Pathology, Contraindications & Pharmacology
Recognize risk, adapt thoughtfully, and know when to pause or refer.
Lesson 6 of 18
Pharmacology & Massage Implications
Medications can alter pain, alertness, circulation, bleeding, skin response, and exercise tolerance. The same drug class may have different effects in different people, and medication lists change over time. Massage therapists do not prescribe, stop, or adjust medication. Ask about relevant effects and coordinate with the client's prescriber when a safety question is beyond your scope.
Key points
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs can increase bruising or bleeding risk; use conservative pressure.
- Antihypertensives may contribute to dizziness when changing position; transition slowly and check in.
- Analgesics may mask pain that would otherwise warn of excessive pressure or injury.
- Corticosteroids may affect skin fragility, healing, or infection risk, especially with prolonged use.
- Sedatives and some psychiatric medications can affect alertness, coordination, or consent capacity.
- Topical medications, patches, and medicated creams require attention to product instructions and skin sensitivity.
Key terms
- Pharmacology
- The study of drugs and their effects in the body.
- Anticoagulant
- A medication that reduces blood clot formation.
- Antiplatelet
- A medication that reduces platelet clumping.
- Antihypertensive
- A medication used to lower elevated blood pressure.
- Analgesic
- A medication that reduces pain.
Memory tip
Know the class, ask about the effect, and never alter the prescription.
Clinical note
Ask clients not to stop prescribed medication for massage. If bleeding risk, faintness, unusual bruising, or impaired alertness is present, adapt or defer and seek appropriate guidance.
Unit checkpoint
Lock it in: match the terms, then test yourself.