Indications for Massage

By Jennifer Richards 2025

1. Musculoskeletal Conditions

Muscle tension and tightness Chronic pain (e.g., back, neck, shoulders)

Muscle strains or sprains (post-acute phase)

Joint pain (non-inflammatory)

Myofascial pain syndrome

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)

Poor posture or postural imbalances

Tendonitis (in subacute or chronic stages)

Trigger points

2. Circulatory and Lymphatic Support

Edema (non-cardiac and non-infectious)

Lymphedema (specialized training required)

Poor circulation

Varicose veins (with caution)

Recovery after surgery (with medical clearance)

3. Nervous System and Stress-Related Issues

Stress and anxiety

Insomnia

Headaches and migraines (especially tension-type)

Depression (as adjunct support)

Fatigue and burnout

Sensory integration challenges (especially in children or neurodivergent adults)

4. Digestive and Abdominal Complaints

Constipation (abdominal massage)

Bloating or sluggish digestion (with gentle techniques)

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptom relief

5. Respiratory Conditions

Asthma (non-acute)

Bronchitis (chronic stage)

Shallow breathing patterns

Rib or diaphragm tension

6. Reproductive and Hormonal Health

Menstrual cramps

PMS symptoms

Prenatal support (pregnancy massage)

Postnatal recovery

Perimenopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, sleep disturbance)

7. Rehabilitation and Recovery

Post-operative recovery (with physician approval)

Injury rehabilitation

Scar tissue mobilization

Increasing range of motion and flexibility

8. Wellness and Preventative Care

General relaxation

Enhancing body awareness

Supporting immune function

Maintaining mobility and flexibility

Complementing other wellness or medical treatments

9. Special Populations

Geriatric care (improving circulation, easing joint stiffness)

Oncology patients (with specialized training)

People with chronic illnesses (e.g., fibromyalgia, EDS, lupus — with modifications)

Athletes (performance, recovery, injury prevention)