Before you consider undertaking massage therapy you should be aware of various health factors in order that you can derive the most benefits of what it can offer you. Apart from it being able to help relieve muscular problems, a few others factors are important like what are the different types, what are the risks, if there are any side effects and whether or not it should substitute conventional medicine?

For starters, there are more than 10 types being used to date. Some examples of these include reflexology, shiatsu, back, Thai, hot stone, deep tissue, facial, Indian Head, aromatherapy and Swedish.

There are only a few serious risks with regards to massage therapy and this can be avoided if you take the proper precautions. The first thing to do will be to consult with your doctor if you have any concerns to reassure yourself that it is safe for you to see a masseuse. They will advise you on the contraindications that you must adhere to in order not to put yourself at risk.

Patients who have the following conditions should not undergo massage therapy. These include deep vein thrombosis that happens to be a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs, a bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, damaged blood vessels and weakened bones from osteoporosis, a recent fracture, or cancer.

Other conditions in which massage should not be used included suffering from a fever, if you have an open wound, damaged nerves, acute inflammation, an infection or have been medically diagnosed with any kind of tumor. Certain conditions could also be dangerous if you decide to have this therapy. These include pregnancy, cancer, fragile skin, heart problems, dermatomyositis and a history of physical abuse.

You must be aware that there can be side effects related to massage therapy. These include such matters as temporary pain, bruising to the skin, swelling or incidents of sensitivity plus any allergy to aromatherapy oils used by massuers.

Don't be under the misunderstanding that massage therapy can be used as a substitute for regular medical care. If your doctor tells you that you can see a specialist, do some research about the person. You should check on their credentials or licenses, years of experience and training. It is always prudent to enquire of your massueur if they possess specialised training to assist you in your recovery or therapy for a medical condition.

It wouldn't hurt to also ask if they use other practices aside from massage therapy to help their patients. Examples are the use of herbs and even requesting that the patient undertake a particular diet.

Part of the criteria should include giving you privacy when you change, he or she covers your body for modesty and warmth, inquires before beginning the session what part of the body you want worked on, asks for feedback as to how they are doing and accommodates requests for less or more intense pressure.

The best part about massage therapy is that it can provide relief without the need to ingest pain killing drugs and knowing some facts about it will be beneficial, so you understand the techniques of what it entails once you visit the masseuse.