Treatment category
Body Treatments — safety by condition
Treatments below the neck — massage, body shaping, wraps, and skin treatments.
In short
Body Treatments covers 15 treatments, with 863 published verdicts across 300 conditions. The conditions with the most restrictions here are A high temperature (fever) and A mole that is changing.
In this family
Treatments in this category
- Aromatherapy MassageAlso called: essential oil massageMassage using essential oils for therapeutic and relaxation effects.
- Body PeelAlso called: chemical body peel, back peel, body acid treatmentChemical exfoliation applied to body areas — for keratosis pilaris, back acne, hyperpigmentation, and texture.
- Body ScrubAlso called: body exfoliation, salt scrub, sugar scrubMechanical exfoliation of the body using granular ingredients to remove dead skin and smooth texture.
- Body WrapsAlso called: algae wrap, mud wrap, paraffin wrapBody is wrapped in mineral- or herb-infused substances to detoxify, hydrate, or contour.
- Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)Also called: CoolSculpting, fat freezing, cool sculptingControlled cooling that destroys fat cells in targeted areas — non-surgical fat reduction.
- Deep Tissue MassageAlso called: sports massage, remedial massage, firm pressure massageTargets deeper muscle layers with firm pressure to release chronic tension and adhesions.
- EMSculpt / EMS Body TreatmentsAlso called: EMSculpt, Emsella, electromagnetic muscle stimulationHigh-intensity focused electromagnetic energy that causes intense muscle contractions — for toning and muscle building.
- EndermologieAlso called: LPG, mechanical roller massage, endermologyMechanical roller-and-suction device used for cellulite and body contouring.
- Hot Stone MassageAlso called: stone therapy, geothermal massageMassage using heated basalt stones to relax muscles and improve circulation.
- Lymphatic Drainage MassageAlso called: MLD, manual lymphatic drainage, Vodder techniqueSpecialised, gentle massage that encourages lymph flow — used for swelling, post-surgical recovery, and lymphoedema.
- Prenatal / Pregnancy MassageAlso called: pregnancy massage, maternity massageMassage adapted for pregnancy — uses safe positioning, modified pressure, and avoids contraindicated areas.
- PressotherapyAlso called: compression boots, Ballancer, lymphatic pressotherapyAir-pressure compression garments that promote lymphatic drainage and circulation.
- Radiofrequency Body TreatmentsAlso called: Venus Legacy, Exilis, body RFRadiofrequency energy that heats deep skin tissue to tighten and improve body skin laxity.
- Swedish MassageAlso called: classic massage, relaxation massage, full-body massageGentle, flowing massage technique using long strokes for relaxation and improved circulation.
- Ultrasonic CavitationAlso called: body cavitation, ultrasonic fat reduction, cavi-lipoLow-frequency ultrasound that breaks down fat cells — non-invasive body contouring.
Where it is restricted
Conditions this category is restricted for
Computed from the verdicts on the condition pages — most restricted first.
- A high temperature (fever)15 to avoid
- A mole that is changing15 to avoid
- A new tattoo15 to avoid
- Alcohol intoxication15 to avoid
- An open wound or broken skin15 to avoid
- Angina (unstable)15 to avoid
- Blood clot in the leg (active DVT)15 to avoid
- Boils15 to avoid
- Brain haemorrhage (acute)15 to avoid
- Bullous pemphigoid15 to avoid
- Cellulitis15 to avoid
- Chickenpox15 to avoid
- Common cold15 to avoid
- COVID-1915 to avoid
- Dermatitis herpetiformis15 to avoid
- Erysipelas15 to avoid
- Flu15 to avoid
- Heart attack (first six weeks)15 to avoid
- Impetigo15 to avoid
- Jock itch15 to avoid
- MRSA15 to avoid
- Pemphigus15 to avoid
- Recent chemical peel15 to avoid
- Recent laser treatment15 to avoid
- Recent surgery (any operation)15 to avoid
- Ringworm15 to avoid
- Severe dehydration15 to avoid
- Shingles15 to avoid
- Stroke (first six months)15 to avoid
- Tuberculosis (TB)15 to avoid
- Tummy bug15 to avoid
- Food allergies15 needing caution
- Fragrance allergy15 needing caution
- Hay fever and seasonal allergies15 needing caution
- Latex allergy15 needing caution
- Nickel and metal allergy15 needing caution
- Preservative allergy15 needing caution
- PTSD and trauma history15 needing caution
- Third trimester (week 28 to birth)4 to avoid · 10 needing caution
- Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)11 to avoid
- Mastocytosis11 to avoid
- First trimester (weeks 1–12)10 to avoid
- Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS)1 to avoid · 8 needing caution
- Beauty treatments at 75+, living with frailty8 needing caution
- Dizziness on standing (postural hypotension)7 needing caution
- Eating disorders4 to avoid
- Second trimester (weeks 13–27)4 to avoid
- High blood pressure (uncontrolled)3 to avoid · 1 needing caution
- High blood pressure (controlled)4 needing caution
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)4 needing caution
- Scleroderma4 needing caution
- Multiple sclerosis3 to avoid
- Rosacea3 to avoid
- Asthma3 needing caution
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)3 needing caution
- Dialysis3 needing caution
- Contact dermatitis2 to avoid
- Eczema2 to avoid
- Implantable defibrillator (ICD)2 to avoid
- Pacemaker2 to avoid
- Perioral dermatitis2 to avoid
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis2 to avoid
- Anaemia (severe)1 to avoid · 1 needing caution
- Anaemia (mild)2 needing caution
- Migraine2 needing caution
- Beard ringworm1 to avoid
- Cold sore1 to avoid
- End-of-life and palliative care1 to avoid
- Facial ringworm1 to avoid
- Psoriasis1 to avoid
- Scalp ringworm1 to avoid
- Warts1 to avoid
- Sensitive skin1 needing caution
Sources
- EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology)EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (Smolen et al.)
