Contra-indications for Massage

There are times when massage could be detrimental rather than beneficial to you. The contra indications to massage are:

A body temperature over 100°F, or feeling unwell
Acute Traumas: Open wounds, recent bruising, muscle tears, sprained ligaments, contusions, chilblains or burns
Tumours: Where there is swelling, which is inconsistent with recent bruising
Diseased blood vessels: Varicose veins, phlebitis, thrombosis
Cancer
Melanoma
Haemophilia
Infectious skin disease: Bacterial infection, Lymphangitis, Fungal infection, Viral infections, Herpes
Where you react adversely to massage treatment
Where your symptoms appear to make advice from a doctor advisable
Diabetes: not strictly a contraindication but massage has the same effect as exercise on your blood sugar levels so you need to have appropriate medication available
Massage of the abdomen should be avoided in the first three months of pregnancy