Massage 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 and MEDICAL, when massage can only be performed once medical permission has been granted.
When you have any of these conditions, the therapist should not massage:
* Fever
* Contagious or infectious diseases
* Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
* Recent operations
* Neuritis
* Skin 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
Medical Contraindications
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, massage can only take place once it has been approved by a Physician.
* Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)
* Edema
* 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
* Gynecological 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 and whenever you or your therapist are unsure whether it is safe to proceed, it is best to have advice from your physician. Massage therapists, unless they are also qualified doctors, should not attempt to diagnose a condition.