When should you avoid massage?

General health conditions

• Fever, cold, cough, flu, stomach flu
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs, hangover
• Strong pain medication
• Ongoing antibiotic treatment

Infections and skin conditions

• Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections (e.g. herpes, warts, athlete’s foot, erysipelas)
• Contagious skin diseases, open wounds, burns, frostbite
• Psoriasis is not a contraindication, but some other skin conditions may prevent massage locally

Vascular and circulation issues

• Deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis, varicose veins (avoid massaging directly on them)
• Hemophilia (requires doctor’s approval)
• Poorly circulating tissue (e.g. leg ulcers)

Heart and neurological conditions

• Heart diseases, pacemaker (requires doctor’s approval)
• Stroke, spastic paralysis (requires doctor’s or physiotherapist’s instructions)
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes (uncontrolled condition may be a contraindication)

Tumors and other illnesses

• Malignant tumors (require doctor’s approval, often a 5-year waiting period)
• Benign tumors (massage may stimulate growth)
• Hernia (avoid massaging the area)
• Muscle or joint inflammation, gout (during active flare-ups)

Local injuries and trauma

• Fresh injuries: bruises, strains, sprains, contusions, fractures
• Periostitis (e.g. shin splints)
• Bursitis (inflammation of a joint bursa)

Pregnancy

Massage is generally safe, except in these cases:

• Risk of premature labor (uterine contractions requiring treatment)
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding (requires doctor’s approval)
• Pre-eclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, requires medical approval)
• Deep vein thrombosis in the legs (no massage on lower limbs)