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 (up to 13 weeks’ duration)
- 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
- Neuritis (inflammation of a peripheral nerve or nerves, usually causing pain and loss of function)
- Skin diseases
- Cancer
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.