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Contraindications for Massage

“Happiness is good health and a bad memory.”

- Ingrid Bergman

​

You need to be reasonably healthy to have a deep tissue massage. Some contraindications will prohibit
massage, others will be localised (which means that area cannot be massaged), and the rest may require special
precautions. Please declare at the start of every appointment if you have or develop anything on this list. If in
doubt, please speak to your GP, consultant, or specialist before having a massage.​

Contraindications include:

  • *New injuries resulting in swollen, broken, infected or inflamed tissue, bone or joint

  • *DVT/blood clots, Osteoporosis, and recent surgery

  • *Cancer (massage can be very beneficial but needs certain precautions)

  • Chemotherapy (massage is too taxing while undergoing treatment)

  • Nausea (massage can help but can also make you feel worse)

  • Fever or high temperature (massage will likely make you feel worse)

  • Any contagious disease including covid, colds & flu (you will feel worse and be putting others at risk)

  • Diabetes (special precautions regarding type-1 and dosage**)

  • Pregnancy (special precautions)

  • Skin conditions such as infections, burns and sores (localised)

  • Varicose veins (localised)

  • Under the influence of drugs or alcohol

*Speak to your GP or consultant about special precautions (light massage may be possible in some areas).
** 30 minutes of deep tissue massage can be the equivalent of a 30-minute cycle ride or run.

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