When Not to get a Massage

• Fever: When you have a fever, your body is trying to isolate and expel an invader of some kind. Massage increases overall circulation and could therefore work against your body's natural defenses.

• Inflammation: Massage can further irritate an area of inflammation. Inflamed conditions include anything that ends in –itis, such as phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), arthritis (inflammation of the joints), and so on. In the case of localized problems, they can be still massaged around them, however, avoiding the inflammation itself.

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure means excessive pressure against blood vessel walls. Massage affects the blood vessels, and so people with high blood pressure or a heart condition should receive light, sedating massages, if at all.

• Infectious diseases: Massage is not a good idea for someone coming down with the flu or diphtheria, for example, and to make matters worse, therapist can be exposed to the virus as well.

• Hernia: Hernias are protrusions of part of an organ (such as the intestines) through a muscular wall. It's not a good idea to try to push these organs back inside. Surgery works better.

• Osteoporosis: Elderly people with a severe stoop to the shoulders often have this condition, in which bones become porous, brittle, and fragile. Massage may be too intense for this condition.

• Varicose veins: Massage directly over varicose veins can worsen the problem. However, if a very light massage is applied next to the problem, always in a direction toward the heart, it can be very beneficial.

• Broken bones: Stay away from an area of mending bones. A little light massage to the surrounding areas, though, can improve circulation and be quite helpful.

• Skin problems: Rashes, wounds, bruises, burns, boils, and blisters should be avoided, for example. Usually these problems are local, so other areas can be still massaged.

• Cancer: Cancer can spread through the lymphatic system, and because massage increases lymphatic circulation, it may potentially spread the disease as well. Simple, caring touch is fine, but massage strokes that stimulate circulation are not. Always check with a doctor first.

• Other conditions and diseases: Diabetes, asthma, and other serious conditions each has its own precautions, and clients should seek a doctor's opinion before getting a massage.

• HIV infection: Some people still think of AIDS as something that can be "caught" through simple skin-to-skin contact, but most of us know that's not the case. If there is no exchange of bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or mother's milk), HIV can't be transmitted during massage. So, HIV infection is not contraindicated for this reason. However, some of the infections that people suffering from the later stages of AIDS experience are contraindicated, and those infections should be avoided. Loving, soothing contact is extremely important for people at any stage of infection, but in the case of any visible rashes, sores, lesions, or swelling, massage is best left to a professional.

•  Note: 

           Pregnant women should consult with their doctors before using massage therapy.   Once cleared by the physician, seek out a therapist experienced in massage for expectant mothers.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Contraindications for Hot Stone Massage

• Fever 100F or higher
• Vomiting
• Cold (symptoms last 5 days or longer)
• Acute system condition
• Injury requiring medical attention
• Intense or unexplained symptoms
• Poorly managed or advanced Diabetes (because of compromised circulation)

   

         Leads to:

• Ø Ulcers (skin)
• Ø Neuropathy > causes Numbness
• Ø Edema
• Ø Gangrene
• Ø Amputations

Before Hot Stone massage is given (diabetes): >>>> PHYSICIAN’S RELEASE REQUIRED

• Neuropathy        

            Leads to:

• Ø Numbness
• Ø Tingling
• Ø Impaired ability to give feedback on temperature
  • Conditions that impair circulation
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

   Leads to:

• Ø RA can flare-up and be exacerbated if the body is overheated
• Recent Car Accident
  • Ø The heat from the stones could exacerbate > Inflammation
  • A widespread skin condition
    • Ø Skin condition that covers large areas of the body
    • A condition that has flared-up
    • A client in a weakened condition (Cancer, HIV, Aids);

                              Older > have decreased adipose tissue; thinner skin

• Fibromyalgia

 Local Contraindications

• Sunburn
• Broken Skin > Wounds, Inflamed blemishes, and Scabs
• Local soft tissue injury > localized inflammation