Please use the guide below to check whether massage is suitable for you right now. If you have any of the conditions or recent treatments listed, pay close attention to the “Wait time” and “Medical clearance” columns, and contact your GP or our clinic if you’re unsure. This table is for general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice

Category Condition / Intervention Wait Time Medical Clearance Notes
Medical & Surgical Interventions
Medical & Surgical Vaccinations 48–72 hours No (unless severe reaction) Avoid the local injection site for 7 days. Massage can exacerbate side effects.
Medical & Surgical Cortisone injections 5–7 days Recommended Massaging too early can disperse the medication and cause local tissue damage.
Medical & Surgical Major surgery (e.g. hip/knee replacement) 6–12 weeks Required High risk of DVT post-surgery; specific positioning (e.g. side‑lying) is often necessary.
Medical & Surgical Minor surgery (e.g. laparoscopy, stitches) 2–4 weeks Recommended Avoid the local scar area until fully healed and cleared by your GP.
Medical & Surgical Cosmetic injectables (Botox / fillers) 24–48 hours No Do not massage the face/site to prevent the product from migrating.
Chronic Illness & Systemic Conditions
Chronic / Systemic Cancer treatment Ongoing / case‑by‑case Required Deep remedial work is usually contraindicated during active chemo/radiation; light oncology massage is preferred.
Chronic / Systemic Stroke / TIA Post‑acute phase (stable) Required Therapists must monitor for blood pressure sensitivity and potential clotting issues.
Chronic / Systemic Diabetes (Type 1 & 2) Anytime (if managed) Only if poorly managed / unstable Risk of hypoglycaemia post‑massage; caution with peripheral neuropathy (reduced sensation).
Chronic / Systemic Hypertension (high blood pressure) Anytime (if controlled) If blood pressure is uncontrolled Avoid deep, painful work that could cause a systemic spike in blood pressure.
Chronic / Systemic Uncontrolled systemic disease Until condition is medically stable Required Includes uncontrolled hypertension, unstable diabetes, decompensated heart failure, or advanced liver/kidney failure; massage often needs to be delayed or modified.
Chronic / Systemic Coagulation issues / blood thinners Case‑by‑case Recommended Clients with clotting disorders or on anticoagulants may bruise easily; deep pressure is often not appropriate.
Chronic / Systemic Advanced respiratory disease (e.g. severe COPD) Case‑by‑case Recommended May not tolerate certain positions (e.g. fully prone); treatment may need to be shorter and gentler.
Chronic / Systemic Significant peripheral neuropathy Anytime (if medically stable) Recommended if severe Reduced sensation increases risk of unintentional tissue damage; pressure and temperature must be carefully moderated.
Acute Injury & Red Flags
Acute / Red Flag Bone fractures 6–8 weeks Required No local massage until the bone is united.
Acute / Red Flag Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Never locally on the affected limb Required for any systemic work Absolute contraindication for the affected limb; high risk of embolism.
Acute / Red Flag Acute inflammation / sprain First 72 hours (no deep local work) No (unless other concerns) Avoid deep work on “red, hot, swollen” areas. Use RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) instead.
Acute / Red Flag Systemic infection or fever Until fever and acute symptoms resolve Recommended if symptoms are severe Massage should be postponed during flu‑like illness, high fever, or suspected serious infection.
Acute / Red Flag Recent head injury / concussion Until medically cleared and stable Required Avoid treatment until symptoms such as dizziness, severe headache, or visual changes have resolved and your doctor has cleared you.
Acute / Red Flag Severe, unexplained pain Do not book until assessed Required New, intense, or night pain—especially with weight loss, fever, or neurological changes—should be assessed by a doctor before massage.
Emergency Red Flag Possible cardiac event Emergency – call 000 Emergency care needed Chest pain, shortness of breath, jaw or arm pain require urgent medical attention, not massage.
Emergency Red Flag Shock or acute abdomen Emergency – call 000 Emergency care needed Severe abdominal pain, collapse, or shock are medical emergencies.
Skin & Local Tissue
Skin / Local Infectious skin conditions Until fully resolved Recommended No massage over infected or weeping areas; in some cases massage should be postponed entirely.
Skin / Local Open wounds, ulcers, unhealed scars Until fully healed Recommended if severe or non‑healing No local massage over open areas, pressure sores, or fragile ulcers.
Skin / Local Varicose veins / phlebitis Case‑by‑case Recommended if painful, inflamed, or extensive Avoid deep or direct pressure over affected veins; gentle, indirect work only if appropriate.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy First trimester (0–12 weeks) High‑caution phase Many clinics require clearance or wait until week 13 Some clients prefer to wait until the second trimester; we individualise based on your history and comfort.
Pregnancy Second / third trimester Indicated (if uncomplicated) No (unless complications) Side‑lying or specialised pregnancy pillows are used; you should not lie flat on your back for extended periods.
Pregnancy High‑risk pregnancy Case‑by‑case Required Conditions such as pre‑eclampsia, unexplained bleeding, or DVT require obstetric or GP guidance before massage.
General Safety
General Contagious illness (e.g. flu, COVID‑like illness, gastro) Until no longer contagious No (unless complications) Please postpone your appointment if you are acutely unwell to protect both you and others.
General Alcohol or recreational drugs Do not book while intoxicated No (unless other medical concerns) Intoxication affects consent, sensation, and circulation; massage is not provided under the influence.