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Hello Fellow MT's:

I have utilized your advice on this site before, and it has significantly helped and encouraged me along my start as a working MT.

I had a client yesterday who came in for a self-pay (no medical referral, therefore, no chart notes documented) massage.  She presented with no known medical issues, and simply wanted a relaxation massage, although she said she preferred deep tissue work.  

In the middle of the session, I noticed a touch of pitting edema in the bottom of her feet, and I did not say anything at that moment.  I did adjust my level of pressure in her feet and legs (going more lightly).  I know pitting edema is a contraindication for circulatory massage.  She is in her early 40's and is currently leading a busy, yet physically stagnant lifestyle (little to no exercise) and high stress level with work and family.  

I have two questions:

1. Should I have stopped the session?

2. What is the best information I can offer her in a follow-up conversation regarding this?  I've checked my pathology book and read that the following causes must be ruled out before she receives more massage:  heart problems, kidney problems, liver problems, local infection, blockage.  I also wonder if I should encourage her to see a lymphatic drainage specialist.

Any thoughts, advice, wisdom is greatly appreciated here.

Thank you very much,

Anne

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Lymphatic drainage for the win. They do miracles with edema. 

Make sure you find a good one to refer them to. 

Edema's a local contraindication, not a general one (again, depending on your modality) so treat accordingly. 

Lymphatic drainage can be beneficial, but I would still recommend her to a doctor to see what the underlying cause is. You may help her more than you know by doing so!

actually u should have said her as soon as you noticed a touch of pitting edema in the bottom of her fee

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