Massages offer numerous health benefits, but to protect your health and ensure the safety of the treatment, they cannot be performed under certain conditions or may only be performed with a doctor’s approval or with extra caution. Please take the following general and specific contraindications into account before booking an appointment!
General Contraindications (Swedish, relaxation, lymphatic, and reflexology foot massage)
These contraindications apply to all types of massage (unless otherwise noted):
- Fever, acute inflammation, or infectious disease: (e.g., influenza, the common cold, tuberculosis, COVID-19, acute rheumatic fever, osteomyelitis). Massage can accelerate the spread of pathogens, worsen symptoms, and intensify inflammatory processes.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or suspected thrombosis: Strictly prohibited! There is a life-threatening risk of the blood clot (thrombus) dislodging and causing an embolism.
- Malignant neoplastic disease: Strictly prohibited during the active phase of the disease. During recovery or for patients undergoing follow-up treatment, use is permitted only with the written authorization of the attending physician.
- Severe, untreated heart and circulatory problems: (e.g., uncontrolled high blood pressure, decompensated heart failure, recent myocardial infarction).
- Pacemaker.
- Diseases associated with bleeding disorders or blood thinner Taking (anticoagulant) medications (e.g., Syncumar, Marcumar): There is an increased risk of bleeding.
- Recent trauma, fracture, sprain, ligament tear, or post-surgical condition: This service may only be used after full recovery and with a doctor’s approval (typically 4–8 weeks are required).
- An advanced stage of osteoporosis.
- Extensive, infectious skin lesions, weeping eczema, open wounds, or burns.
- Mental illnesses (psychotic conditions), severe nervous system disorders (e.g., epileptic seizures).
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Advanced age, frail condition: Massage may put a strain on the circulatory system.
Specific contraindications: lymphatic massage (lymphatic drainage)
These exclusion criteria apply in addition to the general exclusion criteria already reviewed (e.g., fever, thrombosis, tumor):
- Stages II, III, and IV of lymphedema: Manual lymphatic massage should be used exclusively for Stage I edema (spontaneous, resolving with rest). Lymphedema at more advanced stages requires comprehensive medical treatment.
- Untreated thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism): In cases of hyperthyroidism, neck massage can cause a sudden surge in hormones, which is dangerous.
- Heart FailureAssociated, untreated edema: The increased fluid volume can overload the heart; there is a risk of pulmonary edema.
- Acute inflammations or infections: This includes purulent, localized inflammations (e.g., dental problems), as activation of the lymphatic system can spread pathogens.
- Acute asthma attack.
- Serious kidney diseaseNote: Since lymphatic drainage accelerates the elimination of fluids and toxins, this can place additional strain on the kidneys.
- Abdominal pain of unknown origin: If abdominal drainage is also performed, treatment is not recommended in cases of abdominal pain of unknown origin.
Specific contraindications: reflexology foot massage
These exclusion criteria apply in addition to the general exclusion criteria already reviewed (e.g., fever, thrombosis, tumor):
- Local injuries to the foot or sole: (e.g., sprain, fracture, open wound, inflammation, severe foot or toenail fungus).
- Serious kidney problems
- Gallstones and kidney stones: The circulation-boosting effect of massage can cause a stone to become dislodged, which may lead to cramps.
- Severe, ulcerated diabetes or nerve damage (neuropathy) in the foot.
Specific contraindications: cupping
Cupping therapy should not be used in the following cases:
- Hemophilia, taking blood thinners (strict contraindication).
- A tendency to develop subcutaneous bruising.
- A fresh skin injury, an inflamed area of skin, or a raised mole in the area to be treated.
- Severe varicose veins in the affected area.
Additional Contraindications for Women
- Pregnancy: Massage is contraindicated during the first trimester and the final month of pregnancy. During other stages, it may only be performed as a special prenatal massage following a gynecological consultation.
- While Breastfeeding
- Menstruation: Massage may increase bleeding during the first 1–3 days, so it is not recommended. However, its antispasmodic effect may be helpful, so this should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Important Information
If you have any health issues, are taking medication (especially blood thinners or heart medication), or are unsure whether a massage is right for you, please be sure to mention this when booking and consult your doctor before starting treatment!
The massage therapist has the right and the obligation to immediately discontinue the treatment if, after the massage has begun or at any time during it, the therapist detects a contraindication that endangers the client’s health or precludes the performance of the massage.
Taking the above contraindications into account, everyone may undergo these treatments at their own risk. If you have any health issues, a prior medical consultation is recommended!
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