How to Prevent Pressure Ulcers With Massage
A pressure ulcer is a skin wound that develops as a result of reduced blood circulation in the tissues. When pressure is placed on tissues from lack of movement, or weight placed on a bony prominence, reddened areas develop as skin breakdown begins. Various precautions can be taken to prevent pressure ulcers, including exercises, turning and positioning of immobile persons and proper skin care and hygiene. Massage is another method of pressure ulcer prevention. The issue of massage is debated among medical professionals because if the pressure ulcer formation has begun, the application of massage to the area can do further damage to the integrity of the skin. When seeking to prevent pressure ulcers with massage, it is important to follow these steps.
Instructions
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Instructions
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Inspect the skin closely, looking for areas of redness, irritation and warmth, Pay special attention to heels, elbows, spine, tailbone, and other bony areas where pressure ulcers are likely to develop. If any signs of skin breakdown are noted, do not proceed with direct massage on that area. Instead massage around area in question, to prevent further breakdown.
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Apply a light massage oil, or non alcohol-based lotion to the area of skin to be massaged, or apply directly to hands before beginning. Reapply as needed throughout massage to prevent friction from occurring.
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3
Lightly stimulate the skin using a series of gliding and stroking motions, paying attention to body contours. Use low friction as you massage the skin in long strokes.
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Apply increased pressure using hands to stimulate circulation below the skin, in the subcutaneous layer of body tissues where pressure ulcers begin to develop. Take care to avoid any tugging or rippling of the skin. Alternate your rhythm between fast and slow massage for the greatest circulation benefit.
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Continue to massage the surface of the skin, using long continuous strokes, with one hand following the other. You may alternate this hand placement by making a "V" formation with thumbs beside each other, as you massage.
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Perform light, localized massage at various times during the day, with longer sessions in morning and evening, to enhance skin circulation.
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Tips & Warnings
Become familiar with additional methods for preventing pressure ulcers, and incorporate those into your health management. Do not rely upon massage alone to prevent pressure ulcers.
If signs and symptoms of a pressure ulcer are discovered, seek medical consultation to prevent further breakdown and ulcer progression. Do not massage any area that shows evidence of a possible pressure ulcer.
