When Should You Not Have a Massage?

Massage is relaxing for many people, but it is not right for everyone or every situation. A responsible practitioner’s first duty is to recognise when massage is not safe.

Massage should not be done with

• Fever, flu and active infections,
• Severe, unexplained or increasing pain — especially abdominal or chest pain,
• Chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations,
• Leg swelling, redness and pain that may suggest a blood clot,
• Recent fractures, sprains or open wounds,
• Skin infections, burns or rashes in the area,
• The influence of alcohol or drugs.

Ask your doctor first if you have

• Pregnancy (especially the first trimester and abdominal work),
• Recent surgery,
• Heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure,
• Blood thinners or bleeding disorders,
• Cancer and ongoing treatment,
• Disc herniation or osteoporosis,
• Diabetic loss of sensation, abdominal hernia.

Extra care for the abdomen

Appendicitis, gallbladder inflammation, bowel obstruction and kidney stones can all cause abdominal pain, and massage can be dangerous in these cases. We never work on severe, feverish or vomiting-related pain or pain in the lower right abdomen. For children we only work with a parent present and after the paediatrician’s assessment.