Contra-indications

If the client has any of the following conditions the massage treatment should not be carried out.

Swelling Undiagnosed lumps and bumps Skin disorders such as recent haemorrhaging and bruising Recent scar tissue Diabetes Loss of skin sensation Fractures or sprains Defective circulation Contra indications that restrict the treatment for example the treatment may have to be adapted for the client eg if the client had a small localised bruise, the area would need to be avoided

Non severe varicose veins Cuts and abrasions Heat rash Sunburn Warts Hairy moles Bruises The importance of establishing any contra-indications prior to carrying out a massage treatment which will prevent the treatment being carried out and may require medical advice. All therapists offering body massage treatments should be aware of the most common type of skin disorders and diseases which they may come across, and be able to make a decision to weather the treatment is contra indicated or not and therefore may or may be not be carried out. When a client attends for a massage treatment you must ensure sure that you check for any contra-indications to the massage treatment. You must always inspect the area to be treated and check that there is no infection or disease present, which could contra indicate the treatment. An infectious disease can be passed on from one person to the other by air droplets for example coughing and sneezing contagious disease is passed on through direct or indirect contact for example touching the infected area or using materials a good example when massaging is towels that have just been used on the infected person. Not all disorders are contra indicate, and is therefore vital that that the therapist is familiar with the diseases and disorders that they may come into contact with in the work place.

Contra-actions
The contra actions that a client may experience are:

Sickness, which may be due to the increased circulation of the waste products, which is transported around the body by the Lymphatic system. Fainting due to the blood pressure changing which is caused by the blood capillaries dilating. Excessive pressure can sometimes cause the client to bruise particularly when tapotement movements are applied. Some massage mediums can cause an allergic reaction. If a client does suffer from any of the above contra indications you must

Ensure the room is well ventilated. Offer the client a drink of water. Apply a cool compress to the area of the body that has reacted. If symptoms persist advise the client to seek medical advice. Any reactions should always be noted down on the clients record card so that any adverse reactions are noted for future treatments.