The best part of it all is that getting a good massage in Phuket is easy. Either ask a Thai female friend who was trained by her mother and for years gave dad a massage in the evenings, or go to one of the many establishments around the island offering massage services. Massage is very popular on Phuket as more and more spa and massage centers open, some of which look more like 5 star hotels and others which, whilst cheaper, offer more than massage services. Be aware that prices, and standards of service, vary widely. You could pay as little as 150 baht for an hour of massage or indulge in a comprehensive massage-beauty treatment-body scrub package costing 8,000 baht or more. You could also get more than you bargained for, depending on your choice of establishment.

For the majority of people, a massage session will be enjoyable and beneficial. There are however, some serious health troubles that could result from improper treatments or poor hygiene. To avoid such dangers, be choosy in selecting the establishment, and if you do it cheap, follow the advice below.

Most of the better massage outlets are designed in soothing, natural tones and textures and a fragrant smell of incense or burning oil usually emanates the rooms. There’s generally an unhurried pace, and you’ll be given plenty of time to shower, settle in and make yourself comfortable before your session begins.

Ideally, your therapist will discuss the treatment with you before it begins but this is not always done, especially at smaller, less expensive places where staff may have had minimal training and cannot communicate with you, unless you are fluent in Thai. If you have a health problem, such as a bad back, arthritis or a skin condition, let your therapist know, and be strict about not aggravating it.

If you’re having a Thai massage, your therapist will normally follow a set routine and will not deviate from this routine unless you demand it. It’s traditional, and the routine is handed down from generation to generation, and at each teaching school from teacher to student. In small massage places giving traditional Thai massage, your therapist may be uncomfortable if you interrupt her routine.

If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, ensure you do not overdo the stretching and exercising and if chest pain presents, cease the treatment immediately. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, ensure that the herbs and massage oils will not cause a reaction. You can always test them first, by adding a test to your inner forearm and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. If the site becomes red, inflamed or irritated, cease using it. In less reputable establishments, do not believe what is listed on the bottle or container is actually in the container. Cheap substitutes are often used as well as being watered down or have had other additives added.

Bone cracking in the neck, back, fingers and other areas is also common in many massages, particularly Thai massage. I, and many orthopedic surgeons, would recommend against the therapeutic value of this bone cracking as serious injury can and frequently does occur. This also applies to the practice of walking on people’s backs. Applying continued pressure over the femoral arteries in the groin area to stop the blood flow to the legs, whilst eliciting a pleasant sensation once the blood flow is restored to the legs is dangerous. It has and can cause blood clots and serious health complications. Blood will coagulate and clot if it is stopped. Your therapist should never massage the front of your neck, near the carotid arteries or voice box. Massaging this area can cause your heart rate to drop to dangerous levels.

Improperly applied stretches can also lead to injury or pain in muscles and joints. I know of many clients who, whilst having a Thai massage, were asked by their therapist if the massage was too painful, and instead of saying yes, and possibly to avoid upsetting the masseuse, they came away with deep bruising and soft tissue injuries. Pain is your body telling you that something is not right. Heavy pain during a massage is just not right. Deep tissue massage can also aggravate deep-vein thrombosis (blood clotting) or damage skin, muscles or internal organs.

The cleanliness of most massage establishments is of a high standard, but beware that bacteria can spread rapidly if hygienic standards are not maintained. There is a risk of catching skin and soft tissue diseases, eye, ear and urinary tract infections, gastroenteritis or more serious diseases. In cheaper establishments, bedding is not changed, therapists may not practice good personal hygiene and some may have communicable diseases.

Peter Davison is the Manager International Services
at Phuket International Hospital.
Tel: +66 (0)76 249400. Email: info@phuketinternationalhospital.com.