Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/969285
CASE #1 A few years ago, I was asked to testify in a case where a massage therapist performed a deep- tissue massage on a client with shoulder discomfort. The client left the session in such shoulder pain that she required multiple surgeries to recover. CASE #2 In another case, a therapist worked on a client who complained of discomfort in her leg. After a 45-minute session, the client immediately lost the use of her lower leg and foot. The therapist told the client that was to be expected and it would go away in a day or so. The client lost the use of her foot for several months and continues to have ongoing weakness and tremors in her lower leg and foot. CASE #3 A client came in for a massage complaining of tension in his mid- back. During the massage, both the client and the massage therapist heard a popping noise that seemed unusual. The client experienced pain that did not go away and eventually sought medical treatment. A physician ordered an X-ray that showed a rib was broken. The client demanded the therapist cover medical bills and loss of income. CASE #4 A client came in complaining of some discomfort in the neck. Using his elbow, the massage therapist worked with intense pressure on the client's neck. After the session, the client was in so much pain, he was unable to lift his arm. These cases demonstrate the need to address the knowledge and skills necessary to work responsibly on clients in pain from a musculoskeletal injury. I will also detail the various pathways toward competence and mastery. A B M P m e m b e r s e a r n F R E E C E a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / c e b y r e a d i n g M a s s a g e & B o d y w o r k m a g a z i n e 63