When is massage not appropriate?
Massage is generally considered a safe treatment for most people. However, there are three types of contraindication (reasons not to receive treatment):
- TOTAL, when massage should not be performed at all
- LOCAL, when massage can be performed but not over the contraindicated areas
- MEDICAL, when massage can only be performed once medical permission has been granted. The following restrictions are in place to protect your health and well-being.
When you have any of these conditions, please do not book a massage:
- Fever
- Contagious or infectious diseases, including any cold or flu no matter how mild it may seem.
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Skin diseases
- Cancer (unless in terminal stages and then with medical permission)
The therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by:
- Skin diseases
- Varicose veins
- Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
- Pregnancy (primarily abdomen, with medical permission)
- Bruising
- Cuts
- Abrasions
- Sunburn
- Undiagnosed pain
- Inflammation, including arthritis
- Scar tissue (two years for a major operation and six months for a small scar)
- Menstruation (primarily abdomen)
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, massage can only take place once it has been approved before your session in writing by your Physician.
- Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, heart conditions)
- Any condition already being treated by a medical practitioner
- Oedema
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Nervous or psychotic conditions
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Bell’s palsy, trapped, pinched or inflamed nerves
- Recent Operations
- Asthma
- Acute rheumatism
Does a contraindication mean that treatment cannot take place?
Not always. In fact, massage can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in the above cases it is best to have advice from your physician.