- Journal of the American Academy of DermatologyCosmetic treatment in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases: best practices for patients with lupus erythematosus (Bonnet et al.)
- British Association of DermatologistsGuidelines for the management of bullous pemphigoid
- International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid FoundationLiving with pemphigus and pemphigoid
- BMC Pregnancy and ChildbirthFatal pulmonary embolism following leg massage in undiagnosed deep vein thrombosis (case report)
- British Heart FoundationHeart Matters — patient information, massage and complementary therapy guidance
- NHSPostural (orthostatic) hypotension
- British Association of DermatologistsBacterial skin infection management
- NHSBoils and carbuncles
- NHSMRSA
- NHSCellulitis and erysipelas
- NHSImpetigo
- NICEClinical Knowledge Summary: impetigo
- UKHSAUK Standards for Microbiology Investigations
- NHSCOVID-19
- NHSCommon cold
- NHSFlu (influenza)
- NHSDiarrhoea and vomiting (gastroenteritis)
- UKHSALiving safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19
- NHSChickenpox
- Royal College of Obstetricians and GynaecologistsChickenpox in pregnancy
- UKHSAChickenpox (varicella): guidance
- CDCUniversal precautions for prevention of transmission of bloodborne infections
- NHSHIV and AIDS — how HIV is transmitted
- National AIDS TrustHIV guidance for hairdressers and beauty professionals
- StatPearls / NCBIUniversal precautions (Kopitnik & Kahwaji)
- UK ParliamentEquality Act 2010, Schedule 1
- British Association of DermatologistsTinea (dermatophyte infection) management
- NHSAthlete's foot
- NHSRingworm and other fungal infections
- NICEClinical Knowledge Summary: fungal skin infection
- Primary Care Dermatology SocietyFungal skin infections
- British Association of DermatologistsHerpes zoster management
- NHSShingles
- UKHSAImmunisation against infectious disease (the Green Book), chapter 28a — Shingles (herpes zoster)
- NHSTuberculosis (TB)
- NICENG33 Tuberculosis
- UKHSATuberculosis: guidance, data and analysis
- UKHSANotifiable diseases and causative organisms: how to report
- American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsPregnancy massage indications
- MDPI (peer-reviewed)The Risk of Using Cosmetics and Cosmetic Procedures During Pregnancy
- NHSPregnancy wellbeing and physical activity resources
- Age UKWellbeing, touch and personal care in later life
- British Geriatrics SocietyFit for Frailty — recognising and managing frailty
- NICENG56 — Multimorbidity: clinical assessment and management
- American Journal of Medical Genetics Part CThe 2017 international classification of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (Malfait et al.)
