Please note that this does not apply to the Bowen Technique
A contra-indication is a condition which makes certain physical treatments inadvisable at a time when it is important to avoid putting unnecessary additional pressure on bodily systems that may possibly be weaker than normal. Treatment may also be withheld to avoid the possibility of spreading infectious/contagious conditions to the therapist and other clients.
A contra-indication is a condition which makes certain physical treatments inadvisable at a time when it is important to avoid putting unnecessary additional pressure on bodily systems that may possibly be weaker than normal. Treatment may also be withheld to avoid the possibility of spreading infectious/contagious conditions to the therapist and other clients.
Most people have some kind of health issue but it’s not normally a contraindication as the treatment may be adapted and still go ahead, depending on the condition, and if necessary, with the approval of the client’s GP.
As a professional, I believe it’s best to be cautious, so in order to avoid disappointment during the pre-treatment consultation when it may be decided best not to proceed with treatment, please inform me at the time of making your appointment if any of the following applies to you.
Although there are contra-indications for massage, when given very gently, massage can be beneficial in many ways. If however, massage is definitely contra-indicated for you, you might like to consider The Bowen Technique. This technique does not involve any massage. There are no contra-indications, and it is suitable for everyone, including babies, the very elderly, infirm or poorly.
Definite contra-indications
As a professional, I believe it’s best to be cautious, so in order to avoid disappointment during the pre-treatment consultation when it may be decided best not to proceed with treatment, please inform me at the time of making your appointment if any of the following applies to you.
Although there are contra-indications for massage, when given very gently, massage can be beneficial in many ways. If however, massage is definitely contra-indicated for you, you might like to consider The Bowen Technique. This technique does not involve any massage. There are no contra-indications, and it is suitable for everyone, including babies, the very elderly, infirm or poorly.
Definite contra-indications
- First 3 months of pregnancy, or if you have a history of miscarriages
- Head or neck injury/problem in the past 6 months
- Surgery in the past 6 months
- Fungal/contagious/infectious conditions/diseases e.g. impetigo, head lice; virus
- Recently consumed alcohol or under the influence of drugs
- High temperature/fever (this is usually indicative of infection)
- Thrombosis/clots
- Acute systemic infection
- Severe headache or migraine
- Head or neck injury/problem in the past 6 months
- Surgery in the past 6 months
- Fungal/contagious/infectious conditions/diseases e.g. impetigo, head lice; virus
- Recently consumed alcohol or under the influence of drugs
- High temperature/fever (this is usually indicative of infection)
- Thrombosis/clots
- Acute systemic infection
- Severe headache or migraine
Contra-indications which may prevent treatment
- Cancer
Please obtain written approval from you doctor first. As one of the many volunteer therapists in NHS hospitals, I treat many cancer patients with gentle touch massage with the approval of the medical staff. This can be emotionally and physically beneficial.
- Skin problems
such as Eczema, severe acne, psoriasis, cold sores; broken/bruised skin; impetigo, rash, warts, etc (in the area to be massaged)
- Tooth/jaw /head/neck problems
- High or unstable blood pressure
- Injury/inflammation
- Epilepsy
- Diabete
- Stroke
- Heart/circulatory/bleeding conditions (e.g. haemophilia, angina)
- Implants (e.g. stents, breast, plates, pace-makers)
- Serious respiratory problems
- Undiagnosed lumps, bumps or swellings
