Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, occur quite frequently and for a variety of different reasons. Due to their unexpected nature, many people are unprepared to handle them when they happen. Massage therapists who understand why they occur will be better prepared to deal with a client who has an unexpected nosebleed in their office.
As a massage therapist and a healthcare practitioner, you should know at least the basic reasons why a nosebleed can occur, aside from direct trauma to the area. Although nosebleeds are much more common during the winter due to the extreme dry air, they can happen at any given time. Knowing the most common reasons why they happen, such as inflammation, irritation, or a side effect of prescribed medications, will also allow you to determine whether a referral to the client’s physician is necessary, as there may be an underlying medical condition that causes the nose to bleed.
If a client gets a nosebleed during a massage session, stay calm and do not panic; it may frighten the client and make the situation worse. Before you do anything, remember to protect yourself and put on gloves, always adhering to universal precautions. Once you get the nosebleed under control, or stopped completely, offer your client some helpful tips to prevent future nosebleeds.
Remember, getting a nosebleed can be traumatic for someone who doesn’t regularly experience them. Remaining calm and being confident in your ability to control the nosebleed will make your client less anxious.
Being a massage therapist is not only about knowing how to perform a massage, it also means being knowledgeable in a variety of medical conditions that may arise in your office.