So, what is a contraindication? It is a term used to describe a specific situation in which massage should NOT be used. You would probably want to seek the advice of your veterinarian first to be sure massage will not cause the condition to worsen.


Some contraindications would include:

• The horse has a temperature.
  

• The horse has open or broken skin. You can massage the other parts of the horse, just avoid that particular area.

• The horse has an injury that has not been seen by a veterinarian. If the vet thinks massage is OK after examining the horse, massage and alternative therapies can help the horse to recover faster.
  

• The horse has a medical problem such as a virus or disease. Again, first have the horse seen by a veterinarian to be sure that it is Ok to apply massage or other therapies.
  

• The horse has cancer or tumors. Also check with your veterinarian. Massage could spread them.
  

• The horse has a fungal or other skin problem. This could also be spread.

This is an incomplete list of contraindications. It is to give you an idea of when to first seek the medical services of a vet to be sure massage or other therapies won't make a condition worse.