Massage Contraindication
Massage is not a cure-all, how many times should one publicize that one. Massage, however, is safe and beneficial for everyone including infants and the elderly. Sometimes though massage can be counter productive for both the therapist and the patient. This is called contraindication or the act of a massage session being unsafe or detrimental to the client’s well being. Contraindications can include physical, emotional, or mental conditions that may cause the treatment to do more harm that good. And the first rule of medicine for anyone practicing in any of the fields is to do no harm.
When the therapist is in doubt on whether to give a massage or recommend a particular stretch the patient should be recommended to a primary health care provider and obtain the physician’s recommendations in writing. If the patient does not have a primary health care physician, the therapist can recommend someone that he knows to be familiar with massage therapy and supportive of the practice of massage.
The Effects and benefits of massage are vast and have an immediate impact of the psychological and physiological affects on the patient. Physcially massage will increase metabolism, speeds healing, relaxes and replenishes the muscles, and improves lympathic systems functions. Massage will prevent and relieve muscle cramps and spasms and improve blood flow. Massage will enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells and enhances the body’s natural ability to remove waste products. The blood flow enhancements will also help the skin to function in a normal and healthy manner. Massage therapy is effective in pain management in conditions such as arthritis, neuritis, neuralgia, whiplash, muscular lesions, sciatica, headaches, muscular spasms, and many many other conditions.
Psychologically, massage will relieve fatigue, reduce tension and anxiety, calm the nervous system and allow the patient to relax. A sense of well being and promotion of renewed energy are often affects that can be felt after a 30 minute session.
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:33 pm
NSAIDS ( inflammatory drugs) are often used by mouth or in gel form as local rubs (Caution. Lymphatic System)