Contraindications for massage:

There are some situations where massage is not recommended.  They include, but are not limited to the following:
[details to come]
  • Fever: When you have a fever, your body is trying to isolate and expel an invader of some kind. Massage increases overall circulation and could therefore work against your body's natural defenses.
  • Inflammation: Massage can further irritate an area of inflammation.   Inflamed conditions include anything that ends in –itis, such as phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), arthritis (inflammation of the joints), and so on. In the case of localized problems, you can still massage around them, however, avoiding the inflammation itself.
  • High blood pressure: High blood pressure means excessive pressure against blood vessel walls. Massage affects the blood vessels, and so people with high blood pressure or a heart condition should receive light, sedating massages, if at all.
  • Infectious diseases: Massage is not a good idea for someone coming down with the flu or diphtheria, for example, and to make matters worse, you expose yourself to the virus as well.
  • Hernia: Hernias are protrusions of part of an organ (such as the intestines) through a muscular wall. It's not a good idea to try to push these organs back inside. Surgery works better.
  • Osteoporosis: Elderly people with a severe stoop to the shoulders often have this condition, in which bones become porous, brittle, and fragile. Massage may be too intense for this condition.
  • Varicose veins: Massage directly over varicose veins can worsen the problem. However, if you apply a very light massage next to the problem, always in a direction toward the heart, it can be very beneficial.
  • Broken bones: Stay away from an area of mending bones. A little light massage to the surrounding areas, though, can improve circulation and be quite helpful.
  • Skin problems: You should avoid anything that looks like it shouldn't be there, such as rashes, wounds, bruises, burns, boils, and blisters, for example. Usually these problems are local, so you can still massage in other areas.
  • Cancer: Cancer can spread through the lymphatic system, and because massage increases lymphatic circulation, it may potentially spread the disease as well. Simple, caring touch is fine, but massage strokes that stimulate circulation are not. Always check with a doctor first.
  • Other conditions and diseases: Diabetes, asthma, and other serious conditions each has its own precautions, and you should seek a doctor's opinion before administering massage.
  • HIV infection: Some people still think of AIDS as something that can be "caught" through simple skin-to-skin contact, but most of us know that's not the case. If there is no exchange of bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or mother's milk), HIV can't be transmitted during massage. So, HIV infection is not contraindicated for this reason. However, some of the infections that people suffering from the later stages of AIDS experience are contraindicated, and you should avoid those infections. Loving, soothing contact is extremely important for people at any stage of infection, but in the case of any visible rashes, sores, lesions, or swelling, massage is best left to a professional. If you have any cuts or scrapes or scratches on your hands, it's an especially good idea to wear thin surgical gloves while massaging an HIV-infected person with any signs of open lesions.

If you have any questions, please get in touch!

 Contraindications for Pedicures:

There are times when a pedicure should not be conducted, they include but are not limited to:

In general:

Infectious Diseases:
e.g  impetigo, warts, etc are sometimes viral infections, and can be highly contagious. Warts can grow on any part of the body. Manicure, pedicure and artificial nail treatments should be avoided until the infection has cleared up to avoid cross-infection.

Scabies:
A skin infection caused by tiny mites. Their burrows appear as darkened, wavy lines on the skin. Scabies usually affects hands and feet, wrists and inner arm, but can also affect the entire body. You cannot be treated if you have scabies, it is a highly infectious, parasitic disease.

Ringworm:
A fungal infection giving a ringlike and wormlike appearance. It is highly contagious when touching an infected person, animal, or damp surface. It is common in children. Nail treatments cannot be conducted when ringworm is present.

Cuts/Abrasions:
Cuts and abrasions can be caused by various accidents with knives, sharp edges, falling over,etc. Leaving a wound uncovered aids healing. Care should be taken to avoid knocking cuts. DSall cuts can be covered and treatment then carried out at the discretion of the therapist. Large cuts should be allowed to heal before any nail treatment can take place for the comfort of the client, ease of the therapist and to prevent cross-infection.

Swelling
Swelling can be caused by accidents and infections. If the client has an infection, they will be referred to their G.P. before nail treatments can take place. If the swelling is caused by an accident, the swelling must heal before a nail treatment can take place for their comfort, and peace of mind of the therapist.

Redness
Medically called erythema. Can be caused by heat, cold, infection, and a reaction to chemicals. Allergic reactions and dermatitis can cause erythema. Chilblains can also be a cause. Redness should only prevent or restrict a nail treatment if the client is uncomfortable or if the redness is caused by infection or an allergic reaction to manicure,pedicure or nail extensions.

Discoloured Nails
Usually the result of wearing nail polish without a base coat. Also caused by hair dyes. Smokers can also suffer from discoloured nails. In addition, damage to the nail can cause discolouration.

Specifically:

Bruising to nails/toes.  Swelling to treatment area.  Varicose veins (massage may be omitted), broken bones, recent scar tissue (3-6 months old), diabetes and people on warfarin may need to take extra care during pedicure treatments.

If any contagious disease is present or reasonably suspected by the therapist, then treatment may be declined.

Extremely low/poor hygiene practices may also give reasonable cause for the therapist to refuse treatment.

If you have any questions, please get in touch!