Massage/contraindication
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Question
Why cant you massage a patient who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs(medication) and if so how long would they have to wait before they can receive a massage
Yanique,
Thank you for your question. As licensed professionals, we want to work on our clients in a state where they can provide Informed Consent. This applies to many situations, for example asking a client "Would you prefer me to work through the sheet on this area, or are you comfortable with being undraped here" on a hip or glute region. Informed consent is necessary to establish boundaries, and cannot be obtained while a client isn't sober.
Also when someone isn't able to think clearly, finding out about depth of pressure may be difficult and inaccurate. If your client is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, they may not be able to provide feedback that is appropriate. Lastly for your own safety, it's contraindicated to work on a client who isn't sober.
We want to work on our clients when they are sober to provide the best care for themselves and for us. It's safe to say that they should wait until they are no longer under the influence to receive massage therapy.
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Answers by Expert:
Rachel Beider, LMT
Expertise
I can answer questions regarding Therapeutic Medical Massage, Prenatal Massage, and Chronic Pain Management. I can also answer questions relating to the business of massage therapy, starting a private practice, and running a small business.
Experience
I am a NY State Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified in Prenatal Massage, and working as a Professional Doula. I have worked with Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, and in a Surgeon's Office, providing Medical Massage Therapy. I have taught a basic anatomy course to yoga students at a school in Brooklyn. I have volunteered massage work for the NYC Marathon and massaging patients at Beth Israel in the Jacob Perlowe Hospice Center. I currently own a business, Massage Williamsburg (www.massagewilliamsburg.com), in Brooklyn, NY, and write a blog at www.massagewilliamsburg.com/blog
Organizations
American Massage Therapy Association, National Association of Women Business Owners
Publications
www.massagewilliamsburg.com/blog
Education/Credentials
Swedish Institute of Health and Sciences, WatPo Thai Medical Massage School in Bangkok, Carole Osbourne Sheets Prenatal Massage Certification, Doula Training by Association for Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators
Past/Present Clients
My clients include dancers, athletes, a neurosurgeon, a chiropractor, yoga instructors, and moms-to-be
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