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When not to massage?
As massage therapists, we love to work the soft tissues, release trigger points and free myofascia while allowing our clients to relax. But there are times when indications for massage are really indications for more serious illnesses.
How often have we met a client who complains about stress at work. She is tired all time, her shoulders ache, and her TMJ is bothering her again. To top it off, the stress is causing a bit of anxiety and some indigestion. She just wants you to work on her shoulder and back pain while she takes an hour to relax. She has also described symptoms of a heart attack.
As massage therapists, how do we distinguish symtoms of a true soft tissue problem versus that of a more serious condition like a heart attack or other illness? How do we educate our clients to distinguish between a muscle ache and a heart attack? Have you ever had to make a decision to refer a client a medical practitioner? Should CPR certification be a mandatory requirement for therapist licensing?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Daniel Cohen on
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Yes I think CPR & First Aid training should be required. But we also need to know our limits and when to refer or call the paramedics. But when it comes to anxiety there is much that we can do. I've had clients diagnosed as manic depressive that wanted a way to avoid a life on medication. Massage can help normalize and stabilize. It is realy amazing how much can be accomplished.
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Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on
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CPR certification was part of my massage school. Hopefully I'll never need it! It's been a few years; maybe time for a refresher course.
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Permalink Reply by Gordon J. Wallis on
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Hmm, all the years that I have been massaging.. Only a couple times have I had to refer someone to a medical doctor...Not any big diagnostic capability on my part...They were hurting so bad they couldnt even lay on the table. As for CPR...Everyboy should be CPR trained. Massage therapist or not. My opinion anyway.
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Uhh..... Sorry I cant spell. or Type.
Gordon J. Wallis said:Hmm, all the years that I have been massaging.. Only a couple times have I had to refer someone to a medical doctor...Not any big diagnostic capability on my part...They were hurting so bad they couldnt even lay on the table. As for CPR...Everyboy should be CPR trained. Massage therapist or not. My opinion anyway.
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I think the real question should be "What massage to Apply". It isn't so much when not to massage but what application to use. Contraindications are application specific not blanket for massage. Although I wouldn't apply my current manual knowledge during a heart attack, systemic infection, or over 103 degree temperature (which usually is a systemic infection). Your training and experience will lead you.
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