Safety and Contraindications
At Wake Medical Massage, LLC, your safety and well-being are always our top priority. Certain medical conditions may require postponing treatment, obtaining medical clearance, or modifying your session to ensure safe and effective care.
Below is a general guide to absolute and relative contraindications for Medical Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD – Vodder Technique), and CranioSacral Therapy (CST).
Absolute Contraindications
(Treatment Not Advised)
Massage, MLD, or CST should be avoided until the condition has resolved or medical clearance is obtained:
- Acute infection (fever, flu, contagious illness, or unexplained elevated temperature)
- Active or suspected thrombosis, embolism, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Acute inflammation (cellulitis, rheumatoid arthritis flare-up, gout, appendicitis)
- Congestive heart failure (decompensated) or unstable cardiac conditions
- Renal (kidney) failure or severe renal insufficiency
- Malignant tumors without oncology clearance
- Acute or untreated congestive lymphedema
- Uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension
- Severe respiratory distress or acute pulmonary edema
- Recent major surgery without physician clearance
- Sepsis or systemic infection
- Open wounds, untreated fractures, or active bleeding
- Acute aneurysm or known risk of vascular rupture
- Unstable neurological symptoms (recent stroke, uncontrolled seizures, acute head trauma)
- Acute trauma (whiplash, fracture, or severe sprain in the inflammatory phase)
Relative Contraindications
(Treatment May Proceed with Caution or Medical Clearance)
These conditions may allow modified or localized treatment, or may require medical provider clearance before proceeding:
- Controlled hypertension or cardiac conditions
- Diabetes mellitus (especially with neuropathy or poor wound healing)
- Cancer under medical care (requires oncology clearance for MLD or massage near treatment sites)
- Post-surgical recovery (within 6–8 weeks or as advised by surgeon)
- Varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (avoid direct pressure)
- Osteoporosis or fragile bones
- Pregnancy (depending on trimester and risk factors; some modalities may be modified or avoided)
- Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism — may require adjustment in MLD or CST)
- Skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, or open lesions — avoid affected areas)
- Medication use (anticoagulants, corticosteroids, pain medications, immune suppressants)
- Edema of unknown origin (requires physician evaluation before MLD)
- Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, or autoimmune conditions (treatment customized for tolerance)
- Headaches or migraines (MLD and CST may be appropriate if not caused by acute pathology)
- TMJ dysfunction, sinus conditions, or dental surgery recovery (CST or MLD adapted for comfort)
Important Note
Massage and bodywork are complementary therapies and are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you have any medical condition, recent surgery, or ongoing medical treatment, please consult your physician or healthcare provider before scheduling your session.
In some cases, written medical clearance may be required before beginning or resuming therapy.
For Physicians and Healthcare Providers
Wake Medical Massage, LLC welcomes collaboration with healthcare professionals. If you are referring a patient for Medical Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, or CranioSacral Therapy, please contact us for more information 919,228.9559