Carpal Tunnel/pregnancy and Reflexology??

[aqupuser]

Hi all
Not been on here for a while!!

Happy New Year!

I have a client who has carpal tunnel syndrome and is 39 weeks pregnant. I have had this before but just very mildly fortunately but my client is awake at night not only with the baby bump being uncomfortable but also pain in her wrist(s). Any suggestions? Has anyone worked with carpal tunnel before whilst someone is pregnant?

I assume working for relaxation initially is key, but also maybe work the nervous system - along with the elbow and spine area to aid nerve supply??

I am a little stuck....not alot I can do really as she is 39 weeks and do not want to press anything that I shouldn't. Not until I do this maternity reflexolgoy course on 26th anyhow!!

Thanks
TJ xx

 

[escapenletgo]

Hi TJ
I have had some experience of carpal tunnel syndrome, and have found that quite often the problem lies in the shoulder area and not the actual wrist. So, it might be worth working the shoulder and neck reflexes along with the spine. Good luck and hope all goes well for mum and baby.
xx

 

[Paz]

I use a hand reflexology method of holding the wrist (palm up) with fingers under the wrist and thumbs on top. Slide your thumbs from the edges to meet in the middle gently opening the carpal tunnel to take pressure off the nerve. Do this several times and train someone to apply this method to your expectant mum a few times a day as this is a temporary measure.
In pregnancy this is a fluid retension problem so working the shoulder (as you would with RSI) may not help. If you do the maternity course with Suzanne Enzer she will show you lymphatic drainage techniques. Meanwhile, with the lightest of touch, stroke the lymph away from the wrists up the arms to disperse the lymph.
Incidentally, Dr. Gowri Motha, reflexologist and gynacologist, feels there are no contra-indications for reflexology and preganancy except undiagnosed bleeding. I have been giving light foot reflexology treatments with lots of lymphatic drainage to early pregnant Mums for years with no adverse effects as part of her "gentle birth" programme.
Hope this helps - reflexology is just brilliant!
Cozytoes

 

[Mr. Popo]

TJG - don't worry about pressing anything you shouldn't. At this stage in her pregnancy you can work on all her endocrine points and particularly harder on her uterus and pituitary.