Client Safety & Contraindications

At Windsor Sports Therapy, your safety and wellbeing always come first. While sports therapy is highly beneficial for many people, there are certain conditions where treatment may not be appropriate or may require medical clearance beforehand.

To help keep everyone safe, contraindications are grouped into Complete, Local, and Medical categories. These guidelines allow us to tailor treatment appropriately and ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Complete contraindications

Treatment cannot be provided under any circumstances if any of the following apply, unless written clearance has been obtained from a qualified healthcare professional:

  • Recent surgery: Within the last six weeks, including joint replacements or soft tissue repairs.

  • Severe cardiovascular conditions: Such as unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction (heart attack), uncontrolled hypertension, or congestive heart failure.

  • Acute illness or fever: Active infections, influenza, COVID-19 symptoms, or an elevated temperature.

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots: Active or recent DVT, pulmonary embolism, or known clotting disorders.

  • Severe respiratory conditions: Acute asthma attacks, bronchitis, pneumonia, or breathing difficulties at rest.

  • Recent fractures: Any fracture within the last three months or until medically healed.

  • Open wounds or burns: Including cuts, ulcers, surgical wounds, or infected areas.

  • Contagious skin conditions: Ringworm, impetigo, scabies, or other active contagious infections.

  • Severe oedema: Extensive swelling caused by lymphoedema, heart failure, or kidney disease.

  • Pregnancy: First trimester, unless cleared by a healthcare professional.

Clients with any of the above conditions will be advised to seek medical clearance before treatment can be considered.

Local contraindications

Local contraindications do not prevent treatment altogether, but the affected area must be avoided or adapted around to ensure safety and comfort. Examples include:

  • Bruising or haematoma: Recent or painful bruising following injury or impact.

  • Varicose veins: Inflamed, painful, or thrombosed veins.

  • Sunburn: Areas that are blistered, peeling, or highly sensitive.

  • Localised inflammation: Swelling due to injury, strain, or infection.

  • Recent scar tissue: Scars less than six months old, including post-surgical scars.

  • Local infections: Boils, cold sores (herpes outbreaks), fungal infections, or warts.

  • Skin irritations: Rashes, eczema flare-ups, or allergic reactions.

  • Acute muscle tears or sprains: In the early stages of injury.

Treatment can be safely adapted to avoid these areas while still addressing surrounding muscles and structures.

Medical contraindications (medical clearance required)

Some medical conditions may allow treatment, but only with prior written medical clearance confirming it is safe to proceed. Examples include:

  • Cancer: Clients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy) should provide clearance from their oncologist.

  • Osteoporosis: Severe bone fragility requires confirmation that manual therapy will not increase fracture risk.

  • Epilepsy: Especially where seizures are uncontrolled; clearance ensures treatment does not trigger adverse events.

  • Diabetes: Particularly where complications such as neuropathy, poor circulation, or delayed healing are present.

  • Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis may require clearance to ensure symptoms are not exacerbated.

  • Severe allergies: Including sensitivities to oils, creams, latex, or topical products used during treatment.

  • Blood disorders: Conditions such as haemophilia, anaemia, or clotting disorders that increase bruising or bleeding risk.

  • Neurological conditions: Including Parkinson’s disease, stroke history, or nerve disorders.

Medical clearance should be provided in writing prior to your appointment. Windsor Sports Therapy reserves the right to postpone or decline treatment if adequate clearance is not received.

Important information for clients

  • Please provide full and honest disclosure of your medical history, current conditions, medications, and injuries.

  • Your safety is always prioritised — treatment may be adapted, postponed, or withheld when necessary.

  • These contraindications are in place to ensure sports therapy is delivered safely, professionally, and effectively.

If you’re unsure whether a condition applies to you, I’m always happy to discuss it before your appointment.