What is a contraindication?
While massage generally has a positive impact on every system of the body, there are certain medical conditions that require a modification of techniques, or which rule out massage.
If you are under a physician’s care, it is very important that you communicate with your therapist in regard to your condition. Please review the lists below so that you are aware of any contraindications that may apply to you.
There are three types of contraindications: TOTAL, MEDICAL & LOCAL
Please review the lists below to see if any of these apply in your situation.
LOCAL contraindications for massage
When there is a local contraindication for massage, you can receive a massage; however, the therapist will avoid areas affected by the following:
- Abrasions
- Bruising
- Cuts
- Sunburn
- Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
- Undiagnosed pain
- Varicose Veins
- Inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis
MEDICAL contraindications for massage:
Does a medical contraindication mean that treatment cannot take place? Not necessarily. Massage can actually be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in the situations listed below, it is best to have advice from your physician. Massage therapists, unless they are also qualified doctors, may not, under law, attempt to diagnose a condition.
If you suffer from any of these conditions, please discuss the advisability of massage with your physician. Discuss what types of massage, if any, he/she would consider best in your situation. We are not physicians, and cannot diagnose medical conditions, or prescribe for them. Once you have received written approval and recommendations from your physician, we will be happy to provide you with massage services.
- Any condition already being treated by a health practitioner
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular Conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)
- Bell’s palsy
- Diabetes that is untreated
- Eczema
- Edema
- Epilepsy
- Heart conditions of any type
- Heart Problems: angina, pacemakers
- High or Low Blood Pressure that is untreated
- Hypertension
- Nervous or psychotic conditions
- Osteoporosis
- Psoriasis
- Trapped or pinched nerves
TOTAL contraindications for massage:
When you have any of these indications, please do NOT book a massage.
- Infectious diseases of any type, including a cold or the flu. Even if the illness is mild, one should wait until it has passed before booking a massage.
- Fever, even low grade
- Skin disease
- Neuritis
- Recent operation or acute injury
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including prescribed pain medication
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