Referred for massage for BPH?!

[Riddle]

I received an unusual call recently. It was a male caller asking if I would consider "medical massage for treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)"

The caller claimed that he was referred for massage by his PhD. He spoke about the "personal nature"of the site specific massage that he percieved his PhD to be suggesting. I clarified that there would have to be appropriate draping and I would consider discussing the benefits that massage might avail if HE WERE TO BRING ME A DOCTOR'S REFERRAL citing specific details of his condition, diagnosis, areas that the PhD expected a massage therapist to treat and areas that were CI'd etc.

I explained that the PhD likely intended massage treatment generally for all the benefits it can bring and that the PhD likely intended that the BPH diagnosis was a local CI. Could he please clarify this with his PhD and provide me with a written referral.

Far be it from me to discount a potential PhD referral or to refuse this person based on an assumption; however, I highly doubt that I will ever hear from him again.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Vicki, in Wisconsin

 

[Aisha]

Referred for massage for BPH?!

There is nothing massage can do for that condition, you can read about it in more detail here:

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/prostateenlargement/#dos

Although I do like to give the benefit of the doubt in most cases, it is extremely unlikely that any physician would suggest massage for an enlarged prostrate gland. It's likely just another male looking for sexual massage.

 

[Kent]

Referred for massage for BPH?!

You handled it in a good way! I doubt that you hear from him again, too.

 

[Mahal]

Referred for massage for BPH?!

I know a MT who did this work on a patient referred by his MD. The MD taught her what to do and she saw that patient for several months.

That said, there are other noninvasive and less cringe-inducing methods for addressing HBP. These include AIS for the internal rotators. It is reasonably simple to teach a client the self-stretching methods so they can improve more quickly with fewer visits for assisted work.

 

[VeggieCandleLady]

Referred for massage for BPH?!

I handled the inquiry in the most appropriate manner possible. A co-worker overheard my end of the conversation and had no idea of there was potential that it was a bogus call with covert intention.

I actually hope that I was able to open the opportunity for appropriate treatment for this individual - Jason, thank you for your insight.

 

[Persephone]

Referred for massage for BPH?!

"Prostate Massage" is a term some prostitutes use and is a code word that many "pervs" use to either get sexual services...
or for the ones that like harrassing innocent MT's on the phone.
If it's "medical" then he should be calling a proctologists office.

 

[Xahnus]

Referred for massage for BPH?!

I heard from another MT in WI last night who got a call asking for the same thing. I don't know where you are in WI, but I think it's a good chance the same guy is still fishing!

 

[Bloke501]

Referred for massage for BPH?!

The guy may well have been fishing, but here's what I found on one site:

from altmd.com

Bodywork techniques can also be helpful in treating BPH. Whole body massage is often recommended, as is inguinal massage, which involves massage of the groin area. Certain types of weight lifting exercises can also be helpful. A naturopathic practitioner is able to recommend the type and frequency of such exercises for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Reflexology may also be helpful, especially if performed with an essential oil, such as white flower balm (a combination of camphor, eucalyptus, lavender, menthol, peppermint, and wintergreen).

Also I believe that Mayan Uterine Massage techniques (aka Arvigo Technique) also have some methods for treating this sort of condition.

Personally I'd have told the individual that the condition he was describing was beyond my scope of practice & suggest he check with his doctor for a practitioner
that might be able to address his problem.