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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. 

 

 

Homan’s Sign

Homan’s Sign

 

This test is performed with the client lying on his/her back. The therapist forcefully dorsiflexes the foot with one hand, and with the other hand squeezes the client’s calf. If the client experiences a deep-seated pain in the posterior calf, thrombophlebitis is probably present.