MM Chapter 05: Massage Cautions and Contraindications

Therapists may discover contraindications or situations that require caution in the client’s completed health intake form and the intake interview, in their observations of the client, or from palpation findings or reactions the client has to massage treatment. Often the client has a condition diagnosed by a physician and understands how that condition affects the […]

While the range of conditions you might see in professional practice is vast, hypertension, integumentary issues, and diabetes are fairly common and require special attention. Considerations for special populations such as pregnant women, infants, the elderly, people in recovery from abuse, the terminally ill, people living with a physical challenge, people living with a psychological

As stated previously, a contraindication is any condition that makes applying massage unadvised or potentially dangerous to the client’s health. Table 5-2 provides an overview of contraindicated conditions. Click on the image to view or download this PDF.  Figure 5-2. Quick contraindications reference. Following are the different types of contraindications and other implications: Absolute contraindication.

Massage therapy has few serious risks when appropriate cautions are followed. Investigations of insurance claims related to massage often reveal that general safety procedures were not adhered to in situations of liability. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) is the largest massage membership organization in the United States. Massage therapists receive liability insurance as part

It is important to evaluate the impact of a massage on the medication or client and to adapt the treatment if needed. First, conduct a thorough health history intake (described in Chapter 12) and ask clients to list every medication they have taken in the last week, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal

A side effect is a secondary effect of a medication or therapy that goes beyond the desired effect and causes unwanted responses. Side effects occur commonly with many medicines and can range from mild sensations such as fatigue to serious problems such as hemorrhage. Each client’s response to medications is unique. One may experience difficulty

The following sections describe regions of the body where delicate structures are superficial and unprotected (Fig. 5-1), including details about specific structures located in the regions of the head and face, neck, trunk, upper extremity, and lower extremity. Figure 5-1. Areas of caution are regions of the body where delicate structures are superficial and unprotected. Head

Nerves, blood vessels, bones, and organs are delicate and can be damaged if strokes are applied too forcefully or for a prolonged time in areas of caution. Abnormal occurrences: Sometimes, clients have lumps or masses directly under their skin, which are often benign cysts or fatty deposits. Avoid direct pressure or heavy pressure to these