Chapter 5: Introduction to Pharmacology for Massage Therapists 4 CE Hours
By: Claudia Phillips, LMT Learning objectives
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 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 Implicit bias in healthcare Implicit bias significantly affects how healthcare 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
informs the therapist with pertinent information about pharmaceuticals that can interact with their treatment in an easy understand layout.
health outcomes. 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.
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.
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
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Book Code: MFL1225
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