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Certain conditions warrant caution and may indicate that a massage not be received, received under the guidance of a physician or tailored to the individuals condition(s).
There are three basic levels to aid in determining if a massage is appropriate:
- Level One massage is indicated if in the subacute stage.
- Level Two massage may be received, however only under the guidance of a physician.
- Level Three conditions are always contraindicators for receiving a massage
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| Level
One |
If the following conditions are sub acute massage is indicated.
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Amputation
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Myositis
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Arthritis
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Neurasthenia
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Burns
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Nervous Exhaustion
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Bursitis
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Peripheral Neuritis
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Contractures
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Polio
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Decubitus Ulcers
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Postural Deviations
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Facial Paralysis
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Scar Tissue
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Fractures
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Strains
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Insomnia
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Sprains
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After long bed rest or inactivity
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Torticollis
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| Level
Two |
The following conditions require physician guidance prior to a massage session.
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Cardiac Decompensation
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Postoperative Condition of Tendons
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Edema (due to heart or kidney disease)
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Severe Cuts
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Hematoma
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Spastic Paralysis
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Herniated Discs
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Mental States (loss of reality)
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Cerebral Palsies
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Acutely Depressed / Manic States
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Encephalitis
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Nonunion Fractures
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Post Surgical Brain Injuries
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Phlebitis
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High Blood Pressure
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| Level
Three |
The following conditions are always contraindications for massage.
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Peritonitis
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Debilitating Diseases
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Appendicitis
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Thrombus or Embolism
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Acute Tubercular Lesions
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Fever
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Inflammation of the Skin
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Abdominal Massage if Pregnant
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Massage - Precautions/ Contra-Indications
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Certain medical conditions require the exercise of caution concerning the advisability of giving or receiving massage. If you are in any doubt, or if you or your partner are under medical supervision, check with your doctor or other qualified medical practitioner before embarking on massage therapy. This advice applies particularly in the case of cardiovascular conditions and heart disease, especially in cases of thrombosis, phlebitis, and oedema.
Never apply pressure under or over varicose veins. Never massage directly over infected skin, for example where there are warts, herpes, or boils, or where there is inflammation, unexplained lumps, bruises and open cuts. While giving a massage, cover up any open cuts or scratches on your hands with a plaster or other dressing. Massage on the abdomen is best avoided during the first three months of pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage is highest.
The causes of acute back pain should first be diagnosed by a physician before receiving massage treatment. Consult a qualified medical practitioner in cases of raised temperature, infections, or contagious disease.
- Seek medical advice before having a massage if you suffer from phlebitis, thrombosis, varicose veins, severe acute back pain, or fever.
- Swellings, fractures, skin infections, or bruises should not be massaged. Lumps and swellings should be checked by your doctor.
- Massage of the abdomen, legs, and feet should not be given during the first three months of pregnancy.
- Cancer patients are best treated by specially trained practitioners who know which areas to avoid and which kind of massage is appropriate.
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Contraindications for the Use of Stroking Massage
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No treatment is totally without risk. Read here for information about possible adverse effects of massage, and for those instances in which it should not be used.
Massage should not be used under the following conditions or circumstances:·
- Bleeding disorders, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis2,3,4
- Contagious skin disorders or conditions such as eczema that would be irritated by warmth or massage
oils1,3,4
- Edema due to heart or kidney failure3,4
- Fever3 or infections that can be spread by blood or lymph
circulation4
- Leukemia or lymphoma4
- For people who are uncomfortable being touched
The following areas of the body should not be massaged:
-
On or near malignant tumors and bone metastases1,2,3,4
Over bruises (but massage is useful in treating bruising after the fourth
day)1
Unhealed scars or open wounds1,2
On or near recent fracture sites1,3
Over joints or other tissues which are acutely inflamed, for example from rheumatoid arthritis or tubercular infections in the
bone1,3,4
The abdomen of an individual with peptic ulcers or
mononucleosis3,4
Consult a physician before using massage in these circumstances:
- Insulin dependent diabetes3
- Varicose veins3
Be cautious when using massage if you have these conditions:
- Osteoporosis3
- Torn ligament or strained muscle3
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Notes |
1. Margaret Hollis. Massage for Therapists. Blackwell Scientific Publications: Oxford 1987,
p.31.
2. Judith Spross and Melissa Wolff Burke. "Nonpharmacologic Management of Pain." In Cancer Pain Management, (edited by) Deborah B. McGuire, Connie Henke
Yarbro, Betty Rolling Ferrell. 2nd ed. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 1995, p. 182,
184.
3. Craig Clayton, Virginia McCullough, A Consumer's Guide to Alternative Health Care. Holbrook, MA: Adams Media Corporation, 1995, p.
91.
4. Dr. Martha Brown Menard. "Cautions and Contraindication for Massage Therapy." In Alternative Medicine: Implication for Clinical Practice and State-of-the-Science Symposium. March 1-4, 1998.
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