Massage therapy post stroke
Hi, I am a stroke survivor and my recovery from multiple strokes and brain surgery was big motivator for me to retrain in complementary therapies to help other people who experience strokes. My aim is to offer a service which provides nutritional therapy and massage therapy to this client group. I have a Level 3 VTCT in Swedish massage and am aware that massage is contraindicated within the first 6 months. I have read the research in this area and the studies include massage treatments between 1-4 months post stroke and show good results. I have also successfully completed Christies NHS Foundation Trust Massage for people with Cancer and Supportive Care course. My question is, is it possible to offer light touch massages (as used in oncology massage) to clients before 6 months post stroke who are past the acute stage of recovery and are medically stable? If the client obtains signed approval from their consultant/stroke nurse does this provide enough evidence to practice safely? Thank you so much. Michelle Porter
