Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine

Chapter 10 / Massage Therapy and CVD 161
Table 1 (Continued)
massage does not mobilize sufficient
extracellular fluids to produce
symptoms of congestion. Avoid deep work,
excessive elevation, and large range of
motion movements, because this could
activate sympathetic nervous system
response. It is important not to lay the
patient in a prone position. The goal of the
massage is to reduce stress using relaxing
and soothing techniques. Designing a
treatment plan with limb work first helps to
reduce peripheral resistance.
Postcardiac surgery During the early recovery phase from
coronary bypass surgery, massage is
contraindicated. Saphenous vein resection
sites and chest incision sites should be
healed. Foot massage to induce relaxation is
recommended. Collaboration is essential
between therapist and attending physician.
CVA Massage is systemically contraindicated during
early recovery but indicated during the later
recovery phases.
Decubitus ulcers Massage is a good preventive modality to
increase general circulation. Massage at or
near unhealed ulcers is contraindicated.
Diabetes mellitus Massage may be appropriate with diabetes,
under the right circumstances. Patient must
have healthy responsive tissues with good
blood supply, and medical clearance is
appropriate. Caution should be used in
patients with diabetic neuropathy because of
their lack of sensation and propensity to
develop skin ulcers.
Edema When edema results from CHF or renal failure,
massage therapy that may “mobilize fluids”
is relatively contraindicated. Venous
insufficiency-related edema is a reasonable
setting for massage therapy. Pitting edema is
contraindicated.
Heart murmur Massage is beneficial for general relaxation.
Hypercholesterolemia Massage is beneficial for general relaxation.
Hematomas Massage should avoid any areas where foreign
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