A common cold is a viral infection primarily affecting the nose and throat, often bringing discomfort like sneezing, a runny nose, and general malaise. Many people seek ways to alleviate symptoms and find comfort when feeling unwell. A frequent question is whether receiving a massage during a cold can offer relief or potentially worsen the condition.
Massage and Cold Symptoms: The Direct Answer
Whether a massage can make a cold worse depends largely on the cold’s severity and the type of massage. Generally, a massage will not prolong the viral infection itself. However, it can temporarily intensify certain symptoms or create discomfort, particularly during the acute, early stages. Symptoms like congestion might feel more pronounced, and the body may experience increased fatigue as it processes the massage. It is generally advisable to avoid massage when experiencing significant cold symptoms to prevent exacerbating discomfort and to protect others.
How Massage Affects Your Body When You Have a Cold
When an individual with a cold receives a massage, several physiological mechanisms are engaged. Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, a key part of the body’s immune response responsible for moving fluids and filtering waste. While this stimulation can aid in general detoxification and fluid movement, some experts suggest that during an active infection, it could potentially circulate viral particles more rapidly, leading to a temporary increase in symptom intensity. This effect does not necessarily worsen the cold’s duration but may make one feel temporarily more unwell.
Massage also increases blood circulation, which can affect inflamed tissues present in the respiratory system during a cold. While improved circulation generally supports healing, the body is already working hard to combat the infection. The demands of a massage could divert energy from this crucial process. Moreover, a significant concern when sick is the risk of spreading the virus. Receiving a massage during a contagious phase puts the massage therapist and other clients at risk of contracting the illness.
Practical Advice: When to Get a Massage and When to Wait
It is generally recommended to avoid a massage during the initial, acute, and highly contagious phase of a cold. This includes times when symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, severe congestion, or active sneezing and coughing are present. Engaging in a massage during these periods can be uncomfortable for the individual and poses a direct risk of transmitting the virus to the therapist.
A light, gentle massage might be considered during the recovery phase, once the most severe symptoms have subsided and the individual is no longer contagious. This could help alleviate lingering issues such as muscle aches or mild, non-feverish congestion. Vigorous deep tissue massage should generally be avoided when recovering from an illness, as it can be too taxing on the body. Gentler techniques like light Swedish massage or specific lymphatic drainage (applied cautiously) may be more appropriate if seeking relief for specific symptoms like sinus pressure.
Always inform your massage therapist about any cold symptoms before your appointment. This allows them to assess the situation and determine if rescheduling is necessary for both your well-being and their safety. It is also important to remember that massage is not a substitute for adequate rest and hydration, which are fundamental to recovering from a cold.