In combination with other forms of medication, massage therapy can ease many problems associated with pain and illness. Massage, however, is not a therapy you can apply in all conditions. It is also important to understand its limitations and contraindications. A contraindication in a massage is a reason why a massage therapist or practitioner would not give a massage to a client because it may cause harm in some way.

There are three types of contraindication:
1. TOTAL/SYSTEMIC, when massage should not be performed at all.
2. LOCAL, when massage can be performed but not over the contraindicated areas.
3. PARTIAL/MEDICAL, when massage can only be performed once medical permission has been granted.

Let’s go over some examples of each type of category:

1. Total Contraindications
– Fever
– Dizziness
– Nausea
– Contagious diseases such as the cold or the flu
– Recent operations or acute injuries (minimum 6 weeks waiting time)

2. Local Contraindications
– Varicose veins
– Lumps or bumps that are undiagnosed, or haven’t been cleared by a medical profession
– Frostbite
– Skin problems: rashes, wounds, bruises, burns, boils, blisters, warts
– Ulcers
– Broken bones
– Hernia
– Inflammation in certain areas
– Areas of recent local surgery

3. Medical Contraindications
– Osteoporosis
– Cancer
– Pregnancy
– High blood pressure
– Stroke
– Epilepsy
– Diabetes
– Asthma
– Parkinson`s disease
– HIV/AIDS