When Massage Should Be Avoided

Massage is wonderful for relieving physical tension, supporting healthy circulation, and enhancing overall wellbeing, but there are certain conditions when massage is strictly not recommended.

Before any treatment, a responsible therapist will always ask about your health history. If specific conditions are present and massage is not advised, receiving a treatment could lead to serious complications.

Massage is contraindicated whenever it might worsen an existing medical condition. Malignancies, thrombosis, tissue infections, and atherosclerotic plaques can spread or worsen through massage techniques.

Conditions when massage should strictly be avoided:

• When you have a cold, flu, or high fever
• If you have any infectious illness, skin disease, open or inflamed sores, or acute skin conditions
• With all types of burns (whether caused by chemicals, heat, or UV radiation)
• In cases of active bleeding in organs and tissues, haemophilia, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, or heavy menstruation
• With cardiovascular diseases, pacemakers, severe liver or kidney conditions, osteoporosis, fractures, or malignancies
• With inflammation of the veins (phlebitis) and lymphatic vessels: deep vein thrombosis is particularly dangerous because massage stimulates circulation, which could dislodge a blood clot with life-threatening consequences
• With severe acute psychiatric conditions
• With unmanaged diabetes
• Immediately following surgical procedures.

When it comes to pregnancy, massage should only ever be carried out by a qualified therapist trained in prenatal care.

If you are ever unsure whether a massage is suitable for you, always consult your doctor first: their professional advice is invaluable.