Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1276187
C h e c k o u t A B M P P o c k e t P a t h o l o g y a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / a b m p - p o c k e t - p a t h o l o g y - a p p . 73 cells. Unfortunately, the word has not gotten to all athletic trainers, physical therapists, extreme athletes, or emergency room staff, so ice is often overused. Mirkin now recommends that an injured person skip ice unless pain is very severe, and then use ice packs only two or three times, for 15–20 minutes at a time. Mirkin also recommends over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, but only for the first 24–48 hours after an injury, since they also slow down recovery by suppressing inflammation. Compression and elevation are still recommended, while gentle exercise is preferred over complete rest. 2 In the massage world, where we frequently see clients with musculoskeletal injuries, contrast treatments (e.g., contrast foot baths) are now thought to be far better because they alternate hot and cold, which stimulates circulation and relieves pain. We often see older clients with poorly healed sprains, which have predisposed them to arthritis. So, avoiding prolonged use of ice will help avoid this problem—and can really do some good. Float the Pain Away Invented in the 1950s by neuroscientist John Lilly, MD, flotation tanks have only recently become affordable and are now recognized as a therapy to relieve tension, stress, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. 3 Flotation tanks are dark, soundproof tanks of warm saltwater where a person can float for long periods in sensory isolation, free from the force of gravity and outside stimulation. A float before a massage is said to relax client muscles, which enables the massage therapist to work deeper and with less effort. A float after a massage allows the client to relax into the float more quickly. Since the water contains Epsom salts, floating can also help reduce the level of muscle soreness after vigorous exercise or a deep massage treatment. Hot Yoga Saunas Special saunas are now being built specifically for hot yoga classes. These hot yoga saunas are kept at about 105°F, with the idea that warm muscles are easier to stretch. Plus, heat promotes vigorous sweating, which leads to detoxification. In addition, this whole-body treatment may ease depression. Adapting Hydrotherapy to Different Settings Because there are many types of hydrotherapy treatments, the resourceful massage therapist can usually substitute another treatment if one is contraindicated. For example, although hot baths are helpful for insomnia, many elderly clients are too stiff to get in and out of a tub, so an alternative such as hydrocollator packs on the back followed by back massage is a great substitute. By thinking ahead and assembling a few basic items, hydrotherapy treatments are doable in almost any setting you perform massage. • Outdoor Setting. A massage practitioner working outdoors at a sports massage event can perform ice massage to relieve sore and aching muscles; local salt glows of the back, legs, and feet to increase circulation and relax those areas; ice-cold foot soaks for aching and burning feet; and Epsom salt foot soaks for tired and aching feet. Simply bring ice and bottled water in a cooler, along with extra towels and washcloths, plastic dish tubs for foot soaks, and Epsom salts. • Office Setting. If you practice in a chiropractic office or physical therapy clinic, you may have access to hot moist packs, and possibly ice for ice applications as well. These hot moist packs are easy to purchase and can be preheated before a session begins. They are highly effective in relieving muscle tension and increasing local circulation, and are easy to place on one part of the body while massage is being performed on another part. In any setting where you are helping clients with severe musculoskeletal pain, ice massage is also easy and useful. • Assisted Living/Nursing Home Settings. If your clients are in assisted living facilities, you will usually treat them in their apartments, where you can use their small kitchenette for access to hot and cold water and ice. You may wish to bring containers for water, such as plastic tubs or buckets, but you may also find them in the kitchenette. At nursing homes, clients are generally given massages in their rooms. With no kitchenette, you can still get hot and cold water coming out of the tap in their bathroom, and give simple treatments. You may wish to bring a container for water, or obtain one from the nursing staff. • Health Club or Spa Setting. Generally, any health club or spa that offers massage will have at least one hot tub, shower, steam room, or sauna. After doing a health history, if there are no contraindications, you can suggest that your clients use those facilities before or after massage sessions. Generally, health clubs that offer hydrotherapy treatments inform clients about contraindications. C h e c k o u t A B M P P o c k e t P a t h o l o g y a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / a b m p - p o c k e t - p a t h o l o g y - a p p . 73