Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

Spring 2026 • 37

system attacks healthy cells by mistake, causing inflammation in the affected area of the body. RA mainly attacks joints. 9 Fibromyalgia . This condition causes chronic muscle and joint pain and tenderness, and is often accompanied by trouble sleeping, fatigue, and memory and mood changes. 12 Chronic venous insufficiency . This condition occurs when your leg veins are not working effectively, making it hard for your blood to return to your heart from your legs. When the valves in your veins do not work well, the blood can flow downward instead of back to the heart. 12 Lipedema . This condition occurs when excess fat accumulates in your lower body and sometimes the arms, blocking your lymphatic pathway and causing lymphedema. 12 Bell’s palsy . Although research has not conclusively shown that MLD or any massage helps the symptoms, there is low-level evidence that shows MLD may be helpful. Tinnitus . Research has shown that treating temporomandibular disorder (TMD) with relaxation and exercise improved tinnitus symptoms. 15 Contraindications and Precautions of MLD MLD massage is contraindicated if your client has lymphatic system disorders, such as rashes, damaged skin, colds or the flu, to name a few. A thorough intake is imperative when performing MLD. Following are some conditions where MLD may be contraindicated. This list is not exhaustive. Contraindications that prohibit a facial massage: • Acute inflammation—caused by bacteria, viruses and poisons • Tissues will be red, hot and painful, and may be accompanied by fever. • Lymphatic drainage may push these substances into the lymph channels before the body has a chance to eliminate them, so a conservative approach is best. Consider waiting a few days until the condition is not acute and the body has had a chance to heal the area.

• Major heart problems—if the heart is not fully functioning, pumping more fluid in the direction of the heart may stress it more than the actual condition. • Unstable blood pressure • Cancer • Malignant tumors • Facial cancer • Blood clots • Kidney failure • Pregnancy and/or breastfeeding • Fever • Inflamed teeth and gums • Skin disease • Thrombosis—can lead to free floating blood clots in the circulatory system. • Recent surgery (four to six weeks post-surgery) • Viruses such as colds, cold sores and warts • Bacterial infections like impetigo, boils, conjunctivitis, styes • Fungal infections, such as ringworm, blepharitis, undiagnosed lumps or swelling • Eczema, psoriasis, severe acne, fresh bruising, open sores, bleeding • Broken jaw or other broken facial bones • Head lice • Recent head injury or neck injury • Contagious diseases • Recent scarring Contraindications that may require caution or adapting the facial massage session: • Cuts/abrasions/broken skin, bruises or swelling • Recent scar tissue (less than six months old) • Dermatitis, rosacea, skin tags, recent sunburn • Broken capillaries/veins Precautions that should be taken if your client has any of the following: • Kidney problems—Your client should get clearance from their physician. • Bronchial asthma—Stimulation of the vagus nerve may bring on an attack. • Thyroid problems—No treatment around the throat. • Chemotherapy—fear of increasing the dosage by draining the interstitial spaces. • Removed spleen—recommend shorter session first.

Unlike the circulatory system, the lymph system does not have a pump and so is dependent on our body’s movement.

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