Is Massage Safe While Taking Aspirin?

Massage can be safe for many people who take aspirin, but you’ll want to choose gentler techniques and take extra care to reduce bleeding or bruising risks. Aspirin decreases platelet function, which can make you bleed or bruise more easily, especially at higher doses or when combined with other NSAIDs or blood‑thinning medicines. ^[1] Aspirin and similar drugs carry a stomach bleeding warning and increase bleeding risk in certain situations. ^{[2] [3]}

How Aspirin Affects Bleeding

• Blood‑thinning effect: Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) reduces platelets’ ability to clot, which can lead to easier bruising and prolonged bleeding from minor injuries. ^[1]
• Higher‑risk combinations: Regular use of ibuprofen or naproxen with aspirin can further increase bleeding risk and raise ulcer risk. ^{[1] [4]}
• Other factors: Age ≥60, history of ulcers/GI bleeding, use of steroids or anticoagulants, and heavy alcohol intake increase the chance of serious bleeding. ^{[2] [5] [3] [6]}

Safe Massage Practices on Aspirin

• Prefer light pressure: Choose Swedish, relaxation, or gentle myofascial work rather than deep tissue, strong trigger point, or aggressive sports massage, which can cause tissue trauma and bruising. ^[1]
• Avoid high‑risk areas: Skip deep or prolonged pressure over thin skin, recent injuries, varicose veins, or areas that bruise easily. ^[2]
• Communicate upfront: Tell your therapist you take aspirin so they can adjust pressure and avoid techniques that could increase bleeding or bruising. ^[1]
• Monitor your skin: If you notice new or worsening bruises after massage, ask for lighter pressure next time and watch for bleeding signs like black stools or vomiting blood. ^{[2] [3]}
• Time sessions wisely: If you also take ibuprofen or naproxen regularly, consider spacing those drugs away from massage days or discussing safer pain options like acetaminophen with your clinician. ^{[1] [4]}
• Hydration and gentle pace: Stay well hydrated and avoid rapid, forceful techniques; slow, broad strokes are less likely to cause capillary damage on blood thinners. ^[1]

When to Avoid or Delay Massage

• Active bleeding or ulcer symptoms: Black/tarry stools, bloody vomit, severe stomach pain, or known GI bleeding postpone massage and seek medical advice. ^[3]
• After surgeries or procedures: Some procedures advise pausing blood‑thinning medicines, including aspirin; confirm with your doctor before massage during these periods. ^[7]
• Multiple bleeding risk factors: Age ≥60, history of ulcers, concurrent anticoagulants or steroids, or heavy alcohol use consider extra caution, lighter techniques, or medical clearance. These situations significantly raise bleeding risk. ^{[2] [5] [3]}

Specific Precautions Checklist

• Tell your therapist you’re on aspirin and any other meds or supplements. Some supplements (e.g., evening primrose oil, bilberry, Danshen) can further increase bleeding risk with aspirin. ^[8]
• Request gentle pressure throughout, avoid deep tissue or strong compression. ^[1]
• Skip vigorous work over bruises, recent injuries, or varicose veins. ^[2]
• Avoid additional NSAIDs around the time of massage unless your clinician advises otherwise; combining with aspirin boosts bleeding and ulcer risks. ^{[1] [4]}
• Watch for warning signs after massage: unusual or large bruises, prolonged bleeding, dizziness, or GI bleeding symptoms seek care if present. ^[3]
• Limit alcohol on massage days and generally while using aspirin to reduce bleeding risk. ^{[2] [3]}

Dose Considerations

• Low‑dose aspirin (81 mg daily): Common for heart or stroke prevention; bleeding risk is present but often manageable with gentle massage and precautions. ^[9]
• Standard or higher doses (e.g., 325 mg, frequent dosing): May increase bleeding/bruise risk; lean strongly toward light techniques and closer monitoring. ^{[10] [11]}

Bottom Line

• Massage is often safe on aspirin when you use gentle techniques and communicate with your therapist. ^[1]
• Avoid deep, aggressive work and be vigilant for signs of bleeding or unusual bruising, especially if you have additional risk factors or take other blood‑thinning medicines. ^{[2] [3]}
• If uncertain, ask your healthcare professional for individualized guidance, particularly after procedures or if you’ve had prior GI bleeding. ^{[7] [3]}