WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS TO MASSAGE?
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.
Local
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
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.
Medical
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)
* 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
* Gynecological infections
Contraindications to Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is not suitable for everyone. Please review the list of contraindications below. If any of these conditions apply to you, then you should not receive hot stone massage.
* Blood clots / prone to blood clots
* Bruise easily
* Cancer, chemotherapy or radiations treatments
* Depressed immune system
(lupus, HIV/AIDS, cancer, Epstein Barr, mononucleosis, etc.)
* Diabetes
* Fever
* Heart problems
* Heat Sensitivity
* High Blood Pressure
* Inflamed Skin Conditions
* Nerve Trauma
* Neuropathy
* Open wounds or sores
* Peripheral vascular disorder
* Pregnancy
* Recent Surgery
* Taking medications that have side effects to heat
(Please check with your pharmacist if you are not certain.)
* Varicose veins
If you have any doubt that hot stone massage is safe for you, please check with your doctor before receiving this modality.
Total Contraindications
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