Cervical Plate and STR for Scalenes?

[Girl of the Wolves]

I have a new client who has a plate stabilizing her cervical vertebrae. Her scalenes are very tight. Would STR help...any other ideas other than manual stripping of muscles. She states that it feels like water is running down her neck...could this be pinched nerve? Any technique ideas would be VERY much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Schwarma]

Cervical plate and STR for scalenes

BJ,
I worked in a PT clinic years ago. There was a patient who had several cerical fusions with hardward. I took an STR class and was excited to try this new technique. I asked the head PT about and he said ABSOLUTELY NOT. The rotation and stripping would injure this gentleman. So, I worked other ways and he did benefit.
You may have to treat the scalenes without any movements as the pin and stretch is difficult with the hardware stabalizing the cervical spine.
You may want to investigate some upper limb neural tension tests to see where the nerve is being trapped.
Whitney Lowe has some great info in his new book and OM classes.
Cheers,
Rubmyster

 

[Carly]

Thanks Rubmyster...I saw client again on Friday but did not do any STR as I was unsure. I worked the scalenes well and levators with manual stripping and got a bit of release. Will check into the info you recommended. Thanks so much, it is so great to be able to get help from the therapists who have more experience....ALWAYS appreciated.
Peace.

 

[satty jr]

Whitney Lowe has some great info in his new book and OM classes.

I haven't read the book or ever looked at any of their videos, but just to help everyone out with the links:


The New Book is called Orthopedic Assessment in Massage Therapy

You can order from the web site or call 888-340-1614.

They also have a preview, so you can take a look-see inside.


Here's what the site says about the book:

Orthopedic Assessment in Massage Therapy is the most comprehensive book on orthopedic assessment skills written specifically for massage therapists.

"This text makes a significant contribution to the integration of massage therapy into medical and athletic settings. It fills a big gap in foundational knowledge and is a valuable tool for massage therapists, both in massage school and in continuing education"..... Judith Delany



Many of you have greatly enjoyed my earlier book Functional Assessment in Massage Therapy, and this one takes orthopedic assessment concepts for the massage therapist to a whole new level! Here are some of the major changes for the new text :


Many new conditions and special orthopedic tests covered
Far more detailed information about all the pathological conditions covered
Over 400 new photographs and anatomical images
Outstanding anatomical graphics from MediClip and Primal Pictures
Additional explanation about the biomechanical function of each test so you can better understand them
Each condition follows the HOPRS format so when the condition is described you also have detailed information listed about:
H: What the client will say in the history
O: What you will see in observation
P: Any unique characteristics evident with palpation
R: Results from active movement, passive movement or manual resistive tests
S: Any special orthopedic tests used to identify the condition
A new section under each condition called “Differential Evaluation” that describes other conditions that would have similar symptoms that should also be considered.