Getting a male massage is great way to relax and to enjoy the various benefits of the massage therapy. However, there are times when a massage may not be the right choice. If you are experiencing one of the following conditions, you may consider not to have a massage.

• Fever: When you have a fever, your body is trying to isolate and expel an invader of some kind. Massage increases overall circulation and could therefore work against your body's natural defences.

• Inflammation: Massage can further irritate an area of inflammation. Inflamed conditions include anything that ends in –it is, such as phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), arthritis (inflammation of the joints), and so on.

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure means excessive pressure against blood vessel walls. Massage affects the blood vessels, and so people with high blood pressure or a heart condition should receive light, sedating massages, if at all.

• Hernia: Hernias are protrusions of part of an organ (such as the intestines) through a muscular wall. It's not a good idea to try to push these organs back inside. Surgery works better.

• Infectious diseases: Massage is not a good idea for someone coming down with the flu or diphtheria, for example, and to make matters worse, you expose yourself to the virus as well.

• Skin problems: If you have skin problem, such as rashes, wounds, bruises, burns, boils, and blisters, for example, these areas should not be massaged, but you can still massage in other healthy areas.

• Broken bones: Stay away from an area of mending bones. A little light massage to the surrounding areas, though, can improve circulation and be quite helpful.

• Cancer: Cancer can spread through the lymphatic system, and because massage increases lymphatic circulation, it may potentially spread the disease as well. Simple, caring touch is fine, but massage strokes that stimulate circulation are not. Always check with a doctor first. 

• Other conditions and diseases: Diabetes, asthma, and other serious conditions each has its own precautions, and you should seek a doctor's opinion before administering massage. Talk to your male massage therapist about your condition before receiving a massage. The first and foremost rule here is, "Do no harm."