when massaging a new client recently the strangest thing happened and I wonderred if anyone here had any ideas.
I was massaging the clients back when I noticed a lot of tension in her upper and mid thoracic area. As part of the treatment I applied thumb pressures along the erector spinae (spell that as you will). I was applying quite deep pressure as the client had requested it. As I applied pressure the skin flushed deep red in a strange way. It looked just the same as when an ink drop is put in water, almost like I could see blood flushing in the capillaries. I thought for a second that I really over done it and bruised the client but as I released the pressure the skin returned to normal. My client didn't react at all. Each time I went back to the area with any pressure the same reaction happened, but no where else on her back.
I have been in touch since the client was very happy with the treatment and has not had any adverse reactions.
Anyone got any ideas what was going on, I've never seen anything like it before!
as far as i know this redness is just a sign of blood flow to the area and that the massage is working! I wouln't be overly concerned if the client was feeling ok then and has not had a reaction since... try putting the same amount of pressure on another friend and see what reaction they have?
Hi and thanks that was what I was thinking. The reason I was alarmed at all was because the usual reaction, if any, is a soft edged red circle (ish) around my thumb. This was much more like a sudden burst of red into the skin, with feather edges like ink in water.
hhhmmm i know what you mean...is that the first time you massaged that client? could it be that everyone just reacts differently? my sister nearly jumps off the bed because her muscles twitch like crazy - at first i thought i did something wrong - but that is just how she reacts!
Erythema is quite normal when massaging a client and in general is nothing to worry about... Everyone reacts differently to pressure in massage and by encouraging the blood to the area you are sure to be reaching the parts that you need. If there has been a tear or minor damage to the area you were working it may be that you are moving this blood around and away from the problem site. All positive stuff
Thanks folks. It was the first time I'd seen that client so could be perfectly normal for her. As I say she's very happy with the treatment so I'm guessing that whatever it was obviously wasn't a bad thing. Just never seen erythema happen like that before.