What are the Contraindications to Massage therapy/ reflexology Treatment?
Massage therapy/ reflexology 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/ reflexology should not be performed at all.
✅ LOCAL – When massage therapy/ reflexology can be performed but not over the contraindicated areas.
✅ MEDICAL- when massage therapy/ reflexology can only be performed once medical permission has been granted.
Massage Therapist / Reflexologists 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/ reflexology 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 weeks 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 weeks 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/ reflexology 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/ reflexology can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in the above cases it is best to have advice from your physician. Massage therapists / reflexologists, 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.
