Massage - help contraindications

[Somebodyelse]

Hi I am new and have been reading through for some time now, but really need help.

I have just started my own business as a mobile massage therapist, swedish body massage. Although qualifying 8 years ago it is only now that I have been able to do this. I have two clients, both regular and they both say they benefit hugely. My main concern is contraindications. I do have a Health Questionnaire which I run through with the client. One of my clients has Guillam Barre Syndrone and I have been massaging him for about 3 months now and he is making fantastic progress, I did not request Drs consent as I actually went into the hospital to adminster the masssage at first and he was already getting physio and they were aware of me. Is this the right thing to do??

My other client whom I have masssaged only once, she has returned very pleased and would like a repeat. She has diabetes, has had lots of operations on her abdominal area, which I avoided entirely and has had MRSA twice, although better now. She has had regular massages at salons and because of this I went ahead with the massage. Should I to be on the safe side get her to sign a disclaimer. What would you put in this???

Would be very grateful for advice as a bit nervous I love doing massage. Does anybody know of a good website or book outlining clearly all contraindications and why? Do you think it would be best to visit a client separately at first to discuss medical history or do you think this is a bit OTT, at present I add say 15 min at the beginning. Panic, panic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi have been avidly watching for anyones comments can't wait to hear from you, advice would be great or general chat about situation

Thanks

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi Jo

Welcome to the forums, firstly sorry I did read this the other day but was just going offline and never made it back to your post till now...

Lots of people will say yes, gp consent etc etc even with the diabetes, my practice is full of people nobody else will go near If you have already filled out a questionnaire would they not have already signed this.....
with the diabetic woman, is the diabetes controlled and if so how,if it is controlled with food then i certainly do not get gp consent, if it is controlled well with either tablets or insulin and has been for some time then again the same, if it is newly diagnosed and uncontrolled then maybe depending on your experience get gp permission, it is also a good idea to keep some dextrose tablets handy just in case...if the person has to take the quick acting insulin (the one before meals) then i try and make sure they are not massaged within that first hour as massage increases absorbtion etc. I cannot answer about the abdo as I would not like to comment not knowing what she has had done but again depending on what is what for and how long ago it may be very beneficial to do this area.

Contraindications seems to vary from one school to another and we appear to be getting stricter and stricter soon people will only treat healthy people which whilst great is very sad. I am a great believer that some form of treatment can be offered to everyone.

In terms of the consultation with me it varies, i generally ask on the phone about more immediate concerns, cancers, asthma (always make sure they have inhaler), diabetes, High/Low BP or epilepsy, this is not because I would not treat them but because I may need to spend more time planning the treatment when they get here. People with disabilities or strokes etc will normally tell you when they book. In terms of time if it is a straight forward massage or treatment then I allow 10 mins or so for consultation, if they have moderate problems, chronic conditions maybe 15-20mins and for the more severe, current cancers, strokes, recovering from trauma even upto an hour in this case I tend to make a separate appointment as I may need to seek permission first and then they dont get disappointed...

Hope that makes some sense...

Tigs
x

 

[gamesixekttu]

Thanks Tigs really helpful. I am seeing her again on Friday so will go armed with questions, I think all will be fine, I will get some dextrose tablets though to take with me and I did think a disclaimer may be a good idea what do you think about this, is it actually worth anything anyway. I don 't want to get too fussy as massage should be a help to people such as my two clients and they both have great benefits in the days following.

Speak soon
Bye Jo

 

[Cold Coffee!!!!]

Hi unfortunately client phoned to cancel as her and husband struck down with flu bug, but thank you very much for advice will use when she makes next appointment.

Cheers