QuestionMy Mom is a recovering meningitis patient. While her current health is extremely good, there seems to be some concern with some of my family members regarding massage therapy. She was recently discharged from outpatient therapy and I have taken over her therapy. As part of her therapy, we've hired a therapist with Reiki experience to come in once a week. Some of my family have been told that massages spread infection and the concern is that my Mom could once again could get infected and suffer as a consequence of a weekly massage. This is our 2nd week and since her lack of any therapy, I've found that she is more active, more alert and her range of motion has increased. However, it does concern me that the risk of spreading an infection exists. Can you please advise me on how to address this issue?
Thanks.
Answerthank you for your inquiry, Grace. Excellent question.
To answer your question, I will refer to my "Bible" in my massage library, aka "A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology" by Ruth Werner, pgs 180 & 182:
"Meningitis, a contagious and inflammatory disease, strictly contraindicates massage in the acute phase. It is perfectly fine for people who have recovered from meningitis with no lasting damage to receive massage."
Pg. 181: "A bacterial meningitis infection incubates from 2-10 days. It takes up to 3 weeks for viral infections to develop. Symptoms generally peak and then recede over a period of 2 to 3 weeks."
There you have it from my Massage authority on pathologies.
I also see nothing wrong with receiving Reiki applications after which you see her reaping benefits. More positive energy to her.
Hope that helps you.
Michael, LMT, CRP
