Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72195
SPA ÉLAN rheumatoid arthritis or nerve damage that interferes with their ability to give feedback on temperature. Hot and cold sheet wraps increase the load on the cardiovascular system and kidneys and may aggravate an existing condition. For example, clients with impaired circulation, or those with advanced or poorly treated diabetes, should not receive hot or cold wraps. Tension wraps (when cellophane or herbal infused bandages are wrapped snugly around body areas) are contraindicated for individuals with spider veins, varicose veins, weakened veins or arteries, or those with poor circulation. Body wrap clients can suddenly become anxious or panic. Therapists should never leave a wrapped client alone; this may result in injury if the client becomes claustrophobic and struggles to get out of the wrap. EXFOLIATION CAUTIONS Avoid the use of exfoliation products or dry skin brushes on open wounds or broken skin, on clients with chronic skin conditions (unless recommended by a physician), on sunburned or infl amed skin, over varicose veins, or immediately after waxing or shaving. Using exfoliation products in these circumstances may cause irritation or complicate the condition. FANGOTHERAPY CAUTIONS Peat or mud should not be used on broken skin or over skin conditions. While peat and mud are used regularly in Europe and by estheticians for skin care, broken skin is prone to infection. Peat and mud are not held to any standardized quality requirements, are often shipped from overseas, and may contain pathogens. Clay can be used with oily skin that has minor blemishing, but severe acne, which might be located on a client's back, should only be treated by an esthetician or dermatologist. on very thin individuals who are likely to be more heat sensitive. HYDROTHERAPY CAUTIONS The use of full-body hydrotherapy treatments (immersion baths, contrast Vichy or Swiss showers, saunas, and steam treatments) is contraindicated for individuals with serious heart, circulatory, nervous system, or systemic conditions. Open wounds and skin rashes are also contraindicated when using hot- or cold-water treatments. A clients' general health and HOT STONE MASSAGE CAUTIONS A number of claims are fi led with massage insurance companies each year because of burns from hot stone massage. If stones hot enough for treatment are left resting on bare skin, they can burn the client; the stones should be moving constantly. Hot stones meant to sit in one place should always be insulated with a thick drape like a bath towel. Therapists' hands grow accustomed to the heat of the stones quickly and so their ability to accurately assess a safe temperature is impaired; temperature must be monitored constantly by thermometer. The water in the heating unit should never be hotter than 140°F, and the safest temperature is between 130 and 135°F. As with any treatment, it is better to err on the side of caution and give a warm stone massage rather than endanger a client in any way. Stone massage should not be used on clients with advanced or poorly treated diabetes, circulatory conditions, deep vein thrombosis, edema, gout, heart disease, a serious heart condition, high blood pressure, high risk pregnancy, neuropathy, renal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, or thrombus. Broken or infl amed skin, recent soft- tissue injury, sunburned skin, and varicose veins are site contraindications. Use caution on elderly clients who may have thin, delicate skin, and 120 massage & bodywork september/october 2008 vitality will determine the appropriate length of a hydrotherapy treatment. Elderly clients or people in a weakened condition should only receive hydrotherapy under a physician's supervision. People who lack general fi tness should not spend more than 15 minutes in hydrotherapy tub treatments, steam rooms, and saunas. Healthy individuals can remain in such treatments between 20 and 30 minutes. THALASSOTHERAPY CAUTIONS Seaweed is one of the most potent substances used in spa treatments and so the appropriateness of the treatment must be considered in relationship to the client's overall health. Seaweed is not suitable for use on children, the elderly, people in a weakened condition, or pregnant women. Brown seaweeds have high concentrations of iodine and may overstimulate the thyroid gland. In a healthy person, this usually results in a feeling of increased energy and well-being. For those with thyroid disorders, a full-body treatment may throw the body out of balance. Until more research is available, it is best to avoid giving full-body brown seaweed treatments to clients with thyroid disorders. Choose green or red seaweed treatments instead, or only apply the seaweed to one area of the body.