contrainidications - advice please

[That Other Dude]

Hi I have just been asked by an elderly gentleman about the possibility of him having an IHM. I vaguely know him through some work that I have done in the past and I know that he has suffered with a thrombosis in his legs. He asked me a few months ago and I said that it was a contraindication. He stopped me today, however, to say that he had asked his GP about the possiblity of having and IHM and the GP has said that it would be okay in his view. He wouldn't want him to have a full massage but an IHM would be okay. I now am not sure what to do. I explained that I have been taught that it is a contraindication and that if I were to treat him that I would need to get a referral letter of the GP.

I really would appreciate some advice on this one. I know that we should approach each client as they come and that if we turned everybody away that had medical problems then we wouldn't have any clients at all. However, I am just not sure about this one. Thanks alot. I'd appreciate any thoughts soon as he is due to see his GP again next week.

 

[Kyle B]

I am a member of FHT and use their insurers. They recommend that rather than get a letter signed by a doctor, which can sometimes be difficult, a client asks their GP verbally. This way the GP is more likely to be helpful.

You then get the client to sign a disclaimer to the effect that they have obtained their GP's permission to have such and such treatment. That way you are covered.

Lesley

 

[Mike W]

Hi

When I was working in a hospice one of the terminally ill patients with cancer I was seeing was diagnosed with DVT in calf - I checked it out with the dr on the ward and she said ok to massage upper body - however I was doing an aromatherapy - Also I should imagine he is now on anticoagulants to thin the blood as long as dr has approved go with his judgement they are the medics.

Luv Binah

 

[huang]

thanks for your replies. They have been really helpful. I have decided that I will give him a letter to give to his GP as he is seeing him again on Thursday. I will just do a gentle IHM. I haven't used this site much before but it has been great so far. And people actually respond!!! So thanks.