Yes Bodywork Services

Massage contraindications are medical conditions or situations where therapy should be avoided or modified to prevent harm. These fall into absolute (no massage at all), local (avoid specific areas), or relative (proceed with doctor approval) categories.​

Absolute Contraindications

Skip massage entirely for acute , high-risk issues to avoid worsening them.

• Shock, recent stroke, heart attack, or hemorrhage. (wait 6 weeks plus, ideally min 6 months, and Physicians clearance.)

• High fever, acute infections (e.g., meningitis, pneumonia, influenza, severe colds); 48 hrs post symptoms.

• Intoxication. -- Massage is contraindicated, Massage can spread toxins and overstress the liver. 24 hrs post consumption.

• Severe organ disease (heart, liver failure, kidney failure, respiratory, severe asthma), or advanced metastatic cancer.​

• Pregnancy-- contraindicated in the First Trimester, wait until 13 weeks pregnant.​

Local Contraindications

Massage other areas but avoid the affected known spot.

• Open wounds, burns, bruises, recent fractures, or sunburn.

• Varicose veins, deep massage is contraindicated and could dislodge a blood clot; very light superficial massage proximal to the veins can be beneficial.

• Phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, and deep vein thrombosis are all CONTRAINDICATED. a dislodge embolus could cause a pulmonary embolism, stroke, or myocardial infarction (heart attack).

• Undiagnosed lumps, cysts, or severe skin infections (e.g., boils, warts,  ).

• Inflammation from tissue damage, indicating swelling, redness, heat, pain; Recent injuries like sprains, strains, or injection sites that have inflammation of the tissue or joint, massage is contraindicated; however, certain acupressure points or simply placing therapeutic touch can be beneficial.

• Inflammation from Bacterial infestation; If Pus is Present, Massage is Contraindicated. Pus is a combination of dead white blood cells and bacteria that signify infection. 

• Hematoma, bruises; in acute stage black-blue, massage is contraindicated, however as the blood clots and the body absorbs the cellular debris, the bruise changes colors to green and yellow, at this stage light massage enhances circulation and assists healing.

• Hernia-- Massage is not recommended over or near the afflicted area.

Relative Contraindications

Get physician clearance first; light, modified massage may be okay.

• Chronic conditions like advanced osteoporosis, uncontrolled high blood pressure , or diabetes complications.

• Cancer (non-metastatic) -- Massage has proved to be safe for people with cancer and has many benefits, including relaxation, pain relief, easing of side effects from cancer treatments, and support of the immune system. 

• Chronic Fatigue-- Massage is extremely light and superficial; overtime Massage helps restore clients energy.

• Diabetes, Epilepsy, or Pacemakers-- all require Physician approval.

• Autoimmune Flare-ups (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), fibromyalgia, or blood thinners.​

• Post Surgical; Massage over a fresh incision is contraindicated, however, after initial healing, specialized connective tissue massage can help reduce excessive scar tissue and adhesions.

• Edema-- if caused by back pressure in veins from immobility, massage and mild exercise can be helpful. 

• Edema-- if a result of protein imbalance because of breakdown of kidneys or liver, or is the result of increased permeability of the capillaries from inflammation, massage is contraindicated.

• Pitting Edema-- Local circulatory massage is contraindicated for all cases of pitting edema. 

• Other causes of Edema-- Heart, Kidney Disease, Poison in the System, Obstruction of Lymph Channels.

• Edema in Pregnancy related to Toxemia--contraindicated.

• Localized Lymphadema-- deep massage is contraindicated, however light massage distal to proximal ; most appropriate is manual lymphatic drainage massage. 

• Frail older people-- fragile bones, very sensitive skin, numerous medications;;; Gentle massage can be beneficial.

• Scoliosis-- massage must be recommended by client's physician, and caution must be exercised.

 

Certain conditions like fever, open wounds, and active infections mean we reschedule for safety—always consult your doctor if unsure about any of the above conditions.

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At YES BODYWORK, we create safe spaces when contraindications are ruled out.