Should I tell my massage therapist about past domestic violence?

Question

During my last massage, the MT asked me a couple times if certain body parts had been injured (my wrist, for instance). No bones were ever broken or anything so I just told him no, but things have been twisted/ bruised/ etc. Would it be helpful for him to have more information? I'm fine with saying something if it's important, but if it doesn't matter one way or the other, I'd rather not have it out there. Thank you!

Answer 1

It would be helpful for your massage therapist to have information on injuries so that he does not do more harm but helps heal the injured area. Your massage therpist can tell if there are soft tissue injuries so that is why he would have asked. Whether you tell him how the injuries happened is up to you. Your therapist is required to keep your information confidential. He might however suggest you seek professional help in the area of counselling or a support group for your situation.

Answer 2

Tell them about the injury since it will only add confusion for the therapist when they sense signs of existing or old trauma, but you don't necessarily have to tell them how it happened.