02/04/2026
When you’re feeling sick and achy it might sound like a great idea to come in for a nice warm massage and have your aches and pains soothed by healing hands. In reality, it’s actually NEVER a good idea to come in for a massage when you’re sick!!!
Massage does boost the immune system and relieve your tension. However, when your body is already fighting off a virus due to a cold or flu, a massage can actually make things worse.
Massage increases circulation throughout the body. With this increased circulation and manipulation of the muscles, it releases and/or pushes metabolic waste through your system faster than normal. When you are already dealing with symptoms in the early stages of the sickness, the massage can increase your symptoms and make you feel worse.Your body is already having to fight off the virus, you don’t want to be adding to it. Best idea is to stay home and rest.
“I have a cold, not the flu or a bacterial infection. Is it serious enough to reschedule my massage?”
Yes. It can be difficult to distinguish between a cold, the flu, and certain bacterial infections. In fact, both viruses and bacteria can cause some illnesses. Bronchitis and sinus infections are two examples.
“I don’t think I’m contagious. Should I reschedule?”
Yes. You cannot know for certain whether or not you can spread viruses or bacteria.
* You may spread a virus one day before symptoms develop.
* You may spread a virus if you still have symptoms—even if you have almost recovered.
* You may spread bacteria until you take an antibiotic for 72 hours and your symptoms have subsided.
When you’re sick, it’s best to play it safe. I have really low immunity to cold and flu since my pulmonary embolism in 2008, so if you’re sick...PLEASE PLEASE reschedule! Don’t share your illness with me. When I’m sick I can’t work. When I can’t work I don’t get paid. There are no paid sick days when you’re self employed. It affects all the many upcoming client’s appointments that I have to cancel as well. I will do my very best to help you get rescheduled ASAP.
I’ve had a few people show up really sick recently. Please just don’t! You may be asked to leave. Please don’t put me in that awkward position.
Thank you! 😊
