There are few serious risks to be considered providing appropriate precautions are followed and treatment is
given by an appropriately trained and qualified therapist.
Oils and creams used are of high quality but occasionally a sensitivity or allergy may occur. Individuals who have
allergies or sensitivities should make this aware before treatment begins.
|
 | | Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs) is a serious condition requiring immediate medical |
| | attention. Pressure from massage over a thrombosis may cause clots to break up and move to other areas e.g. the lungs proving
potentially hazardous.
|
| | Bleeding disorders (or those taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin) may find the pressure used during massage will cause |
| | bleeding in the tissues.
|
Contra- indications indicate conditions where massage should be avoided. These include conditions such as:
| | Fever is a sign of infection. As massage increases overall circulation it may spread infection around the |
| | body working against natural defenses.
|
| | Infectious disease may be worsened by massage again due to increased circulation. Massage is therefore |
| | not a good idea for someone coming down with the flu or similar condition.
|
CONTRAINDICATIONS
| | Metal implants e.g pins/plates: Please make your therapist aware of any metal implants you have as special care will have to be taken while massaging over these areas.
|
| | Osteoporosis: Elderly people often have this condition, in which bones become porous, brittle, and fragile. Massage may be too intense for this condition. Check with G.P. |
| | before seeking massage therapy.
|
| | Varicose veins: Massage directly over varicose veins can worsen the problem. A very gentle massage around the problem area may be beneficial. Check with G.P. before |
| | seeking massage therapy.
|
| | Broken bones: A little gentle massage to the area surrounding the healing area may improve circulation and be quite helpful. Check with G.P. before seeking massage |
| | therapy.
|
| | Cancer: can spread through the lymphatic system, and because massage increases lymphatic circulation, it may potentially spread the disease as well. Check with G.P. |
| | before seeking massage therapy.
|
| | Diabetes can lead to various complications which may cause or worsen certain musculoskeletal injuries, damage the skin and/or peripheral circulatory and neurological |
| | systems affecting sensation in the hands and feet. Check with G.P. before seeking massage therapy.
|
| | Cardiovascular disorders: By increasing circulation, massage may place a strain on the cardiac/circulatory system if weakened by disease. Check with G.P. before seeking |
| | massage therapy.
|
| | Dermatomyositis is a disease of the connective tissue characterized by chronic muscle inflammation and weakness. Massage may cause damage to muscles affected by the |
| | calcium deposits associated with this condition. Check with G.P. before seeking massage therapy.
|
| | Inflammation: Massage can further irritate an area of inflammation. Inflammatory conditions include anything that ends in –itis.
|
In the case of localized problems, massage may still be reformed around the affected area avoiding the inflammation. Check with G.P. before seeking massage therapy.
| | HIV infection: Some of the infections that people suffering from the later stages of AIDS experience are contraindicated, and therefore massage should be avoided. Check |
| | with G.P. before seeking massage therapy.
|
| | Other conditions and diseases: Other serious conditions may each have their own precautions Check with G.P. before seeking massage therapy. |
| | |
| | Pregnancy: Opinion is divided among medical professionals regarding the safety of massage during pregnancy, while some doctors advocate it’s |
| | use to relieve stress and oedema (swelling) others recommend it is best avoided. If interested in massage during this period please seek advice
from your G.P. who may be able to recommend a therapist who specialises in pre-natal massage.
|
There are some other conditions where special care is required. In order to go ahead and perform any kind of massage treatment, prior consent from
a G.P. or consulting Doctor may be required. These include conditions such as:
| | High blood pressure: High blood pressure means excessive pressure against blood vessel walls. Massage affects the blood vessels, and so |
| | people with high blood pressure or a heart condition should seek permission from they’re G.P. before going ahead with treatment.
|
| | Pacemaker: Again due to the increase in circulation massage causes, it is not a suitable treatment for everyone fitted with a pacemaker. |
| | Check with G.P. before seeking massage therapy.
|
Smiths Sports Therapy & Massage email nicola@smithssportstherapyandmassage.com tel: 07702 479032 or call Embody 0141 551 9678 info@embody-massage.co.uk
| | Skin problems: infectious, Inflammatory or allergic skin conditions may be worsened by the friction of |
| | massage treatments or the treatment mediums i.e. oils used. If problems are local, it may still be
possible to massage in other areas.
|
