« A Legally Blind Massage Therapist | Fingertips Home | A Value-Added Service »

January 31, 2008

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

This first semester of school, I'm in a PT Examination class where we take a patient's history, perform a systems review, and take tests and measures. At this point in the class we are going over the various systems and discussing red flags for conditions that require us to refer a patient to a physician.

Today, we discussed the cardiovascular system and the pulmonary system, in short, circulation and breathing. I remember from massage school how we were told to be careful of a client presenting with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), otherwise known as a blood clot. We were told that if they have this condition, massage is contraindicated. To massage a person with DVT could potentially mobilize the clot, causing it to travel to the lungs, heart, or the brain. Such an occurrence would cause a pulmonary embolism, a myocardial infarction (heart attack), or a stroke, all of which are deadly.

Massage is clearly discouraged during the intake process if the client knows they have a DVT, but often people with serious problems don't know what they have. So how does a massage therapist identify such a potentially serious condition if it shows up on their table? According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of DVT are:
* Swelling in the affected legs; this can include swelling in the ankles and feet.
* Pain in the legs; this can include pain in the ankles and feet. This pain often starts in the calf and can feel like cramping or a "charley horse."
* Redness and warmth over the affected area. (I've also heard to beware of redness streaking up the limb and pain to the touch. Blood clots can also feel quite hard upon palpation, though not always.)
* Pain or swelling in the arms or neck. This can occur if a blood clot forms in the arms or neck.

What is scary is that half of all DVTs go undetected before they mobilize. Who is at risk for DVT? Clients who have had an injury/surgery, prolonged inactivity such as flying, varicose veins, who smoke or are obese, may be at risk for presenting with a DVT. Being aware of the risks factors and knowing the signs of DVT may help you save someone's life.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health

Posted by linda at January 31, 2008 7:02 PM