Lady with DVT

[archnew2]

Hi there!,
I had a lady call me today who wanted to book a course of massage treatments, she has however DVT in her right leg, and I said I dont think it would be possible for me to do massage on her legs, she sounded quite disappointed by this, and said that she has been massaging it herself and feels that the clot is gradually dispersing, (she is also on blood thinning pills), I then said I would call her back to find out more information on this and that if i could actually do massage over her legs.
Has anyone ever come across this themselves and if so how did you deal with it? as imnot sure what to do, and dont want to be doing anything I shouldnt.

Thanks guys!
Jill x

 

[Jimmy S]

Hi Jill[/align][/align]The first thing to do is to get them to visit the Drs and explain that they want massage and does he think the DVT has dissipated enough for you to massager the effected leg.[/align][/align]The next thing you do is abide by the Drs decision.[/align]

 

[windy gurl]

My mother was told not to have any body work done for six months after she was diagnosed - which followed the guidelines of my massage therapy training.

 

[quwnffqe]

Hi I recently had a male client who wanted a massage but he had a a thrombosis in his legs and had a history of suffering from them. Like Jabba the Hut said I was advised in my training that I couldn't massage anybody with this. However, I told him that as it was in his legs that I may be able to perform a massage on his back/shoulders etc or an Indian Head Massage. I gave him a referral letter to go to the doctors and this came back with the GP stating that it would be fine for the upper body/IHM but not for a body massage. So like Paul says its best to ask the doctor and do what they advise. It's also how you feel about it too isn't it? You don't want to be worried and feel that you are doing something that you don't feel comfortable with. xx

 

[fselpusgiqzimeeka]

I feel that it is very good advice to write a referal letter to the GP asking for his/her opinion re any massage when there is a DVT, also it would be a very good idea to have the lady sign a consent form before you commence treatment.

 

[paul c]

Thanks for all your replies guys!!and yes,some good advice too!
I called her this morning, and she is consulting her doctor, in the mean time I am going to go ahead with massage treatments but notover the affected area, and she is also going to sign a disclaimer. She Just seems so desperate for treatment,bless her.

Thanks
Jill x

 

[CBear6]

Personally I think you should wait until your client gets consent from her GP before even touching her.

Legally, even if you get her to sign a disclaimer and something goes wrong, you will be held responsible, as DVT is a contraindication in all training establishments and text books. A disclaimer does not absolve you from adhering to this.

 

[T M]

Hi Sports therapy, yes I think I should heed your advice, best that I get her GPs consent before I go ahead with any treatment at all,she will be disappointed I know, as she is expecting me tomorrow, but best to be safe than sorry!!.

Jill x.

 

[Keri]

I think you are definitely right to listen to Sportstherapy's advice and wait to see what the GP says. Your client may feally want the massage butyou have to be really sure that all is okay with them and that you feel okay about doing it. It is sometimes hard to turn people away BUT there are sometimes other considerations. Definitely better to be safe x