Five Element Wellness Center

Massage

Safety Precautions and Contraindications

Massage is a highly useful therapy and a wonderful treat for the body. However, certain medical conditions require the exercise of caution when receiving massage. If you are in any doubt or if you are under medical supervision, please check with your doctor or other qualified medical practitioner prior to making use of massage therapy. This advice applies particularly in the case of cardiovascular conditions and heart disease.

Some things a massage therapist will not do:

Apply pressure under or over varicose veins
Massage directly over infected skin-like warts, herpes sores, or boils
Massage fractures
Massage where there is inflammation, unexplained lumps, bruises and open cuts.
Massage on the abdomen 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 prior to receiving massage treatment. Massage is not indicated in cases of raised temperature, infections, or contagious disease. Consult a qualified medical practitioner instead.

Finally, cancer patients are best treated by specially trained practitioners who know which areas to avoid and which kind of massage is appropriate.