If a client's lower leg has several bluish, thick, distended areas on the skin, what should the practitioner do?

When encountering several bluish, thick, distended areas on a client's lower leg, which may indicate conditions such as edema, varicosities, or potential vascular concerns, working proximally is the most advisable action. This approach helps to stimulate proper circulation and lymphatic drainage without directly aggravating the affected areas. It allows the practitioner to support the body’s natural processes for reducing swelling and improving blood flow without directly manipulating potentially sensitive or compromised areas.

Engaging in proximal work can create a beneficial effect on the entire limb, promoting better overall circulation while avoiding the risks associated with directly applying pressure to swollen or damaged tissues. This technique respects the client's condition and prioritizes their safety by not exacerbating existing swelling or discomfort.

Other choices, such as applying ice immediately or recommending rest and elevation, may also be beneficial depending on the situation, but they do not address the therapeutic aspect of massage in the same way that proximal work does. Directly working on affected areas could worsen an already delicate situation, and while rest and elevation are good recommendations, they are more about management than treatment through massage therapy.