What are the Contraindications to Massage therapy Treatment?
Massage therapy treatments are 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 therapy should not be performed at all.
✅ LOCAL – When massage therapy can be performed but not over the contraindicated areas.
✅ MEDICAL- when massage therapy can only be performed once medical permission has been granted.
Massage Therapists at The Bodywise Clinic have put the following restrictions in place to protect your health and well-being. Thank you for taking them as seriously as they do!
Total Contraindications
When you have any of these conditions, please do not book a massage therapy session:
- Fever
- Pregnancy in the 1st Trimester (Pregnancy Massage can only be performed only AFTER the first trimester, +13 weeks gestation. During any other time of pregnancy, a note from your GP / Midwife is also required before receiving a Pregnancy Massage).
- Contagious diseases, including any cold or
flu, no matter how mild it may seem - Under the influence of drugs or
alcohol-including prescription pain medication - Recent operations or acute injuries
- For all post-operative massages within the first six months after surgery, we require a letter from your GP or surgeon stating they are not aware of any medical reason that would preclude you from having Massage Therapy during the first six months proceeding surgery.
- Neuritis (inflammation of a peripheral nerve or nerves, usually causing pain and loss of function)
- Skin diseases
- Cancer
- Unfortunately we do not offer Oncology Massages or Oncology Facials at The Bodywise Clinic. Furthermore, we require all cancer survivors to have been given the ‘all clear ‘ by a medical professional at least six months prior to receiving Massage Therapy at The Bodywise Clinic.
Local Contraindications
Your therapist can treat but not over any areas affected by:
- Varicose veins
- Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
- Bruising
- Cuts
- Abrasions
- Sunburn
- Undiagnosed pain
- Inflammation, including arthritis
Medical Contraindications
If if you suffer from any of the following conditions, massage therapy can only take place once it has been approved before your session in writing by your 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
- Nervous or psychotic conditions
- Heart problems, angina, those with pacemakers
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Bell’s palsy, trapped or pinched nerves
- Gynecological infections
Does a medical contraindication mean that treatment cannot take place?
Not always. In fact, massage therapy can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in the above cases 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 have further questions or concerns, please contact your physician.
