Safety First at Massage School in Red Deer

What Future Massage Therapists Need to Know About Contraindications and Side Effects

Massage therapy is often associated with healing and relaxation—but every future registered massage therapist in Alberta must also understand the critical role safety plays in delivering effective care. At Alberta Institute of Massage, we teach our students how to recognize contraindications, prevent adverse reactions and provide treatment that is both beneficial and responsible. Whether you’re planning to open a practice or join an integrated clinic, safety knowledge is one of the pillars of professional success. 

Massage therapy is generally low-risk, but there are certain medical conditions, medications and physical symptoms that require caution—or may indicate massage should be avoided altogether. These are known as contraindications. Contraindications can range from minor issues like skin infections to more serious concerns such as blood clots, fractures or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Massage in these situations may do more harm than good, especially when applied without proper assessment. 

That’s why we emphasize comprehensive client intake training in our massage school's 1000-hour and 2200-hour massage therapy certification programs. Before treatment begins, students learn how to conduct interviews that reveal health history, medication use and lifestyle factors. Through case-based learning, they become confident in making safe, informed decisions—knowing when to proceed, when to modify a treatment and when to refer a client to another healthcare professional. 

Even in clients with no major red flags, there can be side effects to massage therapy. These are usually mild and temporary—like muscle soreness, light bruising or fatigue—but they can still catch clients off guard. Educating clients on what to expect helps set realistic outcomes and builds trust. At Alberta Institute of Massage, we train students to communicate clearly and manage client expectations at every step. 

Some clients may also be more vulnerable to side effects than others. Seniors, people with chronic illness, pregnant individuals and those recovering from surgery all have unique considerations. AIM recognizes that massage therapists should receive specialized training when working with these populations—something we integrate throughout our curriculum. Safety isn’t just about avoiding risk; it’s about offering truly personalized care. 

Another essential area of safety? Scope of practice. Registered massage therapists are not doctors or chiropractors. It’s vital to stay within the legal and ethical boundaries of the profession. That means avoiding diagnoses, respecting privacy laws and never making claims that can’t be supported by science. Through our massage therapist application process and practical exams, students are evaluated on professionalism as much as technique. 

Understanding when not to treat someone is just as important as knowing how. That decision protects the client, the therapist and the reputation of the industry as a whole. At AIM, we believe that every future massage therapist in Alberta should graduate with not only strong hands-on skills but also a deep knowledge of clinical safety, ethics and anatomy. 

Join Our Massage Therapy School Programs in Red Deer 

If you’re ready to become a healthcare professional who promotes healing while putting client wellbeing first, Alberta Institute of Massage is here to help. Our Red Deer campus offers evidence-based instruction, real-world experience and a focus on producing graduates who are prepared for success and trusted by their communities. 

We’re excited to meet you!