massage therapy and HepB

[stevenNYer]

sqmassageme's Question:

I am a massage therapy student currently researching hepatitis for a presentation in my pathology class and i have a few questions for you guys, if you are up to answering them that would be great! Do you guys enjoy getting massages or do you think it would be helpful, having hep B, to get a massage? Would you tell a massage therapist you have Hep B? do you think it is important/relevant? What could a massage therapist do to make you feel comfortable speaking about this subject? What could a massage therapist do to help you...hot towel's, aromatherapy...ect??? your imput would be so helpful and i promise i wouldn't break any privacy issues.
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stevenNYer:
I am helping you repost your question on a new thread.  We try to keep the original thread for the original poster.  Please post a new thread if you have a question.

[sqmassageme]

thanks for all your input, it was so kind of all of you to give me so much feedback. i'm in the process of writing my paper and figuring out what to say for my presentation. i'll let you guys know how my presentation goes:) Again, you all are so awesome, stay strong, keep supporting eachother! Peace*

[zellyf]

I would really research the side effects of treatment and how massage/acupressure could help alleviate that discomfort and stress.  

Hey, put me on that list with Steven.  I gave up manicures/pedicures in the interest of public health (given how I've watched them use their implements on me and *then* on someone else w/o benefit of sterilization) but I still indulge in the occasional lovely massage.

[stevenNYer]

The reason I posted your question is because communication is a beginning tool to fight ignorance.  The reason why you "snapped" is the reason why we "snapped".  People who don't know you profession dismisses it.  People who find out a person's hepatitis status psotive and they dismisses us.

You want to educate other on your profession, we the regulars want to educate others on HepB so we don't have to face obvious or hidden discrimination.

Please don't take any comment as an attack, the regulars here could have a wicked sense of humor, but I assure you, no harm or ill will is ever intended.

And to assure you, if you ever set up a private practice here in NYC,  I will allow you to give me a free session ;)

Steven

[sqmassageme]

thanks guys, i really appriciate it.I got a little defensive because massage is confused with sex so often and so often i get some my best friends telling me that they dont feel comfortable getting massage and cracking jokes about it.I think i might have snapped a bit. sorry. i'm getting a little frusterated with writing my paper as well, i agree with zelly that hepB is a silent killer and have read so much on the topic recently, its driving me nuts because i can not figure out what to present to my class on how to treat Hep B. I dont think there is much, because when it is chronic, like zelly said, there are no symptoms. what do i say? i was thinking of just explaining to them that the emotional state of someone with this virus may be something to take into consideration. i am also writing about Hep A and C. they want a treatment for each topic but i might just say in general, people with Hepatitis need support. I mean thats why you guys joined this forum right? people in my Hep C group seem to feel the same way. Looking for others to share experiences with. Since most of the people on this forum and the Hep C forum i have encountered, would not disclose that they have hepatitis, i would tell my class to think about equality. What it means to live in this world and be treated equal, no exceptions to any diseases or conditions. As for massage goes, if someone actually feels the need to tell their massage therapist they have hep B i might recommend doing some Chinese acupressure points for the Liver meridian, if they client is up for it. these points can be very calming and mind centering. I think the text book style of pathology for massage therapists may be a little too much. i think some circulatory massage on the feet,ankles, legs head and neck would be fine. I would avoid circulatory abdomen massage or mid back, to avoid some of those organs that process the virus. I mean, if it was really that bad for you, your doctors would be telling you not to go out and get massages, right? Peace*

[jack1642]

I actually didn't mean to hate your feelings with the "touchy job" and "parlor" statement.

As rightly pointed out by zellyf, it was a joke. My comment has been taken out of context.

I wish to apologise for the said comment and promise not to indulge in any form of joke that might be offensive to you or any member of this forum in the future.

Myself and members of this forum i am sure will continue to  contribute meaningfully to any question or advice from a patient or  group of people seeking an insight to HBV and our experience with the virus.

Once again i deeply regreet my comment.
I wish you well with your studies.

[zellyf]

I think you gave the impression that we could transmit HepB to our massage therapist when you mentioned that we should be careful with open sores.

I'm sure Jack was joking about the "parlor"...hence the "lol".

I appreciate your passion for what you do and think there are benefits to massage therapy.  However, in chronic Hep B many of us are actually asymptomatic and do not suffer any real discomfort. This is part of what makes the disease so dangerous.  A "silent killer" if you will (though I don't care for that).  Some of us were lucky enough to find out by accident through blood tests taken for other reasons...not because we felt poorly.

By the time one feels poorly from chronic Hep B things can be pretty far gone and I don't think massage therapy will do anything but alleviate symptoms.  You need strong drugs to treat the virus.  Once the drug treatment is implemented and the side effects of the drugs kick in that is when I think massage therapy would have the greatest benefit to the patient.  But that is just one person's opinon. Best.

[sqmassageme]

ok, i just wanted to say. personally, i'm not worried about getting Hep B at all from my clients. I am not one of those massage therapists who do the " touchy job"and i never will! That isnt massage, its prostitutes that use the word massage to get an Ad in the phone book legally. My concern is for YOU! How can i give you a massage that will benefit your health concerns? that is why i joined this forum in the first place. i would like to educate others how massage can help not only physically but mentally as well and that it isnt just for relaxation purposes. Almost all of the students in my massage therapy program are becomming massage therapists because they have personally healed from it in one way or another. I understand that the concept of massage is still new to people and that many really dont know how much we have to go through to become therapists. we take lots of anatomy/physiology, pathology(study of diseases), kinesiology (study of muscles) classes. I never realized how much i would be learning and i dont think others do either. i had a women laugh at me the other day when i told her i had midterms to study for... she said" you have midterms for massage?" "what the hell do you do?" so, take massage therapy as you will, if you have not experienced therapeutic massage i can understand why you might feel a certain way toward it. ok, enough for now, feel free to comment back. i realize this sounded like i was on an angry rant, but i'm not, i 'm just super passionate about sharing my beliefs and teaching others about massage. So if you dont feel massage can benefit hep B, that is perfectly fine, what do you do to make your symptoms better?????? I am still curious. Peace*

