Massage treatment is non-invasive, relaxing and natural. It is therefore generally considered a safe treatment for most people. However, there are three types of contraindication:
- 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. Thank you for taking them as seriously as I do.
Total Contraindications:
When you have any of these conditions, please DO NOT book a massage:
- Fever
- Contagious and infectious diseases, including any cold or flu, no matter how mild it may seem
- You are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including prescription pain medication
- Recent operations or acute injuries
- Neuritis
- Infectious and contagious kin diseases
Local Contraindications
The therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by:
- Varicose veins
- Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
- Pregnancy
- Bruising
- Cuts
- Abrasions
- Sunburn
- Undiagnosed pain
- Inflammation, including arthritis
Medical Contraindications:
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 (please bring a copy of the document when you come for your treatment):
- Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)
- Any condition already being treated by a medical practitioner
- Oedema
- Psoriasis or eczema
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Cancer
- Nervous or psychotic conditions
- Heart problems, angina, those with pacemakers
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Bell’s palsy, trapped or pinched nerves
- Gynaecological infections
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 doctor. A massage therapist (unless also qualified doctor – which I’m not), may not, under law, attempt to diagnose any health condition.
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact me for more information.