What you need to know about massage and New tattoos

It’s been many a fortnight since I got my last tattoo, and I gotta tell ya, I’m itching for a new one! 

As a massage therapist, I know the timeline that needs to be followed before someone with a new tattoo can get bodywork done; however, I figure most people don’t.

So here it is what you need to know about massage and new ink!  

Prior to your tattoo Appointment

Regular massage prior to your tattoo appointment is just fine! However, I would avoid cupping, blades, or kinesiology tape to the area starting at least TWO WEEKS prior to your tattoo appointment. 

Cupping and blades can cause bruising and discoloration to the skin, while kinesiology taping can cause slight irritation to the skin under certain circumstances. In both cases, it would likely delay your tattoo appointment. Sad day. 

Stick with a regular massage and you should be good to go!

After Your Tattoo Appointment

Wait a minimum of TWO WEEKS to get a massage on your newly tattooed area. Longer depending on how long it takes for you to heal. 

A tattoo is an open wound and needs to be treated as such! 

Massaging a fresh tattoo can cause irritation and/or infection to the area. This can lead to serious illness, OR WORSE….. ruin your new tattoo (gasp). So just give us a heads up so we can steer clear. 

A good standard is to wait till every last flakey piece of goodness peels from your new body art (graphic but effective visual!).   

This isn’t just for your safety. It's extremely dangerous to touch a wound without PPE. So please don’t put your massage therapist at risk of disease or infection. Not cool, man!    

Special Considerations

Even if your massage therapist stays clear of your new tattoo during the massage, you still might want to wait to get bodywork done. 

The main reason: It's probably going to be uncomfortable. 

New tattoos on areas like arms and legs are usually just fine. We can undrape an area or use pillows to prop up a limb to make it more comfortable. 

But you will probably have a hard time relaxing while laying on your new back piece for an hour. 

Make sure to follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions, use your best judgement, and err on the side of caution.