Lumps and Bumps - when to refer..

[Main Lining Meddy]

Hi guys,

I'm fairly new to the boards altho I've been reading the boards for a bit.

I qualified as a Massage Therapist about a year ago and have slowly started to work part time from home. It's still very much a learning process for me but I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

I've not encountered too many real health issues in my clients so far.. but I had a client last night presenting with back and shoulder pain. Most of it waspretty typical computer related tension in his right Trap.. but he also had two large-ish knots in his left mid back.. one near to the spine and onefurther out around the area of hisbottom rib.

I've felt small pea sized knots before (and the odd trigger point), but these knots did feel larger - more like grape sized and very easy to feel. He had complained of some pain in this area and they were a little tender to the touch although fine for me to work on, but didn't seem to break down at all over the course of the massage.

The whole thing made me question at what stage I should suggest a client sees their Dr? If these lumps had been anywhere particularly suspect, ie, around the lymph nodes or in thebreast tissueI would probably have felt this was appropriate.. but in this case I didn't think so and thought the suggestion would have caused him unnecessary worry.

I'd be really grateful for either some reassurance or some guidance - have you more experienced therapists felt knots this large? I'm seeing the same client in 2 weeks time as he felt the massage really helped.

Thanks guys

Nat

 

[Gymmy Superstar]

Hi Nat

It depends a lot on what you where feeling, muscles can knot up but they usually break down with friction, you can encounter lymph nodes along the spine, these will not break down with friction but will respond to very light stoking, the way to learn this is to lightly stroke the palm of your hand with a pad of one of your fingers, as you get lighter it will start to tickle, that is the pressure needed to encourage glands to discharge, just use small circular motions around it and then across the area, works wonders

 

[YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE]

Thanks Paul,

Bit disappointed by the lack of response my plea for help got.. but hey ho!

Your reply is much appreciated and I will try the gentle pressure to see how the lumps respond.

Take care

Nat

 

[Namibnat]

Hi Nat,

I think its best to err on the safe side and when in doubt, refer to Doc.

I have referredsome clients over the yearsto their doc, who were then declared a clean bill of health. It was good to have that peace of mind anyway.

 

[Evilteenietiff]

Thanks Suzanne,

Much appreciated.. I will see if they are still there at his next appointment and will refer if they are.

Nat