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.

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1) TOTAL CONTRAINDICATIONS (massage cannot be performed)

Fever - Infection - Under the influence of drugs or alcohol - diarrhoea - vomiting - tooth extraction (same day dentistry).

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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.

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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).

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If in doubt, please ask.