- Ehlers-Danlos Support UKLiving with EDS — skin, healing and bruising
- NHSEhlers-Danlos syndromes
- The Ehlers-Danlos SocietyEDS types, skin fragility and joint hypermobility
- UK Mastocytosis Support / Mastocytosis Society UKTriggers and everyday management of mast cell disease
- NHSBody image and self-esteem
- UK Obesity FederationDignity, equipment and access in service settings
- British Association of Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonsPost-operative recovery timelines
- NHSRecovering from an operation
- Royal College of Surgeons of EnglandRecovering from surgery — patient information
- Equality and Human Rights CommissionReasonable adjustments for disabled people — guidance for service providers
- MencapCommunicating with people with a learning disability
- RNIBServing customers with sight loss
- RNIDCommunication tips for serving deaf customers
- ScopeMaking services accessible to disabled customers
- UK Parliament (legislation.gov.uk)Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended, Northern Ireland)
- British Association of DermatologistsSkin cancer recognition guidance
- NHSMoles and the ABCDE checks for melanoma
- National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceNG12 — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral
- American Academy of DermatologyPost-procedure healing guidance
- General Medical Council (UK)Good Medical Practice
- UK legislationMental Capacity Act 2005
- Asthma + Lung UKAsthma triggers
- British Thoracic SocietyAsthma guideline
- NHSAsthma
- Kidney Care UKLiving with kidney disease — patient information
- NHSChronic kidney disease
- NICEChronic kidney disease: assessment and management (NG203)
- British Association of DermatologistsPatch testing — patient information
- British Contact Dermatitis SocietyContact allergy guidance
- UK legislationThe Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013
- British Thyroid FoundationThyroid disorders — patient information
- NHSUnderactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- NICE Clinical Knowledge SummariesHypothyroidism
- British Menopause SocietyMenopause — clinical guidance for patients
- NHSMenopause and perimenopause
- NICEMenopause: identification and management (NG23)
- The Menopause CharityMenopause symptoms and skin changes
- NICEHeadaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management (CG150)
- National Migraine CentreBotulinum toxin for chronic migraine — patient information
- The Migraine TrustMigraine triggers
- MindPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- NICEPost-traumatic stress disorder (NG116)
- PTSD UKPTSD — information and support
- Rape Crisis England & WalesSupport after sexual violence
- SAMHSA (US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)SAMHSA's Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach
- Hospice UKComplementary therapies and personal care in hospice settings
- Look Good Feel Better UKNail care, skin care and makeup during cancer treatment
- Macmillan Cancer SupportComplementary therapies and wellbeing
- Marie CurieComfort, dignity and personal care at the end of life
- American Academy of DermatologyAtopic dermatitis guidelines
- National Eczema Society (UK)Trigger avoidance and treatment-flare guidance
- National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceClinical Knowledge Summary — Eczema (atopic) in adults
- British Association of DermatologistsPsoriasis guidelines
- National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceClinical Knowledge Summary — Psoriasis
- National Psoriasis FoundationKoebner phenomenon and trigger management
- MS Society UKHeat sensitivity and MS
- MS Trust UKUhthoff's phenomenon
- NHSMultiple sclerosis
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society (US)Heat and temperature sensitivity
- NICEClinical Knowledge Summary — scleroderma
- Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK (SRUK)Living with scleroderma and Raynaud's — cold, heat and circulation
- NHSIron deficiency anaemia
- PubMed Central (peer-reviewed)Swedish massage and blood pressure
- American Academy of DermatologyRosacea — triggers and treatment
- British Association of DermatologistsRosacea guidelines (Hampton et al., British Journal of Dermatology)
- National Rosacea SocietyRosacea trigger management and phenotype classification
- American Academy of DermatologyVitiligo — diagnosis and treatment
- British Association of DermatologistsVitiligo guidelines
- National Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceClinical Knowledge Summary — Vitiligo
- BeatEating disorder support — helpline and information
- Mental Health FoundationEating disorders — information
- NICEEating disorders: recognition and treatment (NG69)
- NHSOveractive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- NICE Clinical Knowledge SummariesHyperthyroidism
- BTL AestheticsEMSculpt instructions for use — pregnancy contraindication
- Solta Medical / Allergan AestheticsCoolSculpting instructions for use — pregnancy contraindication
- Ulthera / Merz AestheticsUltherapy instructions for use — pregnancy contraindication
- American Heart AssociationDevices That May Interfere with ICDs and Pacemakers
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation TrustFacial Hair Reduction for Gender Dysphoria (patient information leaflet)
- NHS Scotland (Scottish Dermatology Society)Viral warts pathway
- NICEClinical Knowledge Summary: warts and verrucae
- Primary Care Dermatology SocietyWarts and verrucae — patient information leaflet
- American Academy of DermatologyCosmetic procedure guidelines
- British Association of DermatologistsHerpes simplex management guidance
- NHSCold sores (herpes simplex) patient information
- American Academy of DermatologySensitive skin — care guidance
- Alzheimer's SocietyDementia — information and support
- Dementia UKPersonal care and wellbeing in dementia
- NICEDementia: assessment, management and support (NG97)
Written by Anna · London-trained cosmetologist
Last updated