Common Cold and Causes
Common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Common cold is caused by any one of about 200 viruses. Rhinoviruses cause about half of common colds. Other viruses that can cause colds include respiratory syncytial virus, human parainfluenza viruses, adenovirus, coronaviruses, and human metapneumovirus.
The viruses enter the nose. The cilia in the mucous membrane carried viruses to the back of the throat, and access to the cells in the lymphoid tissue of the adenoids. A virus infiltrates that cell and takes over its processes and the cell bursts with new viruses.
Symptoms of Common Cold
Symptoms usually include: runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, headaches, body aches
Most people recover in about 7-10 days. However, people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or respiratory conditions may develop serious illness, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, so it is recommended for those people to be very cautious and careful with common cold.
Treatment and Medication of Common Cold
There is no cure for common colds, which are viral infections. So antibiotics are useless. Over-the-counter drugs may relieve some of the symptoms.
Usual medications include: NSAIDs for fever and pain, cough suppressant, decongestants, Zinc lozenges.
Protect People & Safe Work Environment Practices
Because too many different viruses could cause common cold, so there is no affective single vaccine against common cold that may be developed to prevent it. We need to use other approaches to prevent common cold and protect people.
It’s very likely that massage therapists will get some clients with common cold that may be contagious and spread easily. So, to make sure that massage is not a venue to spread diseases, it is highly recommended that massage therapists have following good safe work environment practices:
- Wash hands: Wash hands often, and with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; Use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
- Wear a face covering
- Cover coughs and sneezes, and try go out and go far away from clients and colleagues before coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect at work frequently. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks, etc.
Massage Therapy for Clients with Common Cold?
Rigorous massage is not recommended for clients with common cold, because it may make things worse.
Gentle massage therapy may be good for clients to calm their nervous system down, relieve stress, reduce anxiety and relax, which is good for the clients’ wellness and helps their bodies’ self-healing abilities. It may be soothing and effective to promote good sleep at any stage of cold.
Massage therapist’s visiting client may be better than client’s visiting massage therapist.
Suitable Massage Positions
Clients with common cold may find it difficult for them to face down (prone position) because of the sinus problems. Sometimes it may also be difficult for some clients to even face up (supine position).
So, we may consider following three positions:
- Side-lying position
- Sitting in massage chair
- Sitting in an arm chair
Massage Techniques to Consider
Effleurage and petrissage strokes to calm the nervous system down, relieve stress, reduce anxiety and relax.
Cupping, Point hacking, ulnar hacking, and vibration massage techniques performed on the back, sides (around the rib care), and upper chest can encourage movement of phlegm and fluids, and increase airway clearance for better function.
Resources
[1] Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology, Elaine N. Marieb and Suzanne M. Keller
[2] A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, Ruth Werner
[3] Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others
https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html
[4] Medline Plus: Common Cold
https://medlineplus.gov/commoncold.html
[5] WebMD: Understanding the Common Cold — the Basics
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/understanding-common-cold-basics
