Massage therapy
When not to get a Massage

For people with some medical conditions, massage is not recommended. For others, massage should be used only under medical supervision or by specially trained therapists. If you are in any doubt, or if you are under medical supervision, check with your doctor before getting a massage. For those with cardiovascular conditions and heart disease, especially in cases of thrombosis, phlebitis, and edema particular care and caution is required.

Some General Cautions

Massage is not recommended in cases where increased blood flow would do more damage. Varicose veins, hematoma (bruising), edema, and viruses are all conditions where increased blood supply would be detrimental. Swellings, fractures, skin infections, or bruises should not be massaged.

Massage is contraindicated cases of varicose veins and hematoma, due to the weakened vein or capillary walls. I

Sometimes massage is appropriate for the condition but the technique used may not be. An example would be in the use of massage with carpal tunnel syndrome. Massage is a highly effective treatment, often preventing the need for surgery or other invasive techniques, if the appropriate techniques are chosen. However, a technique like deep transverse (cross the wrist) friction massage in the carpal tunnel region is especially contraindicated in this condition, as it will aggravate the problem and potentially make it worse. A massage technique that would more effectively match the physiology of the condition would be deep longitudinal stripping to the wrist flexor muscle group, thus leading to a decrease in cumulative tension in those muscles.

Do not massage directly over infected skin, for example where there are warts or boils, or where there is inflammation.

Massage of the abdomen, legs, and feet should not be given during the first three months of pregnancy. Massage on the abdomen is should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage is highest.

The advisability of massage therapy for those with acute back pain should be reviewed by a physician before receiving massage treatment.

Consult a qualified medical practitioner if you suffer from phlebitis, thrombosis, varicose veins, severe acute back pain, or fever and in cases , infections, or contagious disease prior to receiving massage therapy.

Cancer patients are best treated by specially trained practitioners who know which areas to avoid and which kind of massage is appropriate.