Using Muscle Relaxants & Having a Massage

Posted: March 13th, 2015

Clients must know that they should not be under the influence of any type of medication without the knowledge of the massage therapist. It is in the client's best interest to disclose any and all medications they are taking and health issues they have. Taking a muscle relaxer before a massage will also affect the level of pain and discomfort you may feel after the massage if you already have an issue. It's not wise to mask the pain because it will return when the pill wears off.   Don't take muscle relaxers or prescription pain medication before your massage. You have to be able to fully feel the massage so that your feedback can be given. Of course it is also a bad idea to come to a day spa for a massage when you are in enough pain that warrants the use of strong pain medication.  Massage can sometimes be uncomfortable if you have chronic pain or old injuries. Your therapist needs to be able to understand your comfort zone during your massage. If you take a muscle relaxer and do not tell your massage therapist, you are only looking for trouble later. The muscle relaxer will wear off and your pain level could be a lot worse. This will cause you more stress, and forget about relaxation. It doesn't pay to take chances like that. If you are in that much pain, it really needs to be addressed with your physician before you consider a massage spa treatment.   Muscle relaxants are often prescribed to treat pain caused by injury or a chronic condition like various autoimmune diseases. Be aware, muscle relaxers do not heal a problem. They provide temporary pain relief by acting with the central nervous system. Muscle relaxants can be addictive and have negative side effects.