Massage Therapy Contraindications

There are certain conditions that make Massage Therapy an inappropriate choice of treatment for certain individuals. Sometimes a condition is an absolute contraindication (CI) but more often than not, a Massage Therapist can modify their treatment to accomodate the condition.

It is important to talk to your therapist before receiving Massage Therapy if you're suffering from any of the following:

General CIs

• Acute conditions requiring first aid or medical attention - i.e. myocardial infarction, epileptic seizure, severe asthmatic attack, acute pneumonia
• Kidney, respiratory or liver failure
• Diabetes with complications such as gangrene, advanced kidney disease or very high blood pressure
• Pregnancy with complications - i.e. diabetes, very high blood pressure
• Systemic contagious or infectious conditions
• Fever above 38.5 degrees C (101.5 degrees F)

Local CIs

• Acute flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis
• Local contagious conditions
• Local irritable skin conditions
• Malignancy
• Open wound or sore
• Phlebitis, phlebothrombosis or arteritis
• Recent burn
• Undiagnosed lump

Registered Massage Therapists in British Columbia are specifically trained to know whether or not it is safe to do treatments on an individual or on certain areas in there are contraindications present. Ask your Massage Therapist if you have any questions.

Information courtesy of the Massage Therapists' Association of BC