QuestionI have a patient that takes nitroglycerin what concerns should I have as a massage therapist? I know it dialates the arteries and increases the blood flow to the heart and could cause dizziness. What concerns should I have and just how does that effect the massage?
AnswerGreetings Nancy. If a medication dialates the blood vessels, the first thing that comes to mind is to use a light pressure, to help avoid bruising. Dizziness means that they should use extreme caution getting off the table, as they can be lightheaded from the massage anyway. But the medication does not inhibit the feeling of pain and pressure (like alchohol), nor does it alter the perceptions (like many legal and illegal drugs), so that won't contraindicate a massage.
As the medication dialates arteries, focus a lot of strokes upward toward the heart, to help veinous blood return. Work from the ankles to the knees, and then from the knees to the hips. Most MTs do this anyway, but try not to use any downward strokes. And honestly, they won't pass away on the table if you do a few, so this is a suggestion, not a must-do.
The client's condition is only a concern if they are having a heart-related episode at the time. It is nothing contagious, so massage is fine. Definately stop at any pains, senses of pressure in the chest, or extreme dizziness. Otherwise, as long as their health is fine, they can get a massage.
I hope this helps, Nanacy. Please feel free to rate me on AllExperts. Also feel free to write back with any questions.
Sincerely,
Christopher Hall
