For many people, the idea of a massage brings feelings of peace and relaxation. But if you’re living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), it may also bring concerns. Will massage make your psoriasis symptoms worse? Should you warn the massage therapist about your scaly patches or lesions?

The good news is that it’s usually safe to get a massage if you have psoriasis or PsA. Just make sure to check with your healthcare provider first. If you enjoyed getting massages from a massage therapist or a loved one before your psoriasis or PsA diagnosis, you can continue to enjoy them now.

In this article, we’ll look at the potential benefits and risks of massage therapy for people living with psoriasis or PsA and discuss how to get a massage safely.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy uses different movements and pressures on the muscles and soft tissues of the body to ease tension and stress. It should be performed by a licensed massage therapist.

Can You Get a Massage With Psoriasis?

Yes. Psoriasis and PsA aren’t contagious, so it’s safe to get a massage with either condition. Some types of massage may even help manage symptoms. Just make sure to choose a licensed massage therapist who understands your condition. Also, ask about the oils or lotions they’ll use to make sure they won’t irritate your skin.

Types of Massage

There are several types of massage therapy that may help relieve stress and pain linked to psoriasis or PsA. Some types of massage therapy to consider include:

• Swedish massage
• Myofascial release
• Lymphatic drainage
• Scalp massage
• Reflexology

Swedish massage is a type of full-body massage. The gentle pressure and techniques used can help soothe the nervous system. By gently relieving muscle tightness, it helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation.

Myofascial release focuses on the fascia — the body’s network of connective tissue. By deeply stretching the fascia and surrounding muscles, it can help relieve deeper, chronic (long-term) tension that may be causing pain.

Lymphatic drainage massage uses gentle techniques to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid within the body. It may reduce inflammation, especially in people with chronic inflammatory conditions.

Scalp massage may also help lower stress and blood pressure. For people with scalp psoriasis, it can also make applying topical treatments and moisturizers easier. “I use an oil that my dermatologist prescribed and massage my scalp a few times a day with it,” said one MyPsoriasisTeam member.

Reflexology is an alternative medicine practice that uses gentle pressure on the feet and hands. Some people believe it activates energy pathways in the body and promotes relaxation. One MyPsoriasisTeam member said, “I recommend reflexology of the feet with a good reflexologist. It has helped me tremendously.”

However, clinical research does not show strong evidence that reflexology is effective for treating medical conditions.

Talk with your healthcare provider or a massage therapist experienced in psoriasis and PsA to see which type of massage may be best for you.

Benefits of Massage

The benefits of massage depend on your treatment goals. Discuss what you’d like to achieve with your massage therapist before your appointment.

General Health Benefits of Massage

According to Mayo Clinic, studies show that massage therapy can provide several benefits. These may be enjoyed by people with or without psoriasis and PsA and include:

• Reduced stress
• Relief of muscle tension and pain
• Relaxation

Health Benefits of Massage for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

So, can massage therapy help people with psoriasis or PsA? The National Psoriasis Foundation says it may support overall well-being. While massage is not a treatment for either condition, it may ease certain symptoms of psoriasis or PsA. For example, it can help soothe psoriasis triggers like stress and PsA symptoms like joint pain and stiffness.

Research also suggests that massage therapy may improve mood. A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that massage helped reduce symptoms of depression. Another study reported that people with psoriatic disease are more likely to experience depression than the general public. The risk was even higher for those with severe psoriasis compared to those with milder forms of psoriasis.

Although these findings are encouraging, research on massage therapy for psoriasis and PsA is still limited. If you’d like to try massage therapy for psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis, talk to your doctor first. They can let you know whether it’s safe or if it might interfere with your treatment plan.

What MyPsoriasisTeam Members Say About Massage

Several MyPsoriasisTeam members have shared their experiences with massage therapy:

• “I have psoriasis and PsA and find foot massages very helpful.”
• “I start each day with a gentle myofascial massage of my forearms, taking care not to cause more irritation but enough to improve circulation.”
• “It’s soothing when my girlfriend massages my whole scalp.”
• “I had a massage today ☺️ and my skin feels so much better. I just wish it would last.”

As with many interventions for skin conditions and autoimmune diseases, what works for some people may not work for everyone. One MyPsoriasisTeam member said, “I have tried physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, ultrasound, and exercise. Nothing has helped my pain.”

Risks of Massage

Massage therapy may also have risks or side effects for people with psoriasis or PsA, such as:

• Skin irritation from certain oils or lotions
• Flare-ups triggered by skin trauma, heat, or other triggers
• Worsening of an active flare

Keep in mind that use of topical steroids or ultraviolet (UV) therapy to treat psoriasis could also make you more prone to irritation.

What Type of Skin Should You Avoid Massaging?

While massage offers several benefits, it’s important to avoid massaging areas with broken skin. This includes cracked or bleeding patches that may occur during a psoriasis flare. Massaging over damaged skin can cause irritation, pain, or infection.

How To Safely Get a Massage

Massage therapy can be a safe and supportive part of your psoriasis and PsA wellness plan. To help ensure a positive experience:

• Tell your massage therapist you have psoriasis or PsA. Ask if they have experience working with people with your condition.
• Ask your massage therapist what essential oils and lotions they use. Let them know if any ingredients might irritate your skin.
• If heat or sweating triggers your psoriasis, ask for the room and table temperature to be adjusted.
• If you’re experiencing a psoriasis flare-up, consider postponing your session until your skin has calmed.

You can also explore self-massage at home or enjoy massages from a partner using your own lotions and oils. As one MyPsoriasisTeam member shared, even a five-minute self-massage can help: “I regularly massage my face, jaw, ankles, calves, and knees. It increases circulation, which is sometimes a problem with all the swelling.”

The Bottom Line

Before trying massage therapy or other integrative therapies for psoriasis or PsA, talk to your healthcare provider. Choose a massage therapist who has experience working with people with psoriasis to reduce risks and get the most benefit.

Above all, communicate openly with your massage therapist. Let them know if certain areas need to be avoided or treated more gently. The right therapist will use gentle pressure on sensitive areas to meet your needs, helping you relax safely and comfortably.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you had a massage that improved your symptoms of psoriasis or PsA? Let others know in the comments below.