Questionare there any contraindications for massaging someone that has arthritis?
AnswerHi Andrea
The contraindication is avoid deep tissue manipulation and very light joint movements.
I live in a large retirement community, clients who have arthritis receive slow and light pressure Effleurage strokes. Most prominent areas to work light are hands, feet and joint areas. It's really a client by client basis, ask if they are in pain in any of these areas and work lightly around them.
The rule of thumb when in doubt light effleurage over the area.
I also recommend a light oil instead of creams. Sometimes manufactured massage creams and oils contain chemicals that when absorbed through the skin of elderly people can cause an irritation to the underlying fascia, which in some cases is already inflamed due to the arthritis condition.
I use with all my customers 100% Organic Jojoba oil http://www.jojobacompany.com/
To your success
John Nickolas
