Contraindications – Massage Therapy Center (2024)

FAQs

What are contraindications for massage therapy? ›

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.

Inflammation from injury or infection. Acute medical conditions such as recent injuries, treatments or surgical procedures. Certain medications can be a contraindication for massage or require special precautions. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs, especially if sensation or cognition are affected.

Massage is contraindicated when client has a fever or chills.

Anything (including a symptom or medical condition) that is a reason for a person to not receive a particular treatment or procedure because it may be harmful. For example, having a bleeding disorder is a contraindication for taking aspirin because treatment with aspirin may cause excess bleeding.

Absolute contraindication means that event or substance could cause a life-threatening situation. A procedure or medicine that falls under this category must be avoided.

Any skin that is damaged or broken should be avoided, such as bruises, burns, cuts, abrasions, and any open wounds. Not only will this be painful but will slow the healing process and poses a risk of infection. Skin conditions such as bacterial, viral, or fungal infections will not be helped by massage.

Certain conditions contraindicate massage, either because of the risk it may pose to the client or to the therapist. For example, if you have a cold, flu, or other contagious viral or bacterial infection, your therapist may decline to work with you because they don't want to catch a cold.

What should you not do during a massage? ›

Typical contra-actions may include:

Muscular ache and/or headaches the nerve fibres responding to the deep work that has been undertaken during treatment. Heightened emotional state due to the positive release of deep-held feelings and emotions. Frequent urination due to stimulation of the lymphatic system.

Total contraindications are such things as unstable hypertension or high blood pressure, contagious diseases such as the cold or flu, a significant fever, and/or recent surgery. As a massage therapist, we also learned about endangerment sites.

Loving, soothing contact is extremely important for people at any stage of infection, but in the case of any visible rashes, sores, lesions, or swelling, massage may be contraindicated.

CONTRAINDICATION. - Medical : something (such as a symptom or condition) that is a medical reason for not doing or using something (such as a treatment, procedure, or activity)

It's important to note that you should never massage a strained muscle that hasn't been given 72 hours to rest. Massaging a freshly-strained muscle can actually increase inflammation and even cause further injury, so be sure to wait at least three days before attempting any massage therapy.