Chapter 3 : Pharmacology for Therapists: Common Gastrointestinal and Pain Conditions 4 CE Hours
By: Claudia Phillips, LMT Learning outcomes
After completing this course, the learner will be able to: Recall common gastrointestinal and pain conditions. Review the common medications utilized for patients experiencing GI and pain conditions. Course overview This course will review the interactions between therapeutic massage and certain medications, taking a closer look at common gastrointestinal (GI) and pain pathologies and the medications used to treat them. This course will help manual therapists develop a safe and effective treatment plan by identifying which medications are used to treat these
Discuss the common side effects and contraindications for common GI and pain medications. Discuss the relationship of therapeutic massage with common GI and pain conditions and their associated medications. common pathologies. Having a broader understanding of common symptoms and side effects of these medications will help therapists provide a more informed and effective treatment session. The goal of this course is to give therapists the confidence and knowledge particularly surrounding common GI and pain medications.
INTRODUCTION
For example, a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is acetaminophen, or paracetamol, which has the commonly used name Tylenol ® . The FDA has categorized medications from antacids to antianxiety medications, hypertensives, and cold cures, to corticosteroids and many more. The point is that medications are categorized based upon what specific purpose they serve. Are they pain relievers? Mood stabilizers? Hormone balancers? In general, the medication is classified by its function, and less by its actual chemical makeup. For example, acetaminophen and diclofenac are both categorized as anti-inflammatory even though they are different drugs because they both accomplish the same goal. Medication interactions with manual therapy treatments can be subdued by changing pressures, positioning, and techniques or modalities. It is important that you as a clinician are aware of all the medications your patient is taking as many medications increase the potential incidence for negative side effects. Optimal timing around the medication and session may be critical, ensuring that symptoms are managed effectively.
Therapeutic massage and certain medications can have interactions that may contraindicate the intervention altogether or may require that you take steps to alter the massage. Common interactions between therapeutic massage and medications can produce dizziness, light headedness, nausea, hypotension, or bruising. In this course we will look specifically at gastrointestinal and pain conditions and associated medications in greater depth. Additionally, we will review how they interact with therapeutic massage and what you can do as a therapist to prevent adverse reactions and identify when therapeutic massage would be contraindicated all together. Having a better understanding of the drugs themselves and the pathologies that they treat can help you create a more informed treatment plan and overall give a more effective manual treatment. 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. 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.
GASTROINTESTINAL CONDITIONS
Disorders of the stomach and intestines include gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the intestines and stomach that may cause nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Possible causes of gastroenteritis include a viral or bacterial infection, allergic response, or exposure to irritating particles. Disorders of the esophagus include esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus that may be accompanied by heartburn. Esophagitis may be caused by infection, trauma, irritation, or the ingestion of certain foods and/or acid reflux.
Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions affect the majority of the American population of all ages, races, shapes, and sizes. Chronic conditions that require repeat or consistent medication should be paid closer attention by a therapist for the well-being of your patient. You may want to change positions with your patients on the table, working only with them in a supine or side lying position to help ease any abdominal discomfort, keeping a bathroom open and accessible near the treatment room available during the session. Some plain snacks and plenty of water available may be a couple good general considerations you can implement in your practice when working with someone with GI condition.
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Book Code: MTX1225
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