What are contraindications in massage therapy?

In the context of massage therapy, contraindications refer to specific conditions or factors that prohibit the application of massage techniques. These are situations where performing massage could either be harmful to the client or might not yield the desired therapeutic benefits. Understanding contraindications is crucial for a massage therapist, as they need to assess the client's medical history, current health status, and any specific elements that could negatively impact the treatment.

For instance, certain medical conditions like deep vein thrombosis, certain skin diseases, or serious infections can warrant avoiding massage due to the risk of exacerbating the condition or causing further health issues. Being aware of these contraindications allows therapists to make informed decisions to protect their clients' wellbeing and ensure a safe and effective massage experience.

The other options relate to different concepts in massage therapy—enhancing effectiveness, universality of massage types, and recommendations for comfort do not accurately define what contraindications represent and are thus not correct in this context.