About massage therapy (continued) The following conditions require a physician's written permission for massage therapy     asthma, severe •     Bell's palsy •     cancer that is active and/or currently undergoing medical treatment •     edema that is accompanied by pain, redness, and heat •     epilepsy •     heart condition or cardiovascular condition (high blood pressure, pacemaker, angina, fibrillation, thrombosis, phlebitis, collapsed veins) •     neuritis or pinched or entrapped nerves •     osteoporosis, advanced •     psychosis •     rheumatism, acute Absolute contraindications for massage In some cases, massage is not appropriate.  Massage will not be provided if you have any of the following conditions:     infections of any kind including cold or flu •     contageous diseases including cold or flu •     fever •     diseases such as staph, impetigo, shingles, chicken pox, ringworm •     under influence of alcohol or recreational drugs Local contraindications for massage I will avoid massage in areas where there are cuts, abrasions, bruises, varicose veins, sunburn, inflamation or swelling, warts, boils, athlete's foot, undiagnosed lumps or rashes, or nerve pain. Selecting the best massage techniques Some massage techniques are inappropriate in certain situations.  For example, techniques that move the circulation (classic Swedish, Russian) are contraindicated if you have heart or vascular impairment or systemic edema.  Deep tissue massage may be contraindicated if you are taking a pain medication, or if you have osteoporosis, for example.  A very relaxing massage could be unsafe if you have untreated diabetes.  Always let me know about your health conditions and medications you are taking, so that I can choose the massage techniques that are the safest and most beneficial.