Are these conditions safe to massage?

[Magz]

I have gotten into contact with someone who is willing to trade out her house cleaning services for massage.

The massage would either be for herself, her fiancee, or her special needs child.

When describing her child she said this....
5 year old, pACC, ONH, PHP, BPNH, PMG, Posterior fossa arachnoid cyst shunted 06/07, Hemiplegia, diplegia, hypotonia

I'm uncertain what some of these conditions are! She said her child would greatly benefit from massage, and I would love to work on a special needs person, but could I handle this being so new in my career? I certainly don't want to harm the child, but if I could help in the least bit I would really love to.

 

[Mando]

I thought about this awhile and decided to pass. I wrote the mom and let her know that I would never forgive myself if I harmed her child. That I was a new therapist, and mainly did relaxation massage at this point, with very limited therapeutic. I told her I could refer her to another therapist in the area if she was interested.

I have to say though, after writing her back I found a website with the childs pic and info, and I almost cried. He looks like such a cheerful boy and I would have loved to help, but I know I just don't have the experience right now to help him.

I hope she finds someone willing to help.....

 

[Mahesh N]

Think of this as a learning opportunity. Start researching the child's conditions and what your limitations are with massage. That way in the future when you are comfortable with massaging them you will know what to do and what not to do.

 

[Clown Keeper]

Take pride in having done the right thing. You showed wisdom and forethought. Let this experience motivate you!

In the mean time, perhaps you could help her find another MT able to help. This would be a great service to the family and a good way to connect with other skilled MTs in your area.