massage after IM injection?

We are being taught not to massage. The rationale is that massage may cause minor tissue damage and would be of particular concern with any anticoagulant injection.

I find nothing wrong with massage unless contraindicated for the type of medication you are injecting.
I usually massage the kids' legs after I give them their vaccine. Not hard or vigorous, just a gentle run for a few seconds. I do the same with other IM injections I give.
As for the needle thing, I use safety needles 99% of the time so its not that big of a concern. Even if I dont, it doesnt take that long, i usually give the injection, stick the band ade on, give it a little rub then turn around and put my sharp into the sharps container.

I have massaged the arm after giving Anthrax, but that is per instructions. Otherwise, I had not.

I dont think its something you have to do, just a bit of a comfort measure for some patients. I have some that request that I do it.
Anthrax huh? Never gave that one... is it painful?

I thought we weren't supposed to massage after IM injections? I received an IM immunization recently and the MA started rubbing my deltoid. When she started rubbing vigorously my head about spun around, I was so surprised.

i dont know of any reason to rub vigourasly... and i dont know if that had anything to do with your head spinning either.
as far as i know it is not contraindicated except with certain meds.

smanion,

I meant I was so surprised at the vigorous rubbing, my head spun around to see what the MA was doing.

well i wouldnt rub vigorously like that! haha

Extremely. I work as a vaccination nurse per diem for the US Army, and we administer some of those 'exotic' shots like Anthrax, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Smallpox, etc... I have seen people's veins and arms swell immediately after administration. Is a common side effect, amongest others.