Skin Sensation Loss: Understanding Treatment Restrictions & Contraindications

Question
Hello mikey, I am currently writing an assignment on the different types of contraindications (ones that prevent and ones that restrict)  my last question is how does a lack of sensation in the skin tissues restrict a treatment? Hope you can help.. Also there are questions that contradict each other like why does a bone fracture prevent a treatment and then the next is how does a broken bone restrict a treatment?? Surley you shouldn't be able to massage at all?
Many thanks, Kelly.

Answer
Hi there Kelly!

Lack of sensation in the skin is a local contraindication anywhere the skin lacks sensation because the client cannot give you accurate feedback regarding pressure level.  You could be causing damage to a delicate structure and not know it because they may not feel the pain. At best you would be able only to do very light work such as lymphatic drainage or effleurage.  

Fractures are contraindicated for massage as long as they require elevation or any blood thinning medication (as can be the case with large bone fractures like the femur).  Smaller bone fractures once set and protected by a cast do not contraindicate the rest of the body from massage, but positioning becomes key and may prevent full body work due to the limitations of comfortable positions the client can be in.

Good luck!
Mikey