University of Virginia Library

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR MASSAGE

In several affections massage is most certainly contraindicated; and in many the treatment must be performed very carefully.

The first important requisite is that the skin is not severely abraded. Consequently, massage is not to be used in—

• 1. Skin affections: Wounds, burns, erysipelas, eczema, acne, and specific eruptions.
• 2. Certain Affections in the Blood-vessels or Lymphatics.—This must be especially remembered in elderly persons, whose vessels are, as a rule, very sensitive to mechanical pressure.
• 3. In tumors and purulent inflammations, in which we run the risk of transferring the virus to other healthy tissues.
• 4. In all acute affections of the bone-tissue.
• 5. In severe constitutional or local diseases, where complete rest is necessary. (When convalescent, massage, is, on the contrary, in many cases, one of the best tonics.)
• 6. Pregnancy.—As a rule, avoid massage during pregnancy, and especially massage of the abdomen.
• 7. All affections in which the pressure is liable to cause a hemorrhage.

During menstruation it is best to discontinue general massage, and under no circumstances should the abdomen be treated unless so ordered by the attending physician. Such prescriptions will sometimes be issued in cases of a retarded or too scanty flow.