Blood Clots and Massage: What You Need to Know About DVT Risk

If you’ve ever hesitated before booking because you’ve heard about blood clots and massage, you’re not overthinking it. This is one of those topics where a little clarity can bring a lot of calm.

In my Toronto practice, I ask questions about swelling, recent surgery, long travel, and blood thinners for one main reason: safety. Blood clots and massage are not something we “guess” about. If there’s any concern for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), massage should be paused until you’ve been medically assessed.

What is DVT, and why does it matter with massage?

A DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg. The concern is that part of a clot can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which needs immediate medical attention.

This is why massage therapists take clot risk seriously. It’s not about being strict or dramatic. It’s about not applying hands-on pressure to a situation that needs medical care first.

One important note: many people with DVT have few or no symptoms, which is why your health history and current symptoms both matter.

Signs that need medical attention

I’m going to keep this simple and clear. If you notice new, unexplained symptoms like these, it’s not a “wait and see” moment.

Common DVT symptoms (often in one leg or one arm):

• Swelling
• Pain, cramping, or tenderness (often starting in the calf)
• Warmth in the area
• Redness or skin discoloration

Get emergency help right away if symptoms of DVT come with:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain (especially with breathing or coughing)
• Coughing up blood
• Feeling faint or suddenly unwell

If any of this is happening, please don’t book a massage to “see if it helps.” Get assessed first.

Who is at higher risk for DVT?

DVT can happen to anyone, but risk is higher in certain situations, especially when blood flow is slowed or the vein has been irritated or injured.

Some common risk factors include:

• Recent surgery, hospitalization, or being confined to bed
• Long periods of sitting (including long flights or drives)
• Pregnancy and the weeks after birth
• Smoking, older age, or being overweight
• Previous DVT
• Estrogen-related medications (birth control or HRT)
• Some chronic health conditions (including cancer and heart failure)

This isn’t meant to make you anxious. It’s meant to help you connect the dots if something feels “off.”

How I approach massage safely when clot risk is part of the picture

Here’s what safety looks like in real life, in an RMT clinic:

• I screen carefully: I ask about symptoms, recent medical events, medications, travel, and anything new or unusual.
• If something doesn’t feel right, we pause: If your symptoms suggest a clot could be possible, massage is postponed and I’ll encourage you to seek medical assessment first. This is part of responsible care and appropriate referral.
• If you’re medically cleared, we tailor the plan: Treatment can be adjusted to stay gentle, focused, and appropriate for your situation.

And yes, while it’s uncommon, there are published case reports describing venous thromboembolism occurring after very vigorous deep tissue massage to the legs, which supports why I’m cautious with intense leg work when risk factors are present.

If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of clots

If you take anticoagulants (blood thinners), the biggest massage-related concern is usually bruising or bleeding more easily.

What helps most:

• Tell your RMT what medication you’re on (and why).
• Expect a lighter, more respectful pressure approach.
• We typically avoid heavy, aggressive techniques that can leave bruising, especially on the legs.

If you have a current or suspected clot, massage should wait until you’ve been assessed and cleared by your medical team.

A gentle next step

If you’ve been medically cleared and you want massage that feels calm, careful, and supportive, I’m here. We’ll take our time with your intake, talk through your comfort level, and create a plan that feels safe in your body.

If you’re ready, you can book a session with Aurelia RMT in Toronto.