Contraindications

Aromatherapy massage can be a hugely beneficial, relaxing and safe treatment for most people.  There are however, some circumstances when the use of massage or particular essential oils or both is not recommended – these are called contraindications to treatment.

Contraindications can be permanent, temporary, or specific to an area and therefore can be worked around.  Some conditions that are not suitable for massage may still benefit from treatment with essential oils.  In turn, some essential oils will not be recommended for certain medical conditions whereas others will be safe and beneficial.

If you have a history or are currently dealing with a serious health condition, please check with your GP or Medical Specialist before seeking massage therapy and fully inform your therapist of any health conditions that may affect your treatment.

There are three types of contraindication:

  1. Total – when massage or a particular essential oil should not be used at all.
  2. Medical – requires a letter of permission from your GP before treatment can commence.
  3. Local – when massage can be used but not over a particular area.  Techniques and essential oils may also need to be altered.

Contraindications are there for your health and safety and to ensure you receive a safe, effective treatment.  They are also in place to protect the therapist.  Honesty is vital in this process, and during the in-depth consultation prior to treatment, you will be asked to detail your medical history.

Please read through the following lists – if you have any of the conditions listed below or are unsure, always ask your GP prior to booking your appointment to avoid the disappointment of turning up and not being able to have a treatment.  

Total contraindications to massage include:

  • Fever
  • Contagious diseases, including any cold or flu, even mild ones
  • Acute infectious conditions e.g. Hepatitis A, recent immunisation
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Severe unstable hypertension (high blood pressure not under medical supervision)
  • Recent operations/surgery (clear with GP for post-surgical treatments)
  • Acute injuries – for at least the first 48 hours
  • Infectious skin conditions – head lice, scabies, ringworm, impetigo
  • Recently eaten a heavy meal
  • Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Severe Haemophilia (if mild, consult your GP for permission)
  • Severe Anaemia (fine for mild anaemia)
  • First Trimester of Pregnancy
  • DVT – total contraindication for up to 6 months after diagnosis – and then will require GP’s permission to treat
  • Advanced Cirrhosis of the Liver
  • Psychological conditions such as Bipolar, schizophrenia and paranoid conditions may be aggravated by touch and should be referred to a professional.
  • Oedema – if a result of; liver or kidney disease, infection or trauma, toxaemia or heart failure.

Medical contraindications – Treatment for the following conditions can be beneficial but will require a GP’s written note for permission to treat.  You may prefer to ask your GP for a permission slip before you come for treatment and bring it with you on the day, to avoid the disappointment of not being eligible for treatment.

  • Following any form of recent major surgery
  • Heart problems – if you have a history of heart problems, angina or strokes or are fitted with a pacemaker
  • DVT (6 months after diagnosis treatment can go ahead with permission)
  • Circulatory problems such as blood clots, thrombosis, DVT
  • Taking blood thinning medication e.g. Warfarin or Heparin – at risk of clots and may bruise more easily which can lead to internal bleeding
  • Aneurysm
  • Oedema
  • Cancer – if you are currently undergoing any form of treatment
  • Bells Palsy, trapped nerves
  • Epilepsy
  • High blood pressure – if not on medication to control it or if only recently been diagnosed and yet to stabilise
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • MS
  • Diabetes
  • TB
  • Emphysema
  • Severe, uncontrolled Asthma (if asthma is being managed then GP permission is not needed.  Essential oil use may be restricted to avoid triggering an attack)
  • Thickening of arteries

 

Local Contraindications: – treatment can still go ahead but the immediate or surrounding area will be avoided and/or techniques will be adapted as appropriate:

  • Varicose veins
  • Phlebitis
  • Acute neuritis
  • Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
  • 48 hours post any anti-inflammatory injection
  • Cuts/Abrasions
  • Sunburn
  • Undiagnosed pain
  • Sprains/localised injuries/strains/areas of pain
  • Acute Haematoma (once area has lightened in colour – light massage is beneficial)
  • Recent scar tissue
  • Compound fractures, simple fractures – do not treat at all for first 2 months
  • Acute stages of Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis, gout
  • Blisters
  • Eczema – if sore or infected
  • Psoriasis – if sore or infected
  • Acne
  • Localised contagious skin conditions; Warts & Verrucae, Coldsores, Athletes Foot
  • Cysts/Fibroids – if painful
  • Abdominal hernias

 

Cautions – treatment can still go ahead and be extremely beneficial, but techniques and essential oils will be adapted appropriately e.g. gentler massage techniques may be required instead of deeper tissue work and certain areas/sites may need to be avoided e.g. abdomen.  Some examples include:

  • High Blood Pressure medication – avoid deep abdominal massage
  • Pregnancy – after first trimester, lighter pressure, avoid abdomen and certain acupressure points that are contraindicated in pregnancy
  • Endometriosis
  • IBS
  • Crohn’s
  • Colitis
  • Low Blood Pressure – care must be taken at end of the treatment as some dizziness may be experienced
  • Osteoporosis – only light massage will be given
  • Cortisone medication can leave skin fragile and easy to bruise – light massage only
  • Vitamin A derivatives (i.e. used for acne treatments) can leave skin fragile and easily bruised
  • Muscle relaxants can cause a decrease in sensation
  • Diabetes – once cleared by GP – can be easily bruised and not able to feel if pressure is too hard due to loss of sensation in lower legs and feet.  Massage will be gentle.
  • Cancer – once cleared by GP – treatment can relax and nourish the body, support the immune system and ease pain.
  • Chronic Fatigue- very light, swift strokes and shortened treatment time advised
  • Depression – care taken not to exhaust the client further with too much pressure or too long a treatment.