Safe Massage for People with Vertigo, Occasional Dizziness, High or Low Blood Pressure

If you have vertigo, high or low blood pressure, or occasional dizziness some massage techniques may not be right for you.

Some massage techniques or positions can cause light-headedness or dizziness. 

That light feeling after a massage can feel pleasant some, but for others it might be a bit distressing or disorienting.

What causes vertigo?

  • Positional vertigo

  • Head injuries

  • Ear surgeries or infections

  • Crystals inside inner ear

When massage might trigger vertigo or dizziness

  • Certain positions, such as facing down or lying flat on the back 
  • Deep work in the shoulders, neck, and around the ears 
  • Turning over from face down to face up or vice versa
  • Sitting up at the end of a massage
  • Effleurage, or long strokes toward the heart (and head) can change pressure in the body by moving blood and lymph fluids toward the heart, sometimes resulting in lightheadedness or dizziness

Symptoms of high or low blood pressure

  • Increased or decreased pressure against the arteriole walls

  • Nausea

  • Headache

  • Lightheadedness or dizziness

  • Feeling faint

  • Blurry vision

How can massage effect blood pressure

  • Some massage strokes, such as effleurage, make long movements toward the heart, moving fluid as well 
  • In this way, massage can have the effect of increasing pressure in the arteries, resulting in some of the symptoms listed above

Sensible Massage Accommodations for Vertigo, Dizziness, and High or Low Blood Pressure

  • A reclining or semi-reclining position instead of flat on your back or abdomen
  • More kneading strokes instead of long effleurage strokes 
  • Gentler work in the areas of the head, neck, and shoulders, especially for those with a history of vertigo
  • Extra time for turning over and sitting up

Prepare for your massage

  • Hydrate well a week before your massage
  • Eat a light snack before and after your massage
  • Drink an electrolyte drink or salt water before and after your massage
  • Let your massage therapist know you may need some special accommodations, like more time to turn over or get off the table