Medications and implications for massage

http://www.pdr.net/

 

Anti-anxiety drugs:

• Side effects:CNS depression, poor reflexes, dry mouth, feeling unusually exhausted

• Valium (diazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), Xanax (alprazolam)

• Massage techniques: use stimulation to avoid dizziness and fatigue at the end of the massage

Anti-depressant drugs:

• Side effects:increased anxiety, headaches, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, reduced sexual function, bladder problems, increased heart rate, and dizziness

• Tricyclics (amoxapin, doxapin, imipramine), MAOIs (monoamaine oxidase inhibitors- marplan, nardil, emsam), and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors- prozac, zoloft, paxil, celexa)

• 4 weeks or more are often needed for the drugs to take effect

• Massage techniques: use gentle stimulating strokes at the end of the session to come to full alertness.Beware for signs of excessive dizziness or drowsiness and compensate appropriately.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs

• Inflammation is frequently a source of nerve irritation at acute or chronic sites of tissue damage

• Salicylates (aspirin, bayer, etc.)

• Acetaminophen (tylenol, anacin, etc.)

• NSAIDs (celebrex, motrin, advil, aleve, etc.)

• Steroidal anti-inflammatories (cortisone, propaderm, hydrocortine, etc.)

• Narcotics (codeine, percocet, oxycontin, etc.)

Salicylates- reduces pain sensitivity and inflammatory response.  Promotes peripheral vasodilation.  Aspirin works to inhibit platelet aggregation (blood thinner).

Acetaminophen – reduces fever.  Reduces pain sensation but does not influence inflammation.

NSAIDs – reduces inflammation and pain.

Steroids – reduces HERPL (heat, edema, redness, pain, loss of function) in the short run.  Suppresses immune system activity).  Long-term:  associated with weakened connective tissues, fat deposition, muscle wasting, reduced bone density, fluid retention, hypertension, and easy bruising.  Topical applications can lead to thinning of the skin.

Narcotics – reduced sensation of pain without loss of consciousness

Massage technique- reduced pain perception.  Bodywork needs to be conducted conservatively to avoid over treatment.   Clients may experience dizziness and lethargy.  Deep tissue massage should be avoided.

 

Cardiovascular medications – side effects include hypotension, fatigue and dizziness

ACE inhibitors – reduce blood pressure (originally made from pit viper venom)

Blood clotting management drugs – high risk of brusing even with light massage.  If a blood clot is present, massage is contraindicated.

Muscle relaxant drugs – interfere with muscle protection reflexes.  High risk of over-treatment with: deep tissue work, range of motion exercises, stretching.