Blurred vision

[Jesse T]

I have been seeing a client for 3 weeks who presented with major tightness in Scalenes, SCM, Upper & Mid Traps, and Serratus Ant. and Post. Every session she gets dizzy while lying supine on the table and after the massage her vision is blurry for about 30 min. ?

 

[Kellie N]

I would be a bit concerned, actually, and send the client on to see the doctor. If the doctor found nothing, then a chiropractor might locate vertebral misalignment. If both those check out fine, then I'd be comfortable working the scalenes, etc. again. It could be a silent migraine that causes the blurred vision.

How do you work the scalenes? Possibly just backing off, working lighter and being willing to take several sessions to get to the deeper levels would alleviate some of the symptoms. Gentle stretching techniques could help soften the muscles so that you can make a bit more progress with each massage session. Too much too fast can cause rebound headaches and many other symptoms.

 

[Summers J]

I would be a bit concerned, actually, and send the client on to see the doctor. If the doctor found nothing, then a chiropractor might locate vertebral misalignment. If both those check out fine, then I'd be comfortable working the scalenes, etc. again. It could be a silent migraine that causes the blurred vision.

How do you work the scalenes? Possibly just backing off, working lighter and being willing to take several sessions to get to the deeper levels would alleviate some of the symptoms. Gentle stretching techniques could help soften the muscles so that you can make a bit more progress with each massage session. Too much too fast can cause rebound headaches and many other symptoms.

I do stretching for the scalenes and SCM and run down (not going in deep) with my thumb from the upper attchment to the lower one. I will have them pull their shoulder up as I hold my thumb in the clavicular attchmnts. When she came to me, she had been 'working' the SCM herself. She had bought books and was pulling the SCM away and using pincer palpation. I've not been doing this a long time, but they felt 'overworked' to me. Mushy. So the first time, I only did stretches and asked her to leave them alone and let's see how they are the next session. They were less mushy the 2nd time I worked on her but I am still avoiding any deep work with them after her 3rd session, though they have better 'tone' now.

 

[2nd In Command to Chris]

An update...

When I recommended that my client should consider seeing a doctor for her blurred vision after the massage, she was very adamant that the only reason her vision is blurred is because she trusts me and totally 'lets go' during the massage and it takes her a little while to 'come back down'.

Thoughts?

 

[HannahTheSwearBear]

When I recommended that my client should consider seeing a doctor for her blurred vision after the massage, she was very adamant that the only reason her vision is blurred is because she trusts me and totally 'lets go' during the massage and it takes her a little while to 'come back down'....Thoughts?

In the end, it's up to your client whether or not she sees a physician. I would make a note in her chart that you made the recommendation, and leave it at that.

I have a client who's mentally ill, and the mind-body connection she demonstrates blows my mind. I've seen her unconsciously bring on an asthma attack with negative conversation. If I steer her conversation in a positive direction, she immediately starts to breathe more easily. This same client sometimes has blurred vision after her massages. She's a challenge to treat, because I believe the majority of her physical conditions are manifestations of her mind. However, she values the massage, mostly I think for the nurturing care. I just do my best work & release my own attachment to the outcome. The results change every time, based largely on her mental state & her own expectations regarding treatment outcome.

I only mention this because it sounds like your client expects blurry vision as proof of "letting go". Therefore, it's quite possible she creates that result.

 

[Me =]]

It sounds like Bliss is right on it. Definitely chart that you suggested she go to the doctor, but then don't worry about it. Blurred vision is not a contraindication to massage, and it really does sound like she is "going for" that as a result.

 

[Noe H]

Thanks Bliss... I feel that she will be a challenge for me as well as she knows the terms and TP's and keeps me on my toes. At the same time, she is a lonely widow in need of someone to talk to and I am pretty sure I will become an outlet. I don't mind that. Naturally, after I massaged her this time, she was quick to tell me, her eyes were fine because she knew I was uncomfortable about it. As you said, she'll be a 'take it one session at a time' kind of client.

Thanks, Sharon... and I have charted it thoroughly.