Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72103
CHEMOTHERAPY AND MASSAGE to have in case the client experiences vomiting. If this occurs, wear gloves while handling it and any other cleanup. One might wonder how realistic this scenario is, and whether people who are this sick are likely to make it out to a massage session. While it's true that people try to stay home when symptoms are strongest, many people have to, or choose to, work and function through chemotherapy, and are out and about receiving massage. Home visits may be well received, as well. If constipation is present, abdominal massage may be helpful; however, limit pressure to light lotioning on the abdomen if any abdominal tenderness is present, or if there has been no bowel movement in 72 hours. If this is the case, refer the client to his or her physician. For people in cancer treatment, there can be other factors that contraindicate deeper abdominal work, so keeping your touch light and holding the area with soft hands can be just as effective. Ask question 6 to get a sense of (Summer 2006): 7–13. Curties, D. Massage Therapy and Cancer. Moncton, New Brunswick: Tissue Manipulation (April/May 1994): 3–6. Curties, D. "Massage Therapy & Cancer Care." Massage Therapy Canada Resources Curties, D. "Could Massage Promote Cancer Metastasis?" Journal of Soft whether the massage should be adjusted in response to skin inflammation, chapping, inflammation, peeling, or rash. All of the usual common sense massage adjustments apply. Avoid contact with open lesions. Avoid aggravating inflammation. If the client has lost hair due to chemotherapy, then question 7 provides a neutral, sensitive way of asking how you should massage it, with an opening for the client to remove any headwear or wig, or to leave it on. If it remains on, lubricant is usually avoided in the area because wigs and headwear can be expensive or inconvenient to wash. Massage the area with dry hands unless instructed otherwise. Question 8 is targeted to peripheral Curties-Overzet Publications, Inc. 1999. Foldi, M., and R. Strobenreuthrer. Foundations of Manual Lymph Drainage. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby, 2005. MacDonald, G. "How Cancer Spreads." Massage Therapy Journal 39, no. 4: 74–8. MacDonald, G. "A Vacation from Cancer." Massage & Bodywork Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005. MacDonald, G. Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer. Approach. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2011. Walton, T. "Mapping It Out: A Decision Tree Can Help You 2nd ed. Forres, Scotland: Findhorn Press, 2007. The National Lymphedema Network. www.lymphnet.org. Walton, T. Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy: A Decision Tree Navigate Complex Massage Contraindications." Massage Therapy Journal (Summer 2007). Walton, T. "Cancer and Massage Therapy: Contraindications and Cancer Massage Therapy Journal 45, no. 2: 119–35. Zuther, J. Lymphedema Management. New York: Thiemes Medical Publishers, 2005. Treatment." Massage Therapy Journal 45, no. 3: 119–35. Walton, T. "Cancer and Massage Therapy: Essential Contraindications." Massage (March/April 2000): 985–91. MacDonald, G. Massage for the Hospital Patient and Medically Frail Client. Demanding Approach." Massage & Bodywork (June/July 2005): 16–26. MacDonald, G. "Easing the Chemotherapy Experience with Massage." (April/May 2007): 56–66. MacDonald, G. "Bodywork for Cancer Patients: The Need for a Less- neuropathy. If the client has neuropathy with pain or burning, then joint movement and pressure will obviously need to be limited in the area in order to avoid aggravating it. On the other hand, if the client presents with numbness or impaired sensation in the hands or feet, then pressure and joint movement should be gentle because normal feedback is absent, and the client can't tell you if something hurts and tissue may be injured. Also, inspect the skin (especially on the feet) for any foreign bodies or open skin. Sores can develop when pebbles or other objects in the shoe go unnoticed. Bring this to the client's attention and avoid contact or pressure at the area. If clients experience brain fog (question 9) or seem to exhibit signs—forgetting appointments, repeating or contradicting themselves, lack of focus—consider making reminder calls before appointments. Take time with scheduling, and repeat important information and interview questions if needed. Try not to "over-identify" with a client with brain fog—"I forget things all the time!" or "That sounds just like menopause!" Chances are that an occasional minor memory lapse does earn CE hours at your convenience: abmp's online education center, www.abmp.com 47