Archive for October, 2009

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Reproductive Conditions

October 30, 2009

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, by Salvo and Anderson.

In chapter 11, pathologies of the reproduction system, it gives descriptions about STD’s and the reproduction system such as menstruation, pregnancy, menopause. Massage doesn’t affect the reproduction system directly but it can be used to make PMS and other symptoms more comfortable. When a woman is pregnant, over 12 weeks along, it is best to lay on her side in a comfortable position and abdominal massage is contraindicated. Massage is also contraindicated in the first trimester if a woman has had a history of miscarriages.

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Stomach massage

October 30, 2009

When ever my kids or husband have an upset stomach or constipation they ask me to rub their stomach. Usually, I just rub in a large circular, clockwise motion, lightly (following the ascending, transverse, and descending intestines). This would almost always calm the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

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Hay Fever

October 30, 2009

I get hay fever 2x a year. I would not work on a client when I had acute stage, not that it’s contagious, but it would absolutely drain me. I would not be able to give my client the massage they need or paid for.

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CHF and Cyanosis

October 30, 2009

My late grandmother had CHF. Her right ventricle must have failed first since she had edema in her extremities. My late grandfather had cyanosis. As a kid I remember my grandfathers fingers and even his big toe, being round at the ends. I never understood why, but he was a smoker.

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Urinary

October 29, 2009

Many clients indicate low back pain. During intake you need to go one step further with questioning to determine if it could be a kidney or bladder infection instead of muscular. High blood pressure medication is also common and indicates a lighter massage instead of deep pressure.

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Gastrointestinal

October 29, 2009

What I found most interesting was how to massage an overweight client. It is important to remember that areas with a lot of adipose tissue must be massaged carefully as to not incur bruising or tissue damage. I was not aware the back, neck and legs would require extra work as these muscles become overdeveloped to carry the weight. I guess that explains why some overweight women I have massaged had very "thick" backs and shoulders.

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Respiratory

October 29, 2009

Common among clients is hay fever or a cold. Laying face down on the table makes it difficult for some to continue to breath through their nose. It may be necessary for sideline so the client can breath properly. It would also be good for the therapist to know how often the therapy room is cleaned or vacuumed to be free of dirt and dust.

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Cardiovascular

October 29, 2009

If a client has had a recent heart attack a gentle massage is indicated regardless of whether the client asks for a deep massage. Some therapists assume side line is for pregnant women but it may also necessary for those with pacemakers, ICDs or venous catheters or even shortness of breath.

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Endocrine

October 29, 2009

When performing massage regularly on a client it is important to take notes of lesions and how they are healing. Lack of healing may indicate diabetes. Any changes such as reduced sensation may also indicate a diabetic complication. In all cases these diseases and others illustrate the importance of good Soap notes.

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Urinary System

October 28, 2009

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, by Salvo and Anderson.

Chapter 10’s information on the urinary system is helpful to know as a massage therapist. Even though massage doesn’t directly affect the urinary tract system, it affects the blood that gets filtered through the kidneys. Depending on the urinary disorder massage would be beneficial to the client if it is light and soothing. However if the client has kidney failure then massage should not be done as it can make the kidneys work harder.

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Immune System Pathologies

October 28, 2009

It is important to check with the client on what their allergies may be. The therapist may need to change their room if they have certain candles, or anything that     may produce an odor. The therapist may also need to change their choice of oil, gel, or lotion. It is very important to use nonallergenic oils, and detergents that you wash your sheets in.

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Endocrine System

October 28, 2009

Diabetes is the most frequent condition I have in this category. All therapists need to remember to alert the client to monitor their glucose level after the massage as it may become elevated even though they feel relaxed. I was not aware to ask about the area of injection as that area needs lighter massage or no massage at all. I have not asked when the client has their last injection or if their glucose levels are currently normal but I will begin to do so now.

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