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Child insulin pump

Has anyone massage a child with an insulin pump? Should I avoid the area on where the pump is located? I will definitely will do a Swedish massage. This will be the first time that the client will have a massage. On performing the massage will the glucose level decrease and the pump will automatically pump? Any advice is appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Arti Ross Kelso on December 13, 2012 at 12:52pm

I have worked with insulin pumps, though not on a child.

Generally you can proceed with a massage as usual simply avoiding the immediate site of the pump itself (especially with oil as there is often medical tape on the skin.)

The parents should be able to tell you if the child can remove the pump for the massage, as it can sometimes be off for an hour or so with no problem. If so ,there is a clip which can be put in while the pump is out. ( Used for showering etc).

The relaxation can lower blood sugar and is not likely to raise blood sugar. The pump works when the blood sugar is too high. So not likely to be an issue unless the client ate right before the session. EIther way, a blood sugar check before and after the session may be a good idea especially teh first couple of times to see how the individual responds to your work.