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CONTRAINDICATIONS

A contraindication is any symptom or condition that renders performing a massage treatment unsafe for either the client or the therapist.  Contraindications can be divided into two categories: 1) conditions that restrict treatment (totally or locally), 2) medical contraindications when massage treatment may only be performed with the written consent of the client's GP.

1) TOTAL CONTRAINDICATIONS (massage cannot be performed)

Fever - Infection - Under the influence of drugs or alcohol - diarrhoea - vomiting.

2) LOCAL CONTRAINDICATIONS (massage treatment can be performed avoiding the affected area)

Skin diseases - undiagnosed lumps and bumps - localised swelling - inflammation - varicose veins - pregnancy (after medical permission obtained) - cuts and bruises (haematoma) - bites/stings - abrasions - scar tissue (6 months for a small scar up to 1", larger scars 2 years after major surgery, ) - sunburn - abdomen (first few days of menstruation - hormonal implants - hernia - recent fractures (minimum 3 months) - gastric ulcers - after a heavy meal.

WITH GP/SPECIALIST PERMISSION

Pregnancy - cardio vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension (high bp), hypotension (low bp), heart conditions - medical oedema - osteoporosis - nervous/psychotic conditions - recent operations (2 years after major surgery, 6 months for a small scar) - diabetes (if reduced nerve sensation) - bells palsy (during infectious phase) - trapped/pinched nerve - inflamed nerve - acute rheumatism - kidney infections - recent whiplash - haemophilia - undergoing cancer treatment - ruptured disc - undiagnosed pain).

If in doubt, please ask.

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