Hands to Heal Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Safety & You..

All Hands to Heal Massage Therapists are all professionally qualified and hold current New Zealand First Aid certification.

As Soft Tissue Massage Therapist's we stay within our "scope of practice", however we can  work with your combined health professional to achieve your goals, assist you on your return to complete body wellness (homeostasis). Massage Therapy can be a vital component to your Health & Management plan , along side good water and good organic food. Naturally pain free.

A NZ RMT Soft Tissue Massage Therapist are not Registered Doctor's, Physiotherapist's', Osteopath's, Chiropractors, Skin Specialist's, Nutrition Professionals or Counsellors, therefore a RMT cannot offer any advice in these medical professions/fields. A NZ RMT Soft Tissue Massage Therapy can assist you in your Health & Wellbeing planning moving forward, whilst ethically remaining within a 'scope of professional practice'. Do not be offended if your RMT refers you to your preferred health professional 

Example:

1.  Part of Massage Therapy session your RMT sights a freckle/mole that looks irregular - will question you in regards if  you are aware of the irregular freckle/mole and will indicate this on your Massage Therapy Post Treatment Notes, and will advise to have the irregular freckle/mole checked by your Doctor asap. 

Massage Therapy Safety:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Massage therapy appears to have few serious risks; If it is performed by a properly trained/qualified massage therapist and if appropriate precautions are followed. The number of serious injuries reported is very small. Side effects of massage therapy may include temporary pain or discomfort, bruising, swelling, and a sensitivity or allergy to massage oils.

Upon becoming a new client at Hands to Heal Massage Therapy you will be required

Cautions about Massage Therapy include the following:

• Massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, or weakened bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer), or where there has been a recent surger

• Although massage therapy appears to be generally safe for cancer patients, they should consult their oncologist before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure. Any direct pressure over a tumor usually is discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about massage therapy with their oncologist.

• Pregnant women should consult their health care provider before using massage therapy.
• Vigorous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders or low blood platelet counts,and by people taking blood - thinning medications such as warfrin etc.

When Should Massage Therapy Be Avoided?

Contagious Skin Conditions

• Conditions like ringworm, warts, or contagious rashes can spread through massage.

Fever or Illness

• Massage can exacerbate symptoms or spread infection during illnesses like the flu or a cold.

Severe Osteoporosis

• Fragile bones may be at risk of fractures during deep pressure or manipulation.

Acute Injury

Avoid massage immediately after injuries such as sprains, fractures, or severe bruising.

Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

• Massage can potentially dislodge a clot, leading to life-threatening complications.

Active Infection

• Massage may spread infection throughout the body via increased circulation.

Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

• Certain techniques could exacerbate the condition.

Recent Surgery

• Avoid massage near surgical sites until fully healed to prevent reopening wounds or infections.

Open Wounds or Burns

• These areas should not be massaged to prevent irritation or infection.

Cancer in Active Treatment Without Medical Clearance

• While oncology massage exists, it must be approached carefully with professional guidance.

When to Consult a Doctor Before Massage

Pregnancy

• Seek a therapist trained in pregnancy massage, especially in the first trimester or with high-risk pregnancies.

Heart Conditions

• Massage can affect circulation, so consult a healthcare provider for conditions like arrhythmias or heart failure.

Neurological Issues

• Conditions such as neuropathy or recent strokes require careful evaluation.

Autoimmune Disorders

• Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis in active flare-ups may require adjustments to treatment.

Cancer (in Remission or Post-Treatment)

• Specialized oncology massage therapists are best equipped to provide safe care.

Diabetes

• Be cautious with areas of reduced sensation or circulation issues.

Blood Disorders or Anticoagulant Use

• Massage may increase bruising or bleeding risks.

Severe Varicose Veins

• Pressure can aggravate the condition.

Epilepsy

• Certain techniques may trigger seizures in sensitive individuals.

Psychological Conditions

• Trauma or PTSD may require a therapist experienced in trauma-sensitive care.

At Hands to Heal Massage Therapy, safety and client well-being are top priorities. A contraindication is a condition or situation where massage therapy may not be appropriate or safe. Contraindications can be absolute (massage must be avoided entirely) or relative (massage can proceed with caution or modifications)