Applies to all body therapy 

 

Total contraindications

When a client has any of these conditions the therapist should not provide massage/shiatsu/ reflexology:

• Fever

• Contagious or infectious diseases (including skin diseases)

• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Diarrhoea and vomiting

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Local contraindications

The therapist can give massage/shiatsu/reflexology, but not over any areas affected by:

• Skin diseases

• Undiagnosed lumps or bumps

• Varicose veins

• Pregnancy (on the abdomen, with medical permission)

• Cuts, bruises or abrasions

• Inflammation

• Scar tissue (two years for a major operation and six months for a small scar)

• Recent fractures (minimum of 3 months)

• Hernia

• Sunburn

• Areas of undiagnosed pain

• Menstruation (on the abdomen, for the first few days or depending on how the client is feeling)

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Medical

Please talk to your therapist before you book your appointment. Approval may be needed from your GP if the condition has not yet been diagnosed or is not controlled with medication:

• Pregnancy

• Cancer

• Cardio vascular conditions (for example, heart conditions or hypertension)

• Any condition already being treated by a GP or another complimentary therapy practitioner

• Medical oedema

• Osteoporosis

• Arthritis

• Nervous/psychotic conditions

• Epilepsy

• Recent operations

• Diabetes

• Asthma

• Bell’s palsy

• Trapped or pinched nerves (for example, sciatica, whiplash or slipped disk)

• Inflamed nerve

• Acute rheumatism

• Haemophilia

• Postural problems

• Kidney infections