massage and spondylosis

[Tauro]

Hi, i have a prospective client and she has cervical spondylosis, looking back through the other threads i see that jd holistic is the only other therapist that has posted about this condition,is there any thing that any of you would avoid if this client came to you,she is seeing an osteopath and has been advised to have massage, as with all continued pain, its wearing her down.your thoughts would be helpful,as i haven't had a client with this before.many thanks Rayne.x

 

[creermelems]

Hi Rayne

Your job in this is to stretch out and relax the muscles in the neck, shoulder and back, this will effectively remove a lot of the tension on the affected vertebrae, if you can time you treatments to be earlier on the same day they see the osteopath then it will help them to achieve their manipulation

 

[*Melcy* <3]

I'd suggest that if she's been specifically advice to see you by an osteopath, then consult with teh osteopath as to what he/she feels your best input would be in this case. As a rule of thumb, I'd agree with Paul Crick, or more specifically when recommend massage to arthritic patients, I recommend it alongside core muscle strengthening (eg pilates), and so would recommend the massage be conducted shortly before exercise.

 

[Coach S]

Just another point when working with spondylosis or spondylitis because the spine is traumatised, vertebrae compressed/fused/degenerating, nerves compressed and so on some clients can be suseptable to discs slipping if under direct pressure and if movements are too deep it can be very painful and possibly dangerous to the client. Take care with the erector spinae especially with clients who have history of slipped discs, I stay away from this muscle and work the lateral muscles.
Spondylosis is in my family and I know how painful this condition can be, the nervous system can be in a real state and neuralgia may be quite a problem. I use nervine/antispasmodics/sedative essential oils to help calm this. Along side the remedial type work good honest relaxation treatments really help this condition too.
I have a client coming for massage who has spondylitis. I have asked him to seek GP advice before his first appointment because it can be quite an unstable condition.
Hope this is the sort of response you were looking for, my apologies if not (new to forums so a little unsure if i'm being a little to obvious in my answer)XXX