Swollen glands are an indication of what condition that may be a contraindication for massage?

Swollen glands, often referred to as lymphadenopathy, are commonly associated with the body’s immune response to an infection. When the lymph nodes swell, it typically indicates that the body is working to fight off pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. In a massage therapy context, this is significant because performing massage on areas with swollen glands can potentially exacerbate the condition or spread the infection. Furthermore, the body’s immune response is crucial during an infection, and massage may not only be contraindicated but can also cause discomfort and worsen symptoms for the client.

Understanding the body's signals, such as swollen glands, is vital for practitioners to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients. Recognizing that an infection is present and that swollen glands are a physical manifestation of this allows therapists to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with massage or seek medical evaluation for the client before offering treatment.