Contraindications for Massage Therapy

This list is not definite, but a list of the more common conditions that are contraindication for massage:

Fever
Inflammation (Phlebitis, Dermatitis, etc.)
Infectious Disease
Bleeding
Broken Bones
Skin Problems (rushes, wounds, burns, blisters…)
Heart Failure
Deep-Vein Thrombosis
Recent Surgery
Hypertension (unless controlled by medication, diet or exercise)

Contraindications for Massage During Pregnancy

Any pregnancy that has been diagnosed as high-risk requires doctor’s written approval to proceed with a massage.

The presence of any symptoms that would indicate the possibility the mother is experiencing a miscarriage or pre-term labor, i.e. the discharge of blood, any indication that amniotic bag has ruptured, and pains and contractions of uterus.

A diagnosis or suspicion of Pre-eclampsia (aka: gestational edema-proteinurea hypertension complex). Symptoms include an unusual and rapid weight gain, the presence of protein in urine, hypertension(high blood pressure).

A diagnosis or suspicion of Eclampsia (aka Toxemia), which is life threatening to both the mother and baby. Symptoms include severe water retention, abnormal headaches, relentless back pain, sickness to stomach and/or vomiting , visual disturbances, and can lead to convulsion and coma.

The diagnosis or suspicion of Gestational Diabetes. Symptoms include abnormal appetite and thirstand the presence of sugar in the urine.

The diagnosis or suspicion of Deep Vein thrombosis (DTV). Symptoms include: pain in the calf or medial tigh isolated to one leg, or swelling isolated to one leg, or redness isolated to one leg.

In the instance of any of these above mentioned complications, the doctor’s written release is MUST to proceede with getting a massage.