
Thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis of the deep leg veins is one of the most potentially dangerous conditions to a massage client’s health. Deep massage to such veins can throw a clot into circulation, otherwise known as an embolus. The embolus will travel through the heart and most likely lodge in a lung, causing extreme pain, tissue destruction and even death.
If the client presents with swelling of the leg,
brown pigmentation of the skin of the leg or ulcers around the ankle, suspect
this condition. The most common site for
thrombophlebitis is the deep vein that sits anterior to the soleus muscle in
the middle of the calf. The client may
even complain of pain in this area. Homan's Sign is a good test for
thrombophlebitis. It is advised to not
massage the posterior calf, if any doubt that one may have this condition.
It is fairly common in senior citizens, but is also
common where prolonged bedrest where the blood has had a chance to pool and
clot.