Antihypertensives This is a general group of medications that lower blood pressure, including diuretics, beta blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Contraindications: None when medication is being taken correctly and blood pressure is being controlled Considerations: Massage is very effective in helping to treat high blood pressure, because circulatory massage naturally lowers blood pressure. You may want to ask the client how long they have been on their medication, and if they have received massage already on this particular medication. Cytotoxins These drugs are made to kill or damage particular cells and include cancer medications and immunosuppressants. Contraindications: Cautioned; massage can be received safely with a doctor’s written recommendation, which is strongly advised. Considerations: Massage therapy clients who are taking cytoxics for cancer or immunosupressants are strongly recommended to come Cancer and massage It is a common misconception that cancer patients cannot receive massage therapy treatments. Even clients who are on heavy chemo or radiation therapies can receive gentle and intentional massage. Waiting a week after either the most recent chemo or radiation treatment is an even safer way to proceed with massage for the client, or for any remaining doubts a treatment plan recommendation from Hormones These are chemicals that would otherwise be naturally produced by endocrine glands; certain medical conditions where hormones are not sufficient for necessary endocrine function, these chemicals are synthetically given to the body. This is called hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy is used for women going through menopause, gender transitions, diabetics, and people suffering from mellitus. Although there are no direct interactions between massage therapy and hormone replacement therapy, some side effects of the medications can be something to look for throughout the massage, such as nausea or migraines, so be sure to ask your client in the intake if they are currently experiencing any of Muscle relaxants These are drugs that relieve muscle tension and spasm. Contraindications: Cautioned. Deep pressure is contraindicated with clients who have taken a muscle relaxer as they are not able to provide effective and accurate feedback to comfort levels of the pressure throughout the massage. Also, dizziness can accompany the combination of massage and muscle relaxants, so carefully changing positions on the table is suggested. Contraindications: No contraindications Considerations:
Since massage and hypertensive medications both lower blood pressure, dizziness or lightheadedness may occur after being on the table, so it is wise to turn the client over slowly when changing positions on the table, and to have them sit up and get off the table with caution after the massage. If it is the patient’s first time receiving massage with this medication, you may even want to wait in the room with them, close to the table, to be sure they are steady before leaving. Common medication names: Lisinopril, Univasc, Aceon, Accupril with a recommendation and approval from their doctor. The reason for this is that cytotoxins are meant to target a specific group of sick cells, and deep pressures and circulatory massages can potentially cause the spread of the medicine to undesired healthy parts of the body. Common medication names: Mitoxantrone, Cisplatin, Methotrexate, Mitomycin the client’s physician is recommended. Massage therapy for cancer patients should use lighter pressure and be more focused on stress relief and relaxation and less about pain management or structural integration. A contraindication of massage therapy for cancer patients is accompanying conditions such as heart failure, anticoagulant use, and deep vein thrombosis (Corbin, 2005). these symptoms, or if they have previously experienced an increase in severity of those symptoms during or after previous massage therapy treatments. If they start to experience any side effects of the hormone replacement therapy medicine during the massage, you can change pressure or technique. Common medication names: Angeliq, Climara Pro, Combipatch, Femhrt Healthcare Consideration: Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone can impact the body’s ability to benefit from massage. Estrogen can cause fluid retention and increased blood clotting, while testosterone can cause mood swings as well as physiologic effects. Massage can help even moods and lower stress levels caused by hormone imbalances. Considerations: If your client is taking muscle relaxers, then they are most probably in muscle pain and discomfort. It can be suggested to your client that they wait to take their muscle relaxer until after the massage so you can see a clear outcome after the massage, and therefore have a better idea of how to proceed with proximal sessions. Be sure to check in more frequently about pressure throughout the massage.
Common Medication Names: Soma, Lorzone, Robaxin, Flexeril
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Book Code: MLA1225
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