Contraindications
Contraindication – means you are not able to receive massage or the massage may be limited to certain areas of your body. Contraindications are there for your health and safety along with that of your therapist.
Total Contraindication – A situation where massage is avoided completely. This is usually for reasons presented by the customer and therapist safety and protection.
Relative Contraindication – a situation in which a massage Practitioner may proceed with the treatment with a doctor’s note, but will need to modify techniques related to the client’s condition e.g., using lighter pressure.
Local Contraindication – a situation in which a local area of the client’s body should not be massaged under any circumstances. This may be for the client’s own comfort, to avoid spreading infection or to avoid further injury
Please note that all treatments and packages are subject to medical status, some medical conditions require a doctor’s note. A full list can be found below. If you are unsure, please contact me where I will be able to advise further.
Suitability of treatments will be confirmed on arrival at the Spa with a consultation with your therapist. If treatments are unsuitable we will endeavour to offer alternatives, where possible.
Body Sense Therapy reserves the right to refuse treatment where it is deemed to be a risk to the health and safety of the client or therapist.
Total Contraindications
Disorders of the Nervous System
Stroke
There is a high risk of a second stroke occurring within six months.
Undiagnosed Severe headaches
That come on suddenly, with no previous history of similar headaches, and dizziness or numbness or sleepiness.
Disorders of the Heart and Blood
Heart attack
Because there is a very high risk of a reoccurrence in the two to three months after the attack, massage is contra-indicated. After this time is permitted with a doctor’s note.
Haemophilia
Severe haemophilia is a total contraindication to massage. (Mild forms consult a doctor)
Severe Anemia
Massage is fine for mild anemia, but contraindicated for severe anemia.
Disorders of the Immune System
Cancer
If undergoing treatment.
If the client is currently undergoing any form of treatment for cancer then a doctor’s note must be produced prior to treatment. If the doctor is happy for the client to receive treatment then his note should be attached to the therapist consultation form and then the relevant treatment can be carried out.
If the client has cancer but is not currently undergoing any treatment for the disease then we would carry out the treatment, making any relevant notes on the consultation form. If the client is having a massage then the following adjustments should be made by the therapist: the massage should be very light and gentle, no aromatherapy oils should be used and the site of cancer if relevant should be avoided.
Disorders of the Abdominal Organs
Hepatitis
Is contra-indicated in acute stages for client/therapist protection
Cirrhosis of the liver
Is contraindicated for advanced cirrhosis
Disorders of the Urinary System
Acute urinary tract infections
Acute or chronic renal failure
Acute stages of gout
Kidney stone attack
Kidney stone attack
Conditions of the Reproductive System
Pregnancy
We recommend that massage is avoided during pregnancy due to facilities not being consistent across the estate.
Spa Pools/Saunas/Steam rooms where heat is prevalent needs to be avoided during pregnancy.
Infectious Skin Conditions (viral, fungal, parasites and bacterial)
Scabies
Head Lice
Ringworm
Impetigo
Non Infectious Skin Disorders
Areas of skin that are bleeding, broken or weeping fluid.
Open wounds
Undiagnosed Conditions
Fever
Inflammation or Odema
Skeletal System Diseases
Osteoporosis
Undiagnosed Severe headaches
That come on suddenly, with no previous history of similar headaches, and dizziness or numbness or sleepiness.
Proceed with caution (treatment can go ahead with a doctor’s note or require separate Risk Assessment)
Disorders of the Nervous System
Stroke
After 6 months
Transient Ischaemic Attack
(TIA- a mini-stroke from which the person recovers with little or no damage.
Meningitis, Brain haemorrhage and Brain tumors
Epilepsy
Active epilepsy only (previous 18 months). Do not use essential oils.
Disorders of the Motor Nerve System
Parkinson’s disease
Massage: is indicated under medical supervision, to maintain flexibility and reduce anxiety
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Massage: is indicated in sub acute stages, when the client is in remission.
Neuralgia
Massage: Light massage to relieve muscle tension can be beneficial. Deep massage on the site is contra-indicated
Disorders of the Endocrine System
Diabetes
Doctors note only needed if not under medical control (diet or insulin)
Infectious Respiratory Disorders
Tuberculosis (TB)
Until the client has been on medication for 1 month
Inflammatory Respiratory Disorders
Emphysema
Disorders of the Heart and Blood
Unstable angina
Should only with permission from the person’s doctor.
Heart failure
Get medical permission, and then give only gentle massage to avoid stressing a weak heart.
High blood pressure
Deep abdominal massage is contra-indicated, high blood pressure that is not controlled by medication requires a doctor’s note. Low Blood pressure is not contraindicated but extra care is needed.
Thickening of the arteries
Seek medical permission, and then give gentle massage only.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Totally contra-indicated for 3–6 months after diagnosis, for client/therapist protection. After that period, seek medical permission, and give gentle massage only.
Leukaemia (‘cancer of the blood’)
Seek medical permission and then use gentle massage.
Disorders of the Immune System
HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
See guidelines and separate risk assessment which assist with this condition
Local Contraindications – avoid the affected area (therapists)
Skeletal System Injuries
Partial fractures
Simple fractures
Compound fractures
Sprains
Joint Problems
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis
in acute stages
Ankylosing spondylitis
in acute stages
Disorders that affect motor nerve supply
Shingles
Non-infectious Skin Conditions
Skin cancer
Blisters
Eczema
only when open and weeping
Psoriasis
only when skin is broken
Recent Surgery and open wounds
Infectious Skin Conditions (bacterial, fungal and viral)
Acne (vulgaris)
depending on severity and degree of inflammation
Boils and carbuncles
Warts and Verrucas
Herpes
coldsore
Athlete’s foot
The Cardiovascular System
Varicose veins
Massage is contra-indicated in the area directly over, or immediately below the Veins
Phlebitis
Massage of the affected area is contra-indicated.
Disorders of the Abdominal Organs
Abdominal hernia
Urinary System Disorders
Joints/limbs
affected with gout or on the abdomen in non acute stages of urinary tract infection.
Abdominal Contraindications – massage needs to be adapted
Endometriosis
IBS
Crones
Colitis
Cysts
Fibroids if localised pain
Contact Me
The combination of remedial and deep tissue massage, muscle energy techniques and neuromuscular techniques during treatment, combined with advice on remedial exercises will be used to personalise a rehabilitation programme to meet specific needs of the patient.