Contraindications in Massage
Yellow and Red Flags by Samuel Weatherill
Red Flags
Red flags in massage are certain barriers in which the massage should not take place at all. Red flags can vary from injuries or medical condition that the client may have suffered from recently or in the past, to the different genders of the client and the massaging person. This is why before a massage the client should carry out some sort of medical questionnaire followed by what they would prefer in terms of the massaging person (prefer how the massager acts and who they are etc).
Yellow Flags
Yellow flags are certain barriers which may stop the massager from allowing a certain part of the body to take part in being massaged, the massage still takes place though. It is important that the massager identifies the yellow flagged area and keeps communicating with the client so that they feel comfortable throughout the massage.
Cancer
Cancer is seen as a red flag in most cases because the breaking down of cells in the body can cause the cancer to spread. This is because the cancer cells can be pushed into the lymphatic system which then allows it to spread around the body. Cancer can sometimes be seen as a yellow flag because if the area of the cancer is identified then the area may be avoided. Massaging when people have cancer helps to get rid of large amounts of pain and anxiety allowing the client to feel more relaxed mentally as well as physically. Thumb needing is a good way to break down cancer cell growth as it gets really deep and helps relieve the area of toxins, Tapotement also helps to gain nutrients to these areas by using vibrations and relieves the stress.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a red flag and massage should not take place on a pregnant client. This is because the pressure of the massage can take the blood away from the baby and could result in a miscarriage or problems in the baby. This happens because when massaging the blood rushes to the area where the pressure has been applied therefore taking blood away from the baby which is used to provide oxygen and nutrients. Massage can effect a pregnancy most at the earlier stage because this is when the cells need the nutrients the most to grow.
Recent Major Surgery
Recent major surgery is also a red flag. Pressure from massage may cause pain in the area that has recently had surgery and blood may be took away from the area which will slow down the healing process. Before going into surgery a massage will make the body feel relaxed and can potentially speed up the healing process as the body has already begun to clear itself of toxins allowing the oxygen and nutrients gaining access to the healing area quicker.
Skin conditions
Skin conditions in massage can be seen as either red flags or yellow flags. Measles is an example of a red flag skin condition because it can be contagious; not only if the area with the spots is touched but also being anywhere near a client with measles can cause contagion. Acne is skin condition which causes black heads and inflamed zits to appear in certain areas. This condition can cause large amounts of scarring but the condition is not contagious and massage can be carried on as long as an eye is kept on the area. (yellow flag).
Circulatory conditions
Circulation conditions involve a limited blood flow to the brain, heart, kidneys and limbs, this is often the result of certain disorders. If left untreated it can cause large amounts of organ damage. Massage can help in the treatment process as it helps to promote blood flow around the body to support the organs as well as the muscles. It is best to make sure that prescription treatment is used before going for a massage to gain best treatment. This is seen as a yellow flag because deep work can cause the blood pressure to rise, gentle massage can open the arteries and increase the range of the blood flow. Avoid deep massage and ask for medical clearence. An example of a circulatory condition is angina, angina is pain caused in the chest or heart area. This pain is caused because of obstruction or spasms in the coronary arteries.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease which affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, this causes problems with muscle movement, balance and vision. In the inflammatory stage it is best to not carry out any massage and therefore this can be seen as a red flag. This can be seen as a yellow flag too because massage can be carried out as long as the numb areas are avoided, working on the muscles in massage can bring a sensation back in certain muscles allowing the signals sent to the brain throughout the body to begin to slowly work again. Multiple sclerosis is a disease which can block the signals sent through the spinal cord.