Why Won't My Massage Therapist Massage Me?

You are desperate for a massage, search through Google, and find a therapist with great reviews and is close by.

So you call, and after a few questions, the therapist declines your booking.

Or you book with your favourite massage therapist, come to the appointment and she asks to reschedule your booking for another day.

Why do therapists turn down bookings?

There are lots of reasons including massage being contraindicated to your health condition, professional reasons such as the therapist feeling they would not be able to do the style of massage you request, or they may just be really busy and aren't taking new clients.

Here are some of the common reasons why therapists say no to your booking.

Why Massage Therapists Turn Down Bookings

Contraindications To Massage

Contraindications are medical conditions where massage is not recommended. Massage is a really powerful thing to do to your body, there are lots of ways that massage has a strong effect on the systems of your body.

1. Colds, Flu And Fever

   If you are ill, have a runny nose, fever or sore throat from a cold, it is unlikely your massage therapist will massage you. Primarily because they don't want to catch what you have!

If you come down with any of these, it's polite to call your therapist, let them know, and reschedule for another time. For massage therapists, we can't work remotely from home when we get sick, so us catching what you may have will impact all of our bookings and clients for the next week.

Also, having a massage while you are face down with a cold is not fun. Your sinuses will block up even more and you will be uncomfortable the whole massage. Whilst we can clear your sinuses with massage while you are face up, coughing and sneezing through a massage is not enjoyable for you or your therapist.

From a health perspective, massage stimulates your immune system. When this system is already working hard to fight off the flu virus, having a massage will put more stress on it. It can make you feel worse, more tired and congested. Give your body a break, and let it fight off the infection before you go get a massage.

2. Blood Clots

This is a really important one to tell your therapist about. Massage, especially deep tissue or trigger point massage, can release clots in your body that can be dangerous. They don't directly cause the clots, but dislodge existing ones.

Massage is powerful in increasing blood flow in the body. Once a clot is released, it can move to the brain and cause a stroke, or to the heart can cause a heart attack.

Similarly, a professional massage therapist won't massage over varicose veins, as this may dislodge clots and cause other issues. So if you do have blood clots, please consult with your doctor first and let your therapist know.

3. Fragile Bones

If you have osteoporosis that is quite advanced, massage may not be for you. Although therapists do not massage bones or manipulate the spine, deep tissue massage, or massage that involves a lot of stretching, may cause injuries to the brittle bones.

When massaging in an aged care facility, it is important for therapists to gain a full medical history of their client to ensure that no harm is done. Instead a very soft style massage maybe okay for these clients, but it's important to gain a GP or specialist approval beforehand.

4. Pregnancy When It Is High Risk

If you are pregnant and wanting a massage, that can be hugely beneficial, a therapist may not take your booking if you are high risk. For any pregnancy massage, it is important to book a therapist that is specifically trained in that modality.

A therapist who is not trained may say no to your booking as it is a specialist massage style, and training is needed to ensure it is done in a safe manner for the Mum and baby. Even experienced, trained pregnancy massage therapists may ask for doctor approval before taking your booking, and perhaps for you to sign a waiver.

5. Rashes, Cuts, Bruises

Your massage therapist still may take your booking if you have these, but just massage around the areas affected. If you are on blood thinners or any medication that can cause bruising, your therapist will probably not do a deep tissue style massage. Again, if you have DVT, your therapist won't massage you.

With rashes, they will probably want to know what caused it to ensure any essential oils or products won't irritate other parts of your skin. Please let your therapist know of any allergies you may have.

Professional Reasons

1. Scope Of Practice

Different massage therapists are trained in different styles of massage, and some massage styles require further professional training that your therapist may not have.

For example, pregnancy massage and lymphatic drainage are often not taught at the Certificate IV level of massage. Similarly your therapist may not feel they are suited to the style of massage you are after. A therapist that is purely a relaxation massage therapist may not feel they could give you a really great deep tissue sports massage.

2. Fully Booked

Often really great therapists get booked out in advance, especially if they already have a large number of regular clients. Last minute on the day massages can sometimes be hard to find.

It's always a good idea to book in advance, and if you are a regular client, to rebook after your massage.

3. Punctuality. Frequently Cancelling And Hygiene

Sometimes things happen. There is huge traffic on the motorway and you are delayed. Or your child comes home from school sick and you just can't make your massage appointment.

These things happen, but if you frequently are late or cancel, don't expect your massage therapist to keep taking your bookings. If you are late, your treatment may be cut short as the therapist will often have other commitments afterwards.

Similarly hygiene. No one likes to massage someone who hasn't showered recently (nuf said).

4. You Are Very Drunk

If you are very drunk, having a massage is not going to end well. Massage is really powerful and increases the blood flow around your body, so those few drinks you had before your massage will soon feel like a whole lot more.

Similarly, if you had a big drinking night the night before, a massage may make you feel a whole lot worse, as it will dehydrate your body and intensify your hangover.

So do yourself, and your massage therapist, a favour and limit your drinks before your massage or book for another day.

5. You Ask For "Extras"

As professional massage therapists, we have heard every euphemism for sex work. Tantric massage, sensual massage, extras, you name it, we've heard it. So if you use any of these phrases you are likely to be turned down.

Great massage therapists go through many years of training to do what we do in a professional and safe manner. If you are after other services, please don't contact massage therapists for these.