Massage Therapy & Medications: General Treatment Principles

Table of Contents

Basic Concepts And Guidelines

Why Massage Therapists Need to Know How Medications Work
Common Pharmaceutical Terms and Concepts
How Drugs are Administered to the Body
Drug Processing in the Body
General Treatment Guidelines
   · Case History Form
   · Letter to Health Care Practitioner

Commonly Prescribed Medications And Treatment Planning

Drugs for Managing Pain and Inflammation
   · Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
   · Narcotic Analgesics
   · Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
   · Corticosteroids

Drugs for Managing Cardiovascular Disease
   · Drugs that Improve Heart Function
   · Drugs that Increase Blood Vessel Diameter
   · Drugs that Alter Blood Coagulation Mechanisms
   · Drugs that Reduce Blood Volume
   · Drugs that Lower Blood Lipid Levels

Drugs for Managing Diabetes Mellitus
   · Insulin
   · Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs

Drugs for Managing Respiratory Inflammation and Congestion
   · Drugs that Treat/Manage Allergic Reactions
   · Drugs that Increase Airway Diameter
   · Drugs that Manage Respiratory Congestion
   · Drugs that Suppress Coughing

Drugs for Managing Mood and Emotional Disorders
   · Anti-Anxiety Medications
   · Antidepressants
   · Antipsychotic Medications

Drugs for Managing Cancer
   · Antineoplastic Drugs
   · Antinausea or Anti-Emetic Drugs

Drugs for Managing HIV/AIDS
   · Antiviral Drugs