Safe Techniques: How to Stay Safe During Massage & Bodywork

Want a great massage without the worry? Safe techniques mean simple steps before, during, and after a session that protect your body and your comfort. Use this guide as a checklist so you can relax and enjoy therapy with less risk.

Before Your Session

Do a quick background check. Look for licensed practitioners, clear contact info, and recent reviews. Ask what training they have for the specific treatment you want — prenatal, myofascial, deep tissue, or more unusual services like animal-assisted or machine-based therapy. If a place won’t answer basic questions, walk away.

Tell the practitioner your health facts up front: pregnancy, surgeries, blood thinners, chronic conditions, allergies, or recent injuries. That helps them pick safe techniques and avoid pressure or moves that could cause harm. If you’re unsure about a specific therapy, ask for a short phone call before booking.

Check the space and tools. Treatment rooms should look clean and smell neutral, not overpowering. Oils, candles, and tools should be sealed or cleaned between clients. For electric or mechanical devices, ask about safety checks and who is trained to operate them.

During & After the Session

Set boundaries clearly. Say what you’re comfortable with, where you want pressure, and which areas are off-limits. Use a safe word or simple signals if you prefer not to speak during the session. Good practitioners will pause, check in, and adapt when you ask.

Pay attention to pressure and pain. A deep release can feel intense, but sharp or burning pain is a red flag. If something feels wrong, speak up immediately. For hands-on internal work or intimate techniques, ensure explicit consent and a clear discussion of limits before any touch begins.

Mind hygiene and skin safety. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, request a patch test with oils or topical products. After a session, rinse off excess oils if you feel clogged or break out. If you notice a rash, swelling, or unusual pain after a massage, contact your practitioner and, if needed, a medical provider.

Special therapies need extra caution. For animal-assisted work like snake massage, confirm handlers are trained, animals are regularly health-checked, and local laws allow the practice. For erotic machines or sex-tech devices, use clean, body-safe attachments, avoid sharing without proper disinfection, and keep electrical devices away from water.

Know the warning signs after a session: dizziness that doesn’t pass, sharp new pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding. Follow up with your therapist if something feels off. Keep notes about which techniques helped and which caused issues so future sessions are safer and more effective.

Quick checklist: verify credentials, share health info, set clear boundaries, watch for pain, check cleanliness, and follow up if needed. Use these steps and you’ll get better results with less risk. Want a printable checklist? Ask your practitioner — most will be happy to provide one.