Chapter 2: Introduction to Pharmacology for Massage Therapists 4 CEUs
By: Claudia Phillips, LMT Learning outcomes
Review effects of massage strokes. Define basics of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Identify common herbal supplements and vitamins. Review drug categorization and preparation. Identify the social dynamics and availability of massage versus medication.
After completing this course, the learner will be able to: Identify the interaction between massage therapy and common medications. Review categories and administration of medications. Define contraindications and modifications of medications. Course overview This course is intended for all manual therapists that use massage as part of their practice. It gives a general outline to the contraindications, precautions, and considerations connecting medications and massage therapy. The course
informs the therapist with pertinent information about pharmaceuticals that can interact with their treatment in an easy understand layout.
INTRODUCTION
pump, pacemaker, or even birth control, it is important to note and even palpate before beginning the massage so as to not cause discomfort or direct pressure to where the implant is. It is always best to have a medications section on your intake and consent form for the client to fill out first before verbal intake, for the client to feel more comfortable sharing the information in a discreet way. Having the medications previously written down will also give you a chance to look up any medications you may not recognize and assess whether they would be contraindications for massage or not, before beginning the verbal intake with your client. When you have read through the medications written down, and have researched any you needed to, you can verbally go over the medications listed with the client. You may need to ask about dosage, length of time taking the medication, doctor’s recommendation or permission to receive massage, or any special considerations or modifications to the massage you may need to make for the client. It is important to assure the client of your Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policy and to listen carefully to your client and with compassion and without judgement. It is also important to explain the importance of listing medications on the intake form, and informing the client what the possible interactions or effects massage can have with them, as the general population may not be aware of those factors when receiving massage therapy. about those that would be a possible general or local contraindication for receiving massage. Another advantage of having the medications written down is that you can take a moment, if there are any medications listed that you don't recognize, to look them up on the internet from a reputable source to create an informed treatment plan with the client. Medications can be a sensitive topic for clients, so remember to speak to your clients during the intake with compassion and empathy .
Massage is a very effective technique to work with the soft tissues of the body to improve circulation as well as reduce inflammation. As a manual therapist, you know that performing massage with your clients as a regimen in injury recovery, post-operative rehabilitation, with chronic pain conditions, or for regular maintenance is a very effective and important part of your practice. We know massage is a powerful tool, but we need to be sure we are giving massage safely and effectively, and part of that efficacy is knowing the medications of your clients, contraindications, and risk factors that are possible interactions those medications may have with receiving massage therapy. The intake before beginning a treatment plan with a client is a crucial part of initial assessment. That intake needs to include asking the client about any current medications. The massage practitioner should question the client regarding all the medications he or she is taking, both prescription and nonprescription, including herbal supplements and/or vitamins. Many medications may influence or be influenced by massage, so update any client information sheets regularly to take changing medication into account over any extended period of care and make necessary adjustments to the treatment regime. If the client is taking medications, make sure to ask if they have received massage while taking this medication and dosage, and if they previously had any adverse effects or reactions after or during the massage. Also, if the client has external medications or implants, such as a diabetic insulin Consideration for intake forms for medications Clients may feel uncomfortable sometimes verbally listing their medications, or if they have a variety of medications, it may be easier to list them on paper. Also, clients taking certain medicines, such as mental health medications, maybe be embarrassed to verbally list what they are taking. It can be more comfortable for them to write them down; it provides an additional sense of privacy and professionalism. It is important for you to be compassionate and empathetic when reading through your client’s intake form. If you need to ask any additional questions to your client about medications, there is only a need to inquire
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Book Code: MLA1225
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