As part of this 1 hour timetabled session we practiced filling out a patient consultation form (as you would have to for each new patient going to the clinic) and then applied specific treatment depending on the findings from the assessment. The treatment had to include massage and a stretching or taping technique.
Reflective Summary
This was an important session as it allowed us to understand the correct procedure when filling out the clinical consultation form. This will prepare us for open clinic which begins in the next few weeks as this has to be done for each new person that comes in for a treatment. The form is made up of an subjective section which is what the client can tell you and an objective section. This is what the therapist can understand from observing, palpating and testing range of movement (ROM). From this you can decide an appropriate treatment for the rest of the session. My client complained of tightness in there upper back so when I palpated it I felt knots around the rhomboids, supraspinatus and infraspinatus. I chose effleurage to start with this as this is always used to create heat before getting deeper into the tissues. To get deeper and allow tension to be released I used kneading, a petrissage technique. On the areas of hypersensitivity I used neuromuscular technique to enhance lymphatic drainage and general circulation which allows waste products to be removed. I finished off the session with post isometric relaxation of the rotator cuff muscles so they will be contracted. I used this instead of reciprocal inhibition because there was no injury just some tightness that needed to be stretched out.
Areas for further improvement
To improve I need to learn/be aware of all the contraindications for massage. This is because if you massage someone that has one you will be putting the client at risk and you are not following the code of practice. I also need to adapt my language depending on who I am communicating with: if I am talking to a colleague I need to be technical whereas with a client I need to be simple and clear.
Things to remember
- Remember to lower the bed so the patient finds it easier to get off
- When filling out the clinical consultation form ask the patient lots of questions so you can find out as much information as possible
- Ensure the clients details are kept confidential