With numerous health benefits associated with massage therapy, such as reducing muscle tension, lowering stress, boosting immune function, and alleviating pain, more and more people are incorporating such treatments into their healthcare routine.
If you’re a woman who’s interested in massage therapy, chances are you’ve wondered if it’s appropriate to have a massage during your period. You may have even already rescheduled an appointment because of this on prior occasions.
This subject can be confusing to many ladies, so let’s answer it once and for all, can you get a massage while on your period?
In short, yes! There’s nothing about having a period that should prevent you from receiving a massage. Although you may not feel the greatest, a massage can actually help alleviate some of the symptoms of your time of the month.
Keep reading to find out more about the possibility of getting a massage during your period, its benefits, and its precautions.
Can You Get a Massage When Menstruating?
While you can definitely get a massage while on your period, the first two days of menstruation may not be the best time for a woman to receive a massage because that’s when abdominal pain is at its worst.
If you’re on your period, perhaps it’s best to schedule your next message on the third or fourth day of menstruation. If you’re experiencing PMS (premenstrual syndrome), it can be a good idea to have a massage during the few days leading up to your periods.
This can help alleviate PMS symptoms including fatigue, stress, anxiety, headaches, cramping, back pain, and increased sensory sensitivity. A massage can reduce stress, relieve soreness, and boost your mood.
Keep in mind that it’s common for massage clinics and parlors to ask if you’re on your period before giving you a massage. This helps the therapist optimize the amount of pressure they should apply without causing you additional discomfort.
Should You Cancel Your Massage Session While On Your Period?
No, there’s no reason for you to cancel a massage appointment while on your period.
However, it’s important to let your therapist know you’re menstruating so that they pay extra attention when massaging your abdominal area. The goal is to apply enough pressure to ease your pain without increasing the blood flow too much.
What Should You Wear to Massage during Your Period?
Now that you decided to get a massage while on your period, you’re probably thinking “what should I wear?”. During that time of the month, you should wear a sanitary pad, a tampon, or a menstrual cup when you go in for a massage.
You can stay in your underwear if you want to feel more secure. Don’t worry, it’s common for people to wear underwear during a massage as a way to overcome the anxiety of being naked in front of the therapist.
Be sure to tell your therapist that you’re on your period so they can adjust the pressure of your massage treatment accordingly. If you decide to be in your underwear, make sure you’re not wearing thick or ornate underwear to your massage session.
Keep things as plain as possible, or better yet, wear sports underwear since they’re lighter, thinner, and tighter fitting than everyday underwear.
Check out our helpful article on what to wear to a massage in more detail!
Wrap Up
So, can you get a massage while on your period? Well, yes you can! There’s nothing about having your period that should prevent you from enjoying a massage.
Although you may not feel too good going in, a massage can help alleviate some of the symptoms of your time of the month so you’ll feel better afterward.
