HELP Diabetes, Peripheral Vascular Disease and Heart Disease

[LilMissLi]

I have a client who I would love to help. But I am unsure how to approach the situation with all of his health problems. He is an adult male with his age in the mid 60's. He suffers from Diabetes, Heart Disease, And Peripheral Vascular Disease. He has had previous heart attacks resulting in open heart surgery and has had many stents put through out his body (mainly heart and legs), and he also has had a fem-pop bypass. The client has lost much strength in the legs resulting in him using a motorized scooter when extended amount of walking is required. The doctors are now with him about potentially more life threatning surgeries and amputations (both client doesnt want). He approached me and wants to try a more holistic approach to healing as a last resort. Please if anyone has any ideas as far as massage techniques and other body work that can help him or if you have had simular experiences with clients, I would love to hear your feedback and stories. Thank you.

 

[Pompal 09.]

HELP Diabetes, Peripheral Vascular Disease and Heart Disease

Well, you have to figure if amputation is the option, your massage most likely isn't going to be making his life that much more difficult.

Get a script for care from the MD, that's for sure.

 

[aimeeme_g]

HELP Diabetes, Peripheral Vascular Disease and Heart Disease

I would definitely have this client get a letter from his doctor specifying that it is medically safe to do some gentle bodywork. If the doctor won't write one, don't do the work. There may be risks that you are unaware of, because some clients will leave out whatever they think will be "deal-breakers" when discussing their health history, or the client may have forgotten something you should know.

There are people who really, really want some form of relief and think that massage is the only way to get it because "nothing else has worked" and so, in despair, they come to us. Sometimes we can provide some relief from discomfort simply by helping them to relax... and that may be the absolute limit. Eventually, that client may need surgery anyway.

In this case, the client has a history of complex circulatory problems and surgeries that almost certainly include ongoing medication with anticoagulants like coumadin. That alone is often a contraindication for massage, though some types of light work may be appropriate. Depending on what you learn from the physician, you may need to refuse this client, particularly if you aren't sure how to adapt your work for his particular situation. Swedish massage may be a poor choice for this guy, so don't assume that you can simply use less pressure as that could still increase his risk of an embolism.

Sometimes the best way to help is to send them elsewhere. Consider the possibility of referring this guy to another MT, or to some other form of wholistic health care practitioner, such as a licensed acupuncturist.