QuestionHi,
I recently had a client who had broken her ankle some 8-10 weeks ago. As much as i felt inclinded to want to massage the area lightly i felt resistant as i recall when i did my studies this would fall into the local-contra indictor category.
I was just wondering why this would be the case.
Thanks
AnswerGreetings again, Mary-Anne (I hope this is the same person). It all really depends on how well the client is healing and the area the break occured. If your client was moving around easily, without a cast or bandage, then massage is fine. I would be extremely easy with any range of motion (ROM) movements with that ankle, and would stop at any discomfort in the client. If the client has a bandage or cast, then I would totally avoid the area. There is the potential that any pressure would cause more pain and reinjure the area. Any healing that has taken place may be undone.
The idea behind contraindications (CIs) is to make people stop and think if a condition is okay for massage. Take the -plegia clients you mentioned in your last question (if this is the same person - I hope it is.) The limbs affected can be worked on (inspite of the CI list), if done very lightly and gently. Since the nerves are unable to report on pressure and pain, you could accidentally injure and bruise these limbs. In general, as long as the person is not contagious (lol) and if they have the energy to live a pretty normal life, they should be fine for massage.
We are always here, feel free to write again.
Sincerely,
Christopher Hall
And if this is not the same Mary-Anne that wrote earlier, I am SOOO sorry!
