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Safety and Contraindications

Questions about whether treatment may be appropriate for your condition?

Many medical conditions, surgeries, and diagnoses do not automatically prevent you from receiving treatment. If you are unsure whether Medical Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), CranioSacral Therapy, Lymphedema Management, or Post-Operative Care may be appropriate for your situation, please call 919-228-9559 for a complimentary phone consultation.

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 (may require oncology clearance depending on diagnosis and treatment plan)
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 situations, written medical clearance may be required before beginning or resuming therapy.

Related Services

Many clients who review this page are seeking help for pain, swelling, post-surgical recovery, TMJ dysfunction, cancer-related concerns, or chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Learn more about the services offered at Wake Medical Massage, LLC:

Questions about whether treatment may be appropriate for your condition? Call 919-228-9559 to schedule a complimentary phone consultation.

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, CranioSacral Therapy, post-operative recovery support, or lymphedema management, please contact us at 919-228-9559.