Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2024

54 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

changes. Atherosclerosis is a condition whereby lesions, known as plaque, form and can increase a risk of an embolism if they become dislodged. Due to the nature of MLD and the movements on the neck that are directly over the carotid artery, caution should be used in clients with a history of or those at risk of this condition. Hypersensitivity of the carotid sinus. At the base of the internal carotid artery is a dilated area known as the carotid sinus. Carotid sinus sensitivity or carotid sinus syndrome is a disease of the autonomic nervous system. This condition is the overstimulation of the carotid sinus and can cause an acute drop in arterial blood pressure, as well as an acute slowdown of the heart, resulting in dizziness. Hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in the human body and is located in the neck. The gland produces two hormones that regulate metabolism: thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid oversecretes these hormones, causing a series of symptoms indicated by a change in metabolism. Due to the close proximity of the thyroid to the hand placements used in MLD on the neck, there is a risk of promoting an increase of the thyroid hormones into the blood circulation. Contraindications of the abdominal region specifically. Due to the deep pressure applied to the abdomen when performing MLD to access the deeper lymphatic structures, such as the thoracic duct, pelvic and lumbar lymph nodes, lumbar trunks and the cysterna chyli, there are numerous absolute contraindications for MLD. These are as follows: pregnancy, menstruation, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, abdominal aortic aneurysm (even following surgical repair), recent abdominal surgery (within six months), radiation fibrosis, radiation cystitis, radiation colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, intra-abdominal scar formation, pelvic DVT, implanted devices such as

**LMT 1/2 pg 7.125x4.8.125_Layout 1 1/7/24 3:32 PM Page 1

EXPAND YOUR SKILLS with three new classes from the LMT Success Group! LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE TREATMENT OF TMJ MASSAGE CUPPING

lmtsuccessgroup.com/LymphaticSeries

lmtsuccessgroup.com/TMJ

lmtsuccessgroup.com/IntroMassageCupping

Join us as we teach classes throughout the US. Check the web addresses for dates and other details. LMT Success Group 800-201-2247

amtamassage.org/mtj