Contra-indications can be To ALL MASSAGE

A time factor may enter into this, if a person presents to you just after eating a meal that person’s body is working too hard on digestion to gain benefit from your treatment. It is advisable to let three to four hours elapse after the person has eaten a large meal before performing the massage. On the day of the treatment the person should not take any alcohol or non-prescribed drugs either before or after the treatment to derive maximum benefits. If they are not ‘present’ with you the treatment can be of little use.
Thrombosis (blood clot): Do not massage this person at all. Recommend they discuss the possibility of massage with their consultant before commencement of any massage treatment.
After major surgery do not massage the person for 12 months unless referred to you by their doctor. Allow 6 months to lapse after minor surgery. For key-hole surgery and minor procedures clearance from their consultant or GP is recommended.
In instances where a person has extreme unexplained tenderness or acute swelling in a generalised way on the body it is necessary to refer them to their general practitioner or hospital and not to treat them. In these instances the body is not in homeostasis and the reason is not known. You do not want to add to any problems before diagnosis. All massage is contra-indicated if a person has a high temperature (pyrexia). The body is very busy working towards balance and you do not want to divert any energy away from the job in hand. Massage may be very supportive a few days later when the person has begun to feel better if the illness was a minor one. If a person has epilepsy you need to get clearance from their consultant or GP and find out how long they have had it, how serious it is and what length of time there is between attacks. If ‘Grandmal’ and attacks are at six to twelve month intervals avoid or proceed with extreme caution following clearance. If attacks occur at intervals longer than twelve months, effleurage and light petrissage can be used - no stimulation strokes.
Where cancer has been diagnosed, and treatment is being given, all massage is contra-indicated to avoid interfering with treatment or the condition. If a person is in treatment, then let the treatment do its work of detoxifying. However, after treatment is completed, and following clearance from the principal person treating the cancer patient, light stroke work could be very supportive. This has been the guidance to date. However, some texts now state that massage may be supportive of treatment. Be guided by the healthcare team who are involved in the delivery of the treatment. When terminal cancer has been diagnosed, and the wellbeing of the person in the short term is the major concern, massage can be performed to help relieve aches and pains and to counter mental lowness. As little as a hand/arm, foot or head massage can be very relaxing, reassuring and supportive at this stage of a person's life.