Massage Contraindications

Please read through the following to help you determine if you can receive a massage

Massage treatment is non-invasive, relaxing, and natural. It is therefore generally considered a safe treatment for most people.  However, there are three types of contraindications:

  • TOTAL, when massage should not be performed at all.

  • LOCAL, when massage can be performed but not over the contraindicated areas. 

  • MEDICAL, when massage can only be performed once medical permission has been granted.

TOTAL Contraindications

When you have any of these conditions, please do not book a massage:

  • Fever

  • 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

  • Skin diseases

LOCAL Contraindications

The therapist can massage but not over any areas affected by:

  • Varicose veins

  • Undiagnosed lumps or bumps

  • Bruising

  • Cuts

  • Abrasions

  • Sunburn

  • Undiagnosed pain

  • Inflammation, including arthritis

  • Please inform your service provider if you have had surgery in the 60 days prior to your appointment.  We are not allowed to perform any massage within sixty (60) days of a surgical procedure on the same body part.  For this purpose, a “surgical procedure” is any treatment that involves any form of general anesthetic, local anesthetic, or topical anesthetic.

MEDICAL Contraindications

If you suffer from any of the following conditions, massage can only take place once it has been approved before your session by your physician.:

  • Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)

  • Any condition already being treated by a medical practitioner

  • 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, 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 us at (207) 772-8480 or email us at contact@ninestonesspa.com