Contraindications

Massages have numerous beneficial effects, but to protect your health and ensure the safety of the treatment, they cannot be performed under certain conditions, or only with a doctor's permission and increased caution. Please consider the following general and specific contraindications before booking an appointment!

General Contraindications (Swedish, Lymphatic, Foot Reflexology Massage)

These exclusions apply to all three massage types:

• Fever, acute inflammation, or infectious disease (e.g., flu, cold, tuberculosis, COVID-19, acute rheumatic inflammation, periostitis). Massage can accelerate the spread of pathogens, worsen symptoms, and intensify inflammatory processes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or suspicion of thrombosis: Strictly forbidden! There is a life-threatening risk of dislodging a blood clot (thrombus) and causing an embolism.
• Malignant tumor: Strictly forbidden in the active state. For patients in recovery or undergoing follow-up treatment, it is only available with written permission from the treating physician.
• Severe, untreated heart and circulatory problems (e.g., uncontrolled high blood pressure, decompensated heart failure, recent heart attack).
• Pacemaker.
• Bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications (e.g., Warfarin, Marcumar): Increased risk of bruising.
• Recent trauma, fracture, dislocation, ligament tear, or post-operative condition: Only available after full recovery and medical clearance (usually 4–8 weeks are required).
• Advanced stage of osteoporosis.
• Extensive, infectious skin lesions, weeping eczema, open wounds, or burns.
• Psychiatric illnesses (psychotic states), severe neurological problems (e.g., epileptic seizures).
• Under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Very old, weakened condition: Massage can strain the circulatory system.

Specific Contraindications: Lymphatic Drainage

These exclusions apply in addition to the general contraindications already reviewed (e.g., fever, thrombosis, tumor):

• Lymphedema Stages II, III, and IV: Manual lymphatic drainage is only applicable for Stage I edema (which resolves spontaneously with rest). Higher stages of lymphedema require complex medical treatment.
• Untreated thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism): In case of an overactive thyroid, neck massage can cause a sudden influx of hormones, which is dangerous.
• Untreated edema associated with heart failure: The increased fluid volume can overload the heart; there is a risk of pulmonary edema.
• Acute inflammations or infections: This includes purulent, local inflammations (e.g., dental problems), as activating the lymphatic system can spread pathogens.
• Acute asthma attack.
• Severe kidney diseases: As lymphatic drainage accelerates the excretion of fluids and toxins, it can place an additional burden on the kidneys.
• Abdominal pain of unknown origin: If abdominal drainage is performed, the treatment is not recommended for abdominal pain of unknown origin.

Specific Contraindications: Foot Reflexology

These exclusions apply in addition to the general contraindications already reviewed (e.g., fever, thrombosis, tumor):

• Local injuries on the foot: (e.g., sprain, fracture, open wound, inflammation, severe foot or nail fungus).
• Severe kidney problems.
• Gallstones and kidney stones: The circulation-enhancing effect of the massage can trigger the movement of stones, which can cause cramps.
• Severe, ulcerative diabetes or nerve damage (neuropathy) on the foot.

Additional Contraindications for Women

• Pregnancy: Massage is contraindicated in the first trimester and the last month. In other stages, only a special pregnancy massage can be performed, based on a gynecological consultation.
• During lactation.
• Menstruation: Massage is not recommended during the first 1–3 days as it can increase bleeding. However, its cramp-relieving effect may help, so it requires individual consideration.

Important Information

If you have any health problems, are taking medication (especially blood thinners, heart medication), or are unsure whether massage is appropriate for you, please be sure to mention it when booking and consult your doctor before the treatment!

The massage therapist is entitled and obliged to interrupt the treatment immediately if, after starting or during the massage, they notice a contraindication that endangers the client's health or excludes the performance of the massage.

Taking the above contraindications into account, treatments can be used at one's own risk. If you have health problems, prior medical consultation is recommended!