Contraindications to Massage

Definition of Contraindication: Any condition that renders a particular line of treatment improper or undesirable.

·         High Temparature –        Normal              - 38^o C,  100^o F

Mild Fever         - 39^o C,  102^o F

Moderate Fever  - 40^o C,  104.5^o F

High                  - 41^o C,  106^o F

·         Elevated Heart Beat – Normal – 38 beats per minute

·         Elevated Respiration – Normal – 12 breathes per minute

·         Vets Permission not granted

·         Viral Infection    Equine Influenza

                                                Equine Herpes

                                                Rhinovirus

                                                Equine Viral Arteritis

·         Bacterial Infection -        Tetanus

                                                Strangles

                                                Poll Evil

                                                Fistulous Withers

·         Skin Infection -   Ring Worm

                                                Rain Scald

                                                Mud Fever

·         Parasites -                     Lice

                                                Mange

                                                Warbles

·         Undiagnosed Lumps or Swellings – could be a hernia

·         Open Wounds – Broken skin, bleeding, healing wound. It is possible to massage other areas of the body in  order to alleviate excess swelling and compensatory tension.

·         Cancers/Tumours – where the horse has sarcoids it is possible to massage areas where they are not present.

·         Cysts

·         Fractures

·         Torn Muscle – Ice area, can massage after 72 hours

·         Acute Traumas – Hematoma

·         Muscle Injury – Can treat 7-10 days after injury –then work around area.

·         Horse not eating

·         Diarrhoea

·         Colitis

·         Azoturia

·         Colic

·         Undiagnosed Lameness

·         Dehydration

·         Nervous System Dysfunction – Neuralgia

·         Protocol on Pregnant Mares

·         Arthritis / Rheumatism – should never receive direct application of massage but other areas can benefit

·         Calcification of Joints – massage would only increase inflammation)

·         Heavy Medication – Some drugs may mask symptoms – Bute

·         Horse has just eaten hard feed

I have listed what I consider to be the main contraindications that as a massage therapist you are likely to encounter. There are of course other infectious diseases, bacterial infections etc. but providing common sense is applied and if in any doubt do not apply massage to a horse that you feel is unwell.