Contraindications for Massage
What You Need to Know?
Although massage therapy offers many health benefits, it is not always suitable for everyone. Certain conditions, known as contraindications, may make massage unsafe or require modifications to ensure your safety and well-being. It's important to be aware of these before booking a session, as your health is my first priority.
What are contraindications?
Contraindications refer to specific conditions or symptoms where massage should either be avoided or modified. These fall into three categories:
❗Total Contraindications: Massage should not be given under any circumstances.
❗Local contraindications: Massage can be performed, but certain areas of the body should be avoided.
❗Medical contraindications: Massage may be possible with the approval of a doctor or healthcare professional.
Total Contraindications
If you have any of the following conditions, massage therapy is generally not recommended:
❌ Contagious or infectious diseases (e.g. flu, colds, COVID-19, skin infections)
❌ High fever
❌ Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
❌ Recent major surgery (without the advice of your doctor)
❌ Acute injuries (e.g. fractures, severe sprains)
❌ Cancer (without doctor's permission)
❌ Unstable heart condition
❌ Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
❌ Severe skin conditions (such as rashes, wounds, burns)
❌ Pregnancy complications (without doctor's permission)
❌ First trimester of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks)
Local Contraindications
🚨 Varicose veins
🚨 Bruises
🚨 Sunburn
🚨 Cuts, open wounds or areas of recent surgery
🚨 Inflammation or swelling
🚨 Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
🚨 Skin conditions (e.g. eczema, psoriasis)
Medical Contraindications
⚠️ Heart disease
⚠️ Diabetes
⚠️ High or low blood pressure
⚠️ Cancer (in remission or undergoing treatment)
⚠️ Osteoporosis
⚠️ Autoimmune disease
⚠️ Neurological conditions (e.g. epilepsy)
⚠️ Pregnancy (in high-risk situations or with specific complications)
Why are contraindications important?
Massage therapy affects several systems in the body, such as the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems. For people with certain health conditions, massage could potentially cause harm, worsen symptoms or interfere with medical treatments. By identifying contraindications, I can tailor your session to be both safe and effective.
Intake Form: Necessary before your first session
Before your first session, you'll need to complete a health form to help us identify any contraindications or special conditions that may affect your treatment. This will ensure that your massage is both safe and tailored to your needs. If there are any changes in your health after your first session, please let me know so that we can adjust your treatment accordingly.
Your Information is Safe
Rest assured that any personal information you provide, including your health history form and other details, will be kept secure and private. I take the protection of your information seriously and ensure that it is stored in accordance with data protection regulations so that your privacy is always protected.
What Should You Do?
For your first massage I will ask you to complete a health form to give me a full picture of your health. For future appointments, please inform me of any changes in your health since your last session. If you're unsure whether massage is safe for you, please contact me and we can discuss any questions or concerns you may have. In some cases I may ask for medical clearance from your doctor before proceeding with the session.
Your health and safety is my priority and I'm committed to providing a relaxing and beneficial experience. If you have any contraindications, I'll work with you to adapt the session as necessary or recommend alternatives.
Intake form: A quick and easy process
Your comfort and well-being are my top priority, so before your first massage I ask you to complete a simple Intake Form. This will help me understand any health concerns or special needs so that I can create the best experience for you!
How it works?
Once you've booked your appointment, I'll send you an email with a link to the Health Intake Form within a few hours.
Don't worry - it's short and easy to complete! Just fill it out and send it back before your session and we'll be ready to make sure everything runs smoothly when you arrive.
Why is it important?
The intake form will help me to
🌿 Understand your specific needs or health conditions.
🌿 Tailor the massage to give you the best and safest experience.
🌿 Make sure everything is comfortable and personalised just for you.
What should you do?
🌿 After booking, check your inbox for the intake form email.
🌿 Fill it in whenever you have a moment before your appointment.
If you have any questions or need help with the form, just let me know - I am happy to help!
This small step helps us to ensure that your massage is personalised and perfect for you, so you can relax and enjoy your session.
What if I can't complete it online?
No worries at all ! If you can't complete the form online, you can complete it when you arrive at the salon. I'll have a form ready for you so we can make sure everything is covered before your session starts.