[sqmassageme]

ok, i just wanted to say. personally, i'm not worried about getting Hep B at all from my clients. I am not one of those massage therapists who do the " touchy job"and i never will! That isnt massage, its prostitutes that use the word massage to get an Ad in the phone book legally. My concern is for YOU! How can i give you a massage that will benefit your health concerns? that is why i joined this forum in the first place. i would like to educate others how massage can help not only physically but mentally as well and that it isnt just for relaxation purposes. Almost all of the students in my massage therapy program are becomming massage therapists because they have personally healed from it in one way or another. I understand that the concept of massage is still new to people and that many really dont know how much we have to go through to become therapists. we take lots of anatomy/physiology, pathology(study of diseases), kinesiology (study of muscles) classes. I never realized how much i would be learning and i dont think others do either. i had a women laugh at me the other day when i told her i had midterms to study for... she said" you have midterms for massage?" "what the hell do you do?" so, take massage therapy as you will, if you have not experienced therapeutic massage i can understand why you might feel a certain way toward it. ok, enough for now, feel free to comment back. i realize this sounded like i was on an angry rant, but i'm not, i 'm just super passionate about sharing my beliefs and teaching others about massage. So if you dont feel massage can benefit hep B, that is perfectly fine, what do you do to make your symptoms better?????? I am still curious. Peace*

[jack1642]

Thanks for asking,Steve. I am doing good and hope you are in great shape too. I've been quite busy these days trying to put some few personal things together hence, my absence.

Great to be back.
Cheers!

[stevenNYer]

Good to see your post!  Hope things are well with you.

[jack1642]

I personally do not see any risk in their line of work if they keep proper hygiene and avoid touching open wounds.

"If I have a opened wound, I would put a bandage on it and tell the massage therapist not to touch that area not because of HepB but because an open wound hurts
It would have been cool to tell a massage therapist if contact was a means of infecting other with the virus."
Well said Steve.

According to most research including that of cdc, kissing is not a means of infection, so massage therapist who do the "touchy job" am affaid should not worry about HBV if they wash hands after work.

Get vaccinated sqmassageme and co. There are many people living with HBV unknowingly. Treat every caller at your parlor as HBV patient. lol

[zellyf]

I agree that massage therapists should really get vaccinated but I think many are holistic and might resist immunizations.  I guess that is the risk they are willing to take and its probably good for them to know that many HepB people will not find it necessary to disclose their status.

sq - Thanks for the info regarding circulatory massage.

[stevenNYer]

I don't judge others or their profession.  I still think it's not relevant.  

If I have a opened wound, I put put a bandage on it and tell the massage therapist not to touch that area not because of HepB but because an open wound hurts.

Even if you touch the wound and get a trace of blood on your hands, as long as you wash your hands after the session, you will be fine.  Especially if you are immuned to HepB via vaccination (hint, hint)

There are surgeons that have HepB and they perform surgeries just the same.  
Surgeon who don't have hepB does surgeries on HepB individual without risk of transmission.

Come to think of it, the only person who I felt a sense of responsibility to disclose my status is my dentist.  Make sense right.   You know what he said?  He said, "so is my brother...let's get to work".  Pretty cool dentist huh :)

[sqmassageme]

thanks for starting the new thread for me. and thank your for all your imput. I would like to tell you guys a little bit about why it would be relevant for someone with hepatitis to tell a massage therapist.A massage therapist is there to help you relax but relaxation isnt everything a massage therapist is good for. we want to help heal your body as well. Swedish massage (typical 1hour massage at the Spa) is circulatory...meaning it moves the blood around the body by using long gliding strokes. This can be very relaxing, but my book says it should not be done with someone who has hepatitis...here is why.Hepatitis, as i have been reseaching,directly associated with the liver. the liver is a keystone for fluid management in the body; to push more fluid through a system that is not functioning well could lead to some serious repercussions. Non circulatory massage welcome and very supportive during a long recuperation. There are many types of Non circulatory massage out there that feel absolutely wonderful. Most massage therapist are trained to learn non-circulatory massage or have taken continuing education classes (which are mandatory every 2 years in Oregon). So, as far as privacy issue goes, there are so many laws we massage therapy people learn that protect the client's confidentiality. And we are highly trained in client communication...you ask just enough info to give the massage and dont go any further or make assumptions. So, it is still your choice if you would like to disclose that you have hepatitis, but if you have any open wounds, obviously you should make sure and tell the therapist. again, i am really thankful for your input and i hope i didnt offend anyone by joining and asking questions.I'll be checking in a few more times this week if you guys have any other feedback for me. Peace*

[stevenNYer]

agreed....lol.

[zellyf]

Ha!

And, ew.

I think massage could be helpful in alleviating stress and muscle tension.  I don't think it can have any direct impact on the virus or liver inflammation.  I would not disclose my HepB to a massage therapist, I don't feel it is relevant.  I don't think there is anything specific a mt could do to address specific HepB issues.  Possibly a massage therapist could help with some of the side effects of treatment but those are varied and differ from patient to patient.

[stevenNYer]

And the answer is, a massage therapist should treat a person with HepB like any other person without HepB.

There would be no reason why a person with HepB would disclose his/her HepB status to a massage therapist because it's not at all relevant.

Well, unless if it's like what you see in soap operas...the session gets hot and heavy...one thing leads to the others....and well...but I don't think you mean that.