Absolute Contraindications for Bodywork & MLD ​These conditions completely rule out all manual therapy until fully resolved or medically cleared:​Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) / Blood Clots: Massage or fluid movement can easily dislodge a clot from a vein wall, sending it to the lungs and causing a fatal pulmonary embolism. ​Active Infection with Fever: Any systemic bacterial, viral, or fungal infection (including cellulitis or erysipelas) is an absolute stop. Forcing circulation and lymph movement will mechanically spread the pathogens throughout the bloodstream, potentially triggering sepsis (blood poisoning). ​Untreated Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): When a heart is weak or failing, it cannot pump effectively. MLD alone can instantly dump 500 to 1,000 mL of fluid back into the central circulatory system in a single session. This sudden increase in fluid volume will overwhelm the heart, causing immediate acute cardiac decompensation or pulmonary edema. ​Severe / Uncontrolled Kidney Failure: Mobilizing trapped interstitial fluid forces the body to process and excrete it through the kidneys. If a patient has severe renal insufficiency or a creatinine level above 2.0, the surge of shifted fluid can trigger fluid overload or severe electrolyte imbalances. ​Active Hemorrhage / Bleeding Disorders: Any condition with unmanaged internal or external bleeding is aggravated by increased blood flow.