QuestionGlenn, I am a nurse & complementary therapist in the UK and have been asked by a client with CRPS type II to give an aromatherapy massage. Problem is she also has a previous medical hx of DVT. This was medically treated and was three years ago, although she has been cleared for long-haul flights as long as she takes temporary Heparin therapy. She is currently well and not anticoagulated with no DVT signs or symptoms. Is this still an absolute contraindication to massage ? Obviously aromatherapy massage is much more gentle than remedial massage. Any help appreciated. Many Thanks,
Simon.
AnswerHmm...
Well, here's the ethical version:
-The practitioner's onus is not a harmless treatment, but one in which the patient can make informed choices for themselves. In this case there is a realistic expectation of benefit; the unknown is the risk of serious complications or death. The practitioner does not have the tools on hand to establish what the risk level is. So the absolute answer would be to impress on the patient the danger involved, then proceed as if precautions (instead of CI's) were present.
Realistically, I would agree that the psychological benefits of an 'aromatherapy' massage would be better than the 'Plough and Gouge School of Therapy' approach. DVT is not something I'd care to mess with.
Very astute of you. Keep the great questions rolling!
--Glenn
