HELP -calling all experienced massage therapists

[The Dork Next Door.]

Hi I am desperately looking for advice or suggestions

I have a client with back, neck and shoulder problems. Initially I treated her with Reiki for over a year while she waited for an operation on cervical spine. Was given the ok by her neurologist following operation to administer massage to relieve muscle spasms and pain. I began with very gentle aromatherapy massage and progressed gradually onto using deeper pressures over time. I am concerned that my clients recovery is really slow and after initial good responses to massage she is now experiencing flare ups. I have suggested to her that I refer her on to a remedial massage therapist but she is adamant that she does not wish to do this. She has visited her gp this week and been prescribed diazepam to help with pain and has an appointment booked for next month with an acupuncturist

Does anyone have any suggestions that may help me PLEASE![sm=banghead.gif][sm=banghead.gif][sm=banghead.gif]

 

[BotNieuauu]

Hi Pinkangel

The diazepam is to stop muscular contraction which should help although it leaves the taker feeling drowsy and lethargic.

What do you find when massaging near the spine, what are the symptoms and have you managed to break down the scar tissue that is assuming it has been long enough for it to fully heal so you do not tare it open?

 

[Blue Turtle]

Hi there,

Hmm, frustrating one this as you have suggested probably the best form of treatment for her and she doesn't want to take it. There is the old saying that you can lead a horse to water but you can force it to drink...

Everybody is different and some take longer to recover than others. Is she still continuing the aromatherapy massage or does the diazepan prevent this? (sorry, not an aromatherapist myself so not sure whether that medication is compatible with certain oils) At least that will ease the spasms and help to soften the tissues.

Also, what about reflexology??

Sorry not to be much help - will give it more thought!

xx

 

[getty]

I have a few clients, two particularly spring to mind, one with a frozen shoulder and one with a whiplash injury (the injury was eight weeks old when she first came to see me).

I always make it clear that I don't 'treat' injuries as such and usually recommend that they see an osteopath initially. Both of these clients have seen chiropractors, osteopaths and physios and sometimes find their treatments a little brutal and quite short also, although they are able to carry out diagnostics which I cannot do.

These two particular clients have told me that my treatments, which are not at all 'remedial' and quite holistic, have given them far more benefit than the other therapies have.

As long as you are honest about the limitations of your treatment and point the client in the right direction towards other help should they wish it, you are doing all you can as a therapist.

Lesley

 

[HeteClucturse]

Thanks to you all for your feedback.
Paul- symptoms are complicated, tightness down left side and pain and spasm down right side also pain going up into neck. I now realise that I can only help to ease this and have advised client of my limitations once more and left it up to her.
Bouncy Tigger- yes am continuing with aromatherapy and combination of oils and massage is definitely easing and softening the area. have to admit didnt think to offer reflexology. Will suggest at next appointment, see what she says.
Aromababe your words really resonated with me and I hear what you are saying. I was trying to be superwoman, silly me!

Love and Light to you all[sm=grouphug.gif]