Should I see my GP before having a massage?

You can enjoy a massage without seeing your GP.

Massage from a qualified therapist is safe for most people.

Your therapist will take a detailed consultation with you and will adapt your treatment to suit your needs.

Do I need to tell my massage therapist about my health?

Please tell us if any of the following apply, so we can adapt your treatment:

• Heart or circulatory conditions including high blood pressure, angina, haemophilia, varicose veins.
• Swelling.
• You’re in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Please book a specialist pregnancy massage.
• You are recently post-partum.
• Diabetes (type 1 or 2).
• Infections or skin conditions including athlete’s foot, verrucae.
• Arthritis including axial spondyloarthropathy, spondylosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Osteoporosis.
• Recent sprains or strains.
• Slipped disc or other disc injury. It may be better to see an osteopath or chiropractor if you have a painful disc injury.
• Sciatica. It may be better to see an osteopath or chiropractor if you have painful sciatica.
• Asthma.
• Cancer or previous cancer treatment.
• Any other treatment you’re having, including other massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture.

In rare circumstances we may ask you to check with your GP before having a massage.

When shouldn’t I have a massage?

Do not have a massage if any of the following apply:

• You have a high temperature >37.8°C
• You are nauseous, experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting.
• You have an infectious disease such as measles, ringworm, scabies, flu.
• You’re in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• You’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• You’ve had an accident, major injury or surgery within the last 3 months, including whiplash.
• You’re currently suffering from migraine. You can safely have a massage between migraine attacks.
• You are unable to give informed consent for your massage e.g. intellectual disability, dementia, psychosis, recreational or prescription drugs.

We always recommend informing your GP of changes to your health and wellbeing. Please see your GP if you have unexplained lumps, skin changes, tiredness, weight loss, night pain or any other concerning symptoms.

Please ring us on 020 8520 5268 with any other questions or queries and we’ll be happy to help.