Heart Bypass Surgery

[josh s]

Just wondering if this is within our scope of practice as MTs?


Kidding....

I am exploring ways to work with someone who has had a double bypass. Unfortunately, at this point, I don't have much info- the topic came up while talking to a colleague. So I don't know when, what kind of pain or other medication, any other conditions, etc.
Just wondering what would I want to know and how would you work with someone who had this surgery.

I would definitely want to find out about any blood thinners they may be taking.
What their current activity level is.
Most likely stay on the lighter side of pressure.

What are some other considerations?

TIA

 

[Anna I]

Heart Bypass Surgery

The biggest consideration is WHEN was the surgery done. If it was within the last 3 months, I ask for a physician's release. If it is not such a recent surgery and the client is well healed and has the meds all stabilized, then we discuss the meds (may still need a release), where there is pain and what type of pain it is, activity levels, how easily they are bruising and what they want in a massage. With blood thinners, I do not do any deep tissue, but I will still do specific treatment work - just coax the tissue gently. There is a lot of muscle soreness and tenderness due to the guarding done after surgery. Pecs are likely to be very tight, along with scalenes and even the abs. Psoas will be shortened quite a lot, usually, as a weakened person sits more than usual. Find out where the vein was taken (often a leg) and be very careful in that area, as often it is more tender than the chest.

If it is too recent to do much to the muscles surrounding the incision, the doctor may still allow hand, foot and scalp massage. I offer that option in the release form.

 

[Purdey EP]

Heart Bypass Surgery

Have 3 clients who have had open heart surgery that have been through cardiac rehab, the whole 9 yards. Their biggest concern for themselves has always been learning how to de-stress themselves rather than the techniques that I use on them. I've shown all 3 of them how to work with their scarring if it gets to drawing too much for comfort as well as simple stress relief massage things they can do for themselves between visits.

Post-surgery, if the patient isn't yet into cardiac rehab, work derivitively around the incisions and pay attention to your pressure, etc. After healing and such, you can pretty much work any way you want to, according to the 2 heart surgeons my patients see.

Don't know if that helps at all, but, that's the news from here