fever

When you have a fever, your body is trying to isolate and expel an invader of some kind. Massage increases overall circulation and could therefore work against your body’s natural defenses.

inflammation

Massage can further irritate an area of inflammation. Inflamed conditions include anything that ends in –itis, such as phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), arthritis (inflammation of the joints), and so on. If the problem is isolated to a specific area, your massage therapist can simply avoid that area.

high blood pressure

Since massage affects the blood vessels, people with high blood pressure or a heart condition should receive light, sedating massages, if at all.

infectious diseases

If you have an infectious disease such as the flu or diphtheria, we recommend that you wait until you have fully recovered.

hernia

Hernias are protrusions of part of an organ (such as the intestines) through a muscular wall. It’s not a good idea to try to push these organs back inside. Surgery works better.

osteoporosis

Massage might be too intense for this condition.

broken bones

A little light massage to the surrounding areas can improve circulation and be quite helpful. Inform your therapist of any injury in the last 6 months before the massage starts.

outbreaks of severe skin rashes such as dermatitis or eczema

We cannot provide massage when you have an outbreak of severe skin rash such as dermatitis or eczema.

some cancers

Cancer can spread through the lymphatic system, and because massage increases lymphatic circulation, it may potentially spread the disease as well. A simple, caring touch is fine, but massage strokes that stimulate circulation are not. Always check with a doctor first.

other conditions and diseases

Diabetes, asthma, and other serious conditions each has its own precautions, and you should seek a doctor’s opinion before administering massage. Massage cannot be applied to areas with broken skin, it is painful to touch or there is a chance of spreading the inflammation.

hematoma

In the acute stage, at least, 2 days massage is locally if not generally contraindicated due to possibility of blood clots and pain. After this time, in the sub acute phase, when the surrounding blood vessels have been sealed, it is safe to gently massage around the bruise to help heal tissue.

thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis

Massage may dislodge a clot, energy balancing is safe.

pregnancy

Massage can be contraindicated during the transition period between 12-14 weeks if there is a history of miscarriages or complications during pregnancy.

stroke

Those who have had a stroke should not have a vigorous massage.