nothing else.
What the research shows
The case for sharing this information is more than just safety — when your therapist has the full picture, the work goes further.
The American Massage Therapy Association reports that massage therapy can reduce post-operative pain, stress, and even the need for pain medications. It also supports reducing scar tissue and improving range of motion. A comprehensive meta-analysis of 33 randomized controlled trials, published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, found that massage therapy significantly reduces post-surgical pain, both short-term and long-term.
Those results require a therapist who knows what they're treating. The clinical work is built on the medical context. Without it, we're guessing.
Before your next appointment
When you choose That's the Rub, we consider the body in its entirety, not just relaxation in the moment. We want to get long-term results and help you with your health care for the long haul. That means sharing more information than you think you might need, so the proper massage techniques get used at the proper time to get you the best results for your goals.
Before your next session, take five minutes to update your intake form with anything new since your last visit. If you have a complex situation or have had a recent procedure, reach out to us first and we'll talk through it before you book.
That's the Rub,
Lisa
This article is educational and reflects clinical observation, not medical advice. If you have a specific medical condition or concern about whether massage is right for you, please consult your physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to tell my massage therapist about my medical conditions?
Yes. Even conditions that seem unrelated to massage can change what techniques are safe or effective for you. Sharing your medical history protects your safety on the table and makes the work more effective.
Is what I tell my massage therapist confidential?
Yes. Your intake information lives on your client file, is reviewed only by your therapist before sessions, and is not shared outside the practice.
Can I still get a massage if I have a serious medical condition?
In most cases, yes — but the type of massage, the depth of pressure, and the areas worked may change based on the condition. Some conditions require physician clearance first, and your therapist can tell you when that's the case.
What happens if I forgot to mention something at intake?
Tell your therapist as soon as you remember, even mid-session. We'd rather pause and adjust than continue treatment that isn't right for you.
Is post-surgery massage safe?
Post-surgical massage can be beneficial for recovery — reducing pain, swelling, scar tissue, and helping restore range of motion — but timing and technique matter. Most surgeons clear patients for massage at specific points in recovery. Always tell your therapist about recent surgery, and bring any physician clearance you've been given.
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