Whether or not they know it, a large percentage of Americans have calcium deposits in their bodies. While calcium deposits do not pose a severe health threat, massage therapists should use caution when presented with these bumps, as they may be indicative of other serious health concerns. Proceeding with massage only after your client’s physician has diagnosed them with calcium deposits is the best course of action.
The development of calcium deposits is called calcinosis, and can occur in one of four different types. The most common form is called dystrophic calcinosis, occurring when tissue damage is present in someone with normal levels of calcium and phosphate in their body. Autoimmune disorders and other diseases can cause tissue damage that leads to calcium deposition. Alternately, a person who has high amounts of calcium and/or phosphate can develop metastatic calcinosis, which can be indicative of kidney failure.
Being beyond the scope of practice for a massage therapist to diagnose someone with calcium deposits, it is important that your client see their physician immediately, as these bumps may actually be a much more serious condition. Once you know your client has a calcium deposit, it is typically OK to proceed with massage, as this type of stimulation will not cause any harm.
Calcium deposits may actually help a massage therapist determine which area of the body to focus on during a session. Since these deposits are commonly found near joints, it is likely that your client may be experiencing some joint pain. The more you know about this condition, the more you can enhance your massage session, and provide your client with the most beneficial therapy possible.
Learn more about calcium deposits so that you can be prepared for a client who has them.