[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

Safety First
MT appears to have few risks if utilized appropriately and is provided by a
properly trained MT professional (NIH 2015).
Life-threatening or serious side-effects, such as dislodging a blood clot or
implanted device, are rare. Adverse effects associated with MT techniques are
almost exclusively attributed to aggressive application of (deep) techniques or
massage provided by untrained or under-trained individuals.
As the treatment of traumatic scars in the later stages of healing or when
working with mature scars can involve CT and fascial techniques, the authors
advise that all necessary measures are taken to do no harm. Most MT entry-topractice
educational programs do not include intermediate or advanced levels of
CT and fascial work. This book will provide some basic instruction for the
application of CT and fascial techniques; however, the authors’ suggest that
further training is acquired. The authors make the same recommendation for
lymphatic work.
Contraindications (CIs) and Precautions
Within the profession it is commonly viewed that massage therapists should not
rely on lists of specific CIs, but rather should use a set of medical and
therapeutic guidelines pertinent to clinical applications and recent research
developments. CIs are unique to each client and to each region of the body. The
ability to reason clinically is essential to making appropriate decisions about the
advisability of, modifications to, or avoidance of massage interventions (Fritz
2013).
The authors recommend researching each client’s unique presentations. As
professional healthcare providers, MTs must employ their training and best
judgment when deciding whether or not to proceed with treatment. Due
diligence on the part of the therapist will result in the best possible results for
client-centered care.
General CIs and precautions for traumatic scar tissue clients are the same as with
any client; however, some considerations are more common and therefore
warrant note. Basic universal precautions include: