Contraindications

Complete contraindications

Under no circumstances will we treat you if you disclose to us you have any of the following:

  • Recent surgery: Within the last 6 weeks, unless cleared by a healthcare provider.

  • Severe cardiovascular conditions: Unstable angina, recent heart attack, uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), congestive heart failure.

  • Acute illness or fever: Active infection, flu, or fever.

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clot: Active or recent DVT or clotting disorder.

  • Severe respiratory conditions: Severe asthma attack, acute bronchitis, or pneumonia.

  • Recent fractures: Within the last 3 months, unless cleared by a healthcare provider.

  • Open wounds or burns: Any open wounds, burns, or areas of infection.

  • Contagious skin conditions: Active cases of ringworm, impetigo, or other contagious skin infections.

  • Severe edema: Excessive swelling due to lymphedema or other conditions.

  • Pregnancy: First trimester.

Local contraindications

Local contraindications allow for treatment to be provided elsewhere on the body, avoiding the affected area.

  • Bruising or hematoma: Recent bruising or hematoma in the area to be treated.

  • Varicose veins: Inflamed or painful varicose veins.

  • Sunburn: Recently sunburned skin, particularly if blistered or peeling.

  • Localised inflammation: Swelling or inflammation due to injury or infection.

  • Recent scar tissue: Scars less than 6 months old, unless cleared by a healthcare provider.

  • Local infectious conditions: Boils, herpes outbreaks, or fungal infections in the area.

Medical contraindications

Treatment may be able to take place, but a medical note from your doctor confirming it is safe for you to be treated must be presented before the session. Examples include:

  • Cancer: Clients undergoing treatment for cancer (for example, chemotherapy, radiation) or with a history of cancer may require clearance from their oncologist to ensure that massage will not interfere with their treatment or exacerbate their condition

  • Osteoporosis: Severe osteoporosis, where bones are extremely fragile and more prone to fractures, may require a doctor's note confirming that massage is safe and will not cause harm.

  • Epilepsy: Clients with epilepsy, particularly if seizures are not well-controlled, should provide medical clearance to ensure that massage will not trigger a seizure or adversely affect their condition.

  • Diabetes: Clients with diabetes, especially if they have complications such as neuropathy or poor circulation, may need a doctor’s note to confirm that massage will not negatively impact their health.

  • Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis, which can affect various systems in the body, may require medical clearance to ensure that massage does not worsen symptoms or interact negatively with ongoing treatments.

  • Severe allergies: Clients with severe allergies, especially to massage oils or products, should provide medical advice or a note indicating that appropriate precautions can be taken to prevent an allergic reaction.

  • Blood disorders: Conditions like hemophilia or other clotting disorders may require a doctor’s approval to ensure that massage does not increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.

Dry needling contraindications

Complete contraindications

Under no circumstances will dry needling be performed if you have any of the following conditions (including but not limited to):

  • Immunocompromised conditions (e.g. undergoing chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, post-transplant immunosuppression)

  • Uncontrolled bleeding disorders (e.g., haemophilia, severe thrombocytopenia)

  • Current use of anticoagulants where there is a high risk of bleeding

  • Uncontrolled epilepsy (risk of triggering seizures)

  • Severe needle phobia or extreme anxiety related to needles

  • Pregnancy 

Local contraindications

Dry needling may still be possible, but the following are examples of areas that will be avoided (this list is not exhaustive):

  • Recent surgical sites

  • Recent scars or keloid-prone areas

  • Varicose veins or vascular abnormalities

  • Areas of severe lymphedema or compromised circulation

  • Current infections or skin conditions at the needling site (e.g. cellulitis, open wounds, active shingles)

Medical contraindications

If you have any of the following conditions (including but not limited to), you may need medical clearance before treatment:

  • Diabetes especially with complications like neuropathy or poor circulation.

  • Severe osteoporosis (risk of needle-induced micro-fractures)

  • Chronic pain conditions or fibromyalgia (where hypersensitivity may be a concern)

Pregnancy massage

Complete contraindications

Under no circumstances will we treat you if you disclose to us you have any of the following:

  • Infectious diseases: Contagious conditions such as flu, active infections, or fever.

  • Severe nausea or diarrhoea: Risk of exacerbating symptoms.

  • Current DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis): High risk of embolism.

  • Undiagnosed lumps: Potentially serious underlying conditions require medical assessment.

  • Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia: High-risk pregnancy conditions.

  • Unstable pregnancy: Including first trimester or pregnancies deemed high-risk without medical clearance.

  • Severe cardiovascular conditions: Examples include unstable angina, recent heart attack, or uncontrolled hypertension.

  • Severe respiratory conditions: Acute bronchitis, severe asthma attacks, or pneumonia.

  • Acute illness or fever: Any condition causing fever or severe systemic distress.

  • Recent fractures: Within 3 months, unless cleared by a healthcare provider.

  • Open wounds or burns: Any untreated or unhealed wounds or burns.

  • Contagious skin conditions: Examples include active ringworm, impetigo, or scabies.

Local contraindications

Local contraindications allow for treatment to be provided elsewhere on the body, avoiding the affected area.

  • Localised areas of sepsis or inflammation: Such as abscesses or cellulitis.

  • Bruising or haematoma: Recent or tender bruising.

  • Broken skin, cuts, or abrasions: Open or healing wounds.

  • Varicose veins or DVT: Painful or inflamed areas.

  • Localised fungal infections: Athlete’s foot or ringworm in specific areas.

  • Sunburn: Particularly if blistered or peeling.

Medical contraindications

Treatment may be able to take place, but a medical note from your doctor confirming it is safe for you to be treated must be presented before the session. Examples include:

  • Unstable blood pressure: Includes both high and low blood pressure requiring management.

  • Cardiac disorders: Such as heart failure or arrhythmias.

  • Epilepsy: Especially if seizures are not well-controlled.

  • Cancer: During treatment or recovery phases; oncologist approval required.

  • Systemic oedema: Swelling caused by underlying conditions.

  • Placenta praevia: Unless explicitly approved by a healthcare provider.

  • Severe undiagnosed pain: Requires medical investigation prior to treatment.

  • Severe sciatica: Only with medical clearance.

  • Diabetes: Especially with complications like neuropathy or poor circulation.

  • Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus or multiple sclerosis, where massage may require precautions.

  • Osteoporosis: Severe cases requiring careful handling.

  • Severe allergies: Particularly if related to oils or products used in massage.

  • Blood disorders: Examples include haemophilia or clotting issues.