Chapter 3: Medications & Massage Therapy: Common Gastrointestinal & Pain Medications 4 CE Hours
By: Valerie Wohl, PhD Learning objectives
Name common medications for pain and inflammation that may require adjusted manual techniques and the reasons why. Name common gastrointestinal conditions in which massage may be contraindicated. Course overview The following chapter introduces the pharmacological basics of drugs associated with common gastrointestinal conditions and the management of pain and inflammation. Most drugs are listed by their common scientific name and a proprietary (brand) name. An asterisk (*) denotes over-the-counter formulations, while a capitalized name in parenthesis usually refers to the proprietary name of the drug . Implicit bias in healthcare Implicit bias significantly affects how healthcare professionals perceive and make treatment decisions, ultimately resulting in disparities in health outcomes. These biases, often unconscious and unintentional, can shape behavior and produce differences in medical care along various lines, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic status. Healthcare disparities stemming from implicit bias can manifest in several ways. For example, a healthcare provider might unconsciously give less attention to a patient or make assumptions about their medical needs based on race, gender, or age. The unconscious assumptions can lead to delayed or inadequate care, misdiagnoses, or inappropriate treatments, all of which can adversely impact health outcomes.
List symptoms associated with drug toxicity. Explain the functions of acid-peptic drugs. Discuss the role of massage in relieving drug side effects.
Drug companies give their products brand names. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the generic, shortened names by which drugs are usually known. For example: ● Brand name: Tylenol. ● Generic name: Acetaminophen. ● Chemical name: N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide. Addressing implicit bias in healthcare is crucial for achieving equity in medical treatment. Strategies to combat these biases involve education and awareness programs for healthcare professionals. These programs help individuals recognize and acknowledge their biases, fostering a more empathetic and unbiased approach to patient care. Additionally, implementing policies and procedures prioritizing equitable treatment for all patients can play a pivotal role in reducing healthcare disparities. Ultimately, confronting implicit bias in healthcare is essential to creating a more just and equitable healthcare system where everyone receives fair and equal treatment regardless of their background or characteristics.
MASSAGE IMPLICATIONS RELATED TO GASTROINTESTINAL MEDICATIONS AND DISEASES Working with individuals taking pain medication requires extra attention to the client’s comfort and positioning. In cases where symptoms are elements of a systemic disorder, a shortened session may be appropriate. drug, massage treatments are contraindicated until the client is evaluated by a physician.
Massage may be contraindicated in cases of esophagitis, gastroenteritis, and/or hernia. In each case, have client consultation and approval by the doctor before massage. In case of gastritis. It is best to avoid the immediate area of the stomach, but massage of the thoracic and lumbar spine may bring relief. Light clockwise effleurage to the abdomen, to induce relaxation, may be beneficial for cases of gastroenteritis. In cases of heartburn, do not massage the upper abdominal area; instead downward effleurage may soothe the stomach and abdominal muscles and reduce the regurgitation of gastric juice. Massage of the affected area in individuals with peptic ulcers is contraindicated, although manipulation of the reflex areas of the lower spine and stress-reducing massage may be useful. Require a doctor’s consultation and approval before massage. Also obtain doctor’s approval before beginning any body work for an individual with Crohn’s disease. If approved, relaxing abdominal massage may be beneficial. In the case of irritable bowel syndrome, gentle clockwise massage may relieve some symptoms while massage of the lumbar, gluteal, and thigh muscles can help alleviate referred pain. Massage does not affect the absorption of antacids and anti- ulcer medications, H2-histamine drugs, or PPIs. Each of these, however, and particularly antacid medications, may cause
Dizziness, drowsiness, and postural hypotension are common side effects of many medications that can be heightened by massage. The client should sit up slowly and wait a few moments before standing. Because so many medications are associated with side effects including slight dizziness or drowsiness, be sure to assist individuals, especially the elderly, in sitting up, pausing a moment, and getting off the table. It is important that you are aware of all medications your client is taking, both prescription and over the counter, as multiple medications increase the potential incidence of adverse effects. Optimally timing the medication around the massage session may be critical, either ensuring that symptoms are managed effectively, or that individuals are not “masking” pain or discomfort that serves as the body’s feedback or warning mechanism. Tissues that have reduced or altered sensitivity can be injured more easily by normal use of manual techniques. In many cases, the health and function of the liver and kidneys are critical to maintaining therapeutic levels of medication in the blood. If normal elimination processes are compromised by renal or hepatic dysfunction, adverse effects such as fever and reddish purple bruises on the skin are early indications of drug toxicity. At any indication of drug toxicity related to any
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Book Code: MGA1224
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