Medication FAQs
Medication FAQs: Why It's Important to Share Your Medication Information
At Polaris Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in El Paso, your health, safety, and overall well-being are our top priorities. Sharing information about any medications you're taking allows us to customize your massage session for the best possible results.
Certain medications may:
Affect tissue sensitivity, making certain massage techniques feel too intense.
Influence circulation, requiring adjustments in the pressure we apply.
Change how your body responds to muscle manipulation or stretching.
By providing us with your medication details, we ensure that your massage in El Paso is safe, effective, and tailored specifically for your needs. Open communication helps us deliver the highest quality of care to support your well-being.
If you have any questions about how your medications might interact with massage therapy, don’t hesitate to ask us at Polaris Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in El Paso!
Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets)
Examples: Warfarin (Coumadin), Heparin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Why Important: These medications reduce the blood's ability to clot, increasing the risk of bruising or excessive bleeding, especially with deep pressure or vigorous techniques.
Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs and Steroids)
Examples: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve), Prednisone
Why Important: NSAIDs reduce inflammation and pain but may mask discomfort that signals when pressure is too deep. Steroids can weaken tissues over time, so caution should be taken with deeper work.
Muscle Relaxants
Examples: Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Diazepam (Valium), Methocarbamol (Robaxin)
Why Important: These medications decrease muscle tone and can increase the risk of overstretching or muscle injury during a massage since clients may not be aware of their own limits.
Pain Medications (Opioids and Non-Opioids)
Examples: Oxycodone (OxyContin), Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Why Important: Strong pain medications, particularly opioids, can dull the perception of pain, potentially leading to tissue damage if the pressure is too intense. Clients may not feel discomfort until it’s too late.
Anti-Anxiety and Antidepressants
Examples: Diazepam (Valium), Alprazolam (Xanax), Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Why Important: These medications can sometimes cause fatigue, dizziness, or muscle weakness, making clients more sensitive to pressure or positions during the massage.
Corticosteroids (Oral or Topical)
Examples: Prednisone, Hydrocortisone creams
Why Important: Long-term use of corticosteroids can weaken connective tissue, making deep tissue work or stretching risky. Areas treated with topical corticosteroids may also be more sensitive.
Diuretics
Examples: Furosemide (Lasix), Hydrochlorothiazide
Why Important: These medications increase urination and reduce fluid retention, which can lead to dehydration. Massage may further dehydrate a client, so it’s important to encourage hydration after the session.
Heart Medications (Beta-Blockers, ACE Inhibitors, etc.)
Examples: Atenolol (Tenormin), Lisinopril, Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Why Important: These medications can affect circulation and blood pressure. Clients on heart medications may have altered responses to bodywork, especially circulatory massage techniques.
Insulin and Diabetes Medications
Examples: Insulin, Metformin
Why Important: Clients with diabetes may have areas of poor circulation or neuropathy. Massage may need to be adjusted to avoid deep pressure in areas with reduced sensation or circulatory issues.
Immunosuppressants
Examples: Tacrolimus, Cyclosporine
Why Important: Clients on immunosuppressants may be more susceptible to infections, so it’s essential to maintain rigorous hygiene standards and be mindful of any signs of compromised skin integrity.
Chemotherapy and Radiation Drugs
Examples: Methotrexate, Doxorubicin
Why Important: Cancer treatments can weaken the body’s tissues and immune system, requiring a much gentler approach to avoid tissue damage or overwhelming the client’s already stressed body.
Antihypertensives (Blood Pressure Medications)
Examples: Amlodipine, Lisinopril
Why Important: These medications can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up after a massage. You’ll need to be cautious with clients who are prone to postural hypotension.
Anticoagulants for Autoimmune or Clotting Disorders
Examples: Enoxaparin (Lovenox), Apixaban (Eliquis)
Why Important: As with blood thinners, clients with clotting disorders or who are taking anticoagulants need extra caution to prevent bruising or internal bleeding.