How Antibiotics May Impact Bodywork
There seems to be a preconceived notion that antibiotics can cure just about any ailment, which is likely the reason why, at any given point in time, a vast majority of people are taking these types of prescribed medications. Antibiotics are some of the most overly prescribed medications. As a bodyworker, it’s likely that you have come into contact with clients taking antibiotics. It is important for each massage therapist to decipher the reason for the antibiotic use, and determine whether or not it is safe to proceed with the session. Knowing the contraindications for prescribed medications is key to making this decision.
There are pros and cons for massaging a client with a current infection. With an obvious goal of massage being circulation enhancement, there is an increased risk of spreading the infection. Although, on the plus side, massage therapy can strengthen the immune system, helping the body fight against the infection.
The nature of the massage therapy profession is to help people; however, therapists need to put their own health first when it comes to treating a client currently taking antibiotics, so as not to get infected themselves. Also, since you probably use the same massage table for all your clients, you must think of your other clients’ health, too. Depending on the type of infection, the wisest decision may simply be to have your sick client reschedule. It is more important, now than ever before, with the emerging “superbugs” and antibiotic-resistant infections on the rise, to protect yourself and your practice.
Brushing up on Universal Precautions can help you keep yourself out of harm’s way so that you don’t accidentally catch the infection and inadvertently spread it to others. And, a thorough knowledge of pharmacology will help you advise your clients on how to protect their own immune systems from the damaging effects of antibiotic use.