Friend with HIV (or AIDS)

[Pebbledash]

I've a friend who'd love to come for a massage with me, but he's got HIV or AIDS - am not sure which one. The problem is he doesn't know that I know...

He is very very fit person and doesn't talk about his "issue" to anybody. I heard this from his and mine very good friend and am not supposed to know about it... He's been going to gym and had a massages there on regular basis of every 2 weeks - deep tissue/sports massage... Not sure if he mentioned them about it though...

I love to incorporate deep tissue maybe hot stones too, but not sure if I should ask him to fill in my usual questionnaire (as he's friend and very private person)! I know from a pure professional side I HAVE to do this, but don't want him & me to feel "weird" about this... Not sure how to go around this kind of thing...... and besides questionnaire - Should I ask him for a GP approval???

I was taught that deep tissue wasn't supposed to be applied to these kind of clients - but he had this "issue" and massages done for years and seems there's no problem for him...

If you've got any experience with this I love to hear about it and also any suggestions are very much appreciated!!!

Thank you!!!

 

[Neko]

I have treated HIV clients over the years. One of them didn't say he had HIV until AIDS set in (HIV can hang around for many years), and then I treated him until he died. He loved the treatments (basic massage), and for the final few months, it was a privilege to be allowed to work with him (at this point, I only used gentle effleurage) - his family and freinds were with him alot of the time, and it was a lovely environment to work in.

If you are in the least bit doubtful about treating him, then don't. But, I really would encourage you to do a bit of research about both HIV and AIDS and how it affects the individual.

 

[beauty]

If he is going to be a client then he needs to fill in a questionaire. You are a professional and therefore would not discuss this with anyone, but on a professional level. If he trusts you there shouldn't be a problem.

Cannot help with regards to the massage as I have never treated someone in this condition. However, everyone is different and therefore not one massage is the same and we have to adjust our treatments accordingly i.e. you wouldn't apply the same amount of pressure on an elderly client as you would a young stressed out client.

Are there any clinics in the area that could help with your queries?

Liz

 

[Erica Ewen]

I had a case study during my aromatherapy course - not someone I knew well - who told me upfront that he was HIV-positive. No problem at all (and it gave me something to think about and write about when it came to selecting appropriate oils for each of his four treatments, so everyone was happy!).

 

[WhatFunHeresLisa]

thank you all for your replies.

I do not have a slightest problem treating him - I've done this before - just on his back at a friend's house.

Guess I was just mumbling and didn't really put the question right
Do I need him to get me approval from GP ???

Thank you guys
xxx

 

[emzoid44]

It may be quicker and easier to ask him to get permission from his GP. You could write to the GP, but I'm not sure you would get a reply.

 

[Cataragles]

As discussed elsewhere, my training course - like most other people's - gave us a ridiculously long list of contraindications. But I don't remember HIV-positive clients being on the list. The chances are that if your friend IS HIV-positive, he will know more about it than his GP...

 

[LouAlbuiio]

You do not need to get approval from his GP. You can give him whatever massage he prefers if he wants a deeper massage then there is no problem with that.

Treat him as you would treat any other client and yes you should go ahead and do a questionnaire, I have seen clients over the years who were positive.

It is a good idea to get in some research prior to treatment - some very common problems include muscle and joint problems, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, digestive problems. Also side effects of medication, such as vivid nightmares, nausea and lipodystrophy.

Just to clarify something AIDS is defined when certain medical conditions occur such as PCP (a type of pneumonia), candidiasis. Of course some of these conditions occur with HIV- patients.

Current medication is very successful - a cocktail of drugs is usually prescribed and only then if the CD4 (Tcells) count is below a certain level.

Binah
x

 

[You Look So Fine]

Thank you so much for your replies - again

And Binah - Thank you!!! Your answer helped greatly - that's exactly what I wanted to hear! Was worried about his reaction if I'd ask him about GP permission... You're right I need to do some research - didn't even think about the different problems that might be connecting to this...

I always try to find out as much as I can about my client's issues and still - need to be reminded of that time to time... There's always so much more to learn!!!

Thanks again!!!
love&lightxxx