Chronic headaches

[anica2831]

Its me again Client #2 problem child.There is this couple I give table massage to after they put the kids to bed (luckily by 8:30pm)Ok, a little history.The wife was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was pregnant with their daughter. They were able to take the baby by way of ciseserian (sp) and she had radiation. She has been cancer free for about 7 years now (the little girl starts 1st grade this year) The reason why I mentioned the wife was because that is when the husband's headaches started. The husband has a high stress job -  he deals with the stock market or something.He has chronic headaches around the occipital bone. I will put a lot of pressure on that area and it will relieve but not get rid of. There is also a huge knot on top of the shoulder in the traps. I can press on it and it will move but it won't go away. I have strong hands I give a medium to deep massage with lots of stretching. Is there something else I could do. They have bought packages and he said this one is the last because I am not helping him.  I don't know what else to do.  Suggestions.Oh yeah, they don't sleep very well either. Either one of them.Thanks guys.Trish

 

[word]

Trish,talk about STRESS!  This family has it ---- and the loading of compound stressors is enough of a "perpetuating factor" to work against everything you do for them as a massage therapist.  In other words, it's not you.  How often do you work on this couple? and what are they doing for self-care between sessions?If these were my clients, I'd be having frank discussions with them about that stress loading, and suggesting ways for them to take care of themselves between sessions ---- relaxation techniques, yoga perhaps,  healthy diet and self care, etc.  I'd be asking about what they do for exercise, how often they stretch, what their sleep routine is......I'd also be asking if they've had a checkup lately to rule out any medical problems, especially with the father.  Good luck, and it's not you!  You can be a facilitator in their healing process, but not without their cooperation!  Linda B. in NCPS--- a self help techniques that helps some of my clients with chronic headaches is to lay flat on their mattress with their head very slightly off the edge ---- so that the weight is on that occipital ridge.  If they can stand it for 10-15 minutes, it can be the trick that relaxes that muscle.  It could be homework for STRESSMAN.....  also --- two tennis balls in a tube sock used for compression into that knot in the shoulder could be useful...... if that doesn't ring a memory bell with you, ask and I'll describe it more thoroughly.This guy needs to be doing something on a daily basis to help himself, in addition to your sessions --Take care, Trish!

 

[HTMLfreak]

Chronic headaches

Linda thanks for the reply,The father is a runner and usually runs a couple of miles each nite.He does have a workout bench in the kids playroom where he can work out with weights.The mother does not work (she runs the house and the kids and volunteers etc etc) she plays tennis.The father does not believe in chiropractors. He said he went to one and didn't see the benefit when he can pop his own joints. I know its different that the DC does it in a more controlled manner. But he doesn't get that. And he does pop alot even during session.Linda, do you mean get a tube sock and put a couple of tennis balls in there and tie it off. And then apply pressure to the tennis balls using most of my weight while he is in a sitting position. Is that about right? Do I have the visual right?Thanks again.Trish

 

[Pompal 09.]

Stress is certainly working against this man.  Also sounds like a type A personality, they are usually the hardest to get relaxed (I should know! ).

The father is a runner and usually runs a couple of miles each nite.

As for not sleeping well,  how late at night does he run?  It might be too much activity too late at night and it disrupts his sleep.  Same with the wife, is she getting any down time before bed?I agree with what ymdw2004 has said - they need to be active in their treatments.  Have you tried applying heat to his shoulders before massaging them?  That can help tremendously - also having him use the heat when he wants to (when he is stressed to the max).Good luck!

 

[clueless??]

Michelle,The father runs before I get over there which is around 8:30pm. I do have one of those things to put around their neck for heat it hasn't helped him very much.She does like it because I do apply to her lower back and with 2 kids (2nd one adopted and is about 1 1/2 little boy) she needs it!He does have rice pack or something similar I don't know how often he uses it though.Believe me I'm working him pretty hard my back is covered with sweat when I'm done!  I need a massage when I'm done massaging him. I am just at my wits end on how to help him.

 

[Zoo]

The father runs before I get over there which is around 8:30pm. آ I do have one of those things to put around their neck for heat it hasn't helped him very much.

8:30pm is still pretty late especially if he is all wound up from work. آ That can play a big part in not sleeping well.Sounds to me like this man needs to spend some time de-stressing. آ You could work your butt off (as it sounds like you are) and not get anywhere if:1: not sleeping well2: stressed all day at work3: not supportive of what you are doing4: too stubborn to do anything to help himself.At least he does get the running in which hopefully helps him with stress some.Have you tried going slower and get deeper more gradually? آ Assist his body into slowing down. آ If you are frustrated and working too quickly or hard, his body will sense it and have a harder time relaxing.  Maybe he would benefit more from a massage that would focus on relaxation and then eventually get back to doing the deeper work once his body is responding consistantly.

 

[geeko]

Chronic headaches

Thanks Michelle,I will try that I will try going slower and see if I am able to go even deeper. I will let you know if it works.

 

[Jennifer Rush]

Trish, you might try a table warmer as the winter weather arrives it might be more welcome...But warming the tissues up sometimes helps. Since it's an outcall I'm sure you don't want to haul stuff over there to do a Hot Stone Massage.I'm with my Cyber-twin (Masthera) here on the going slowly. I go pretty slowly myself. It sounds to me like you are putting in a lot of effort for this guy... and it's not having much benefit. So you do  need to change something. Could be too that he's getting used to everyting being the same every time. Try something new? Maybe start with him prone instead of supine, or change the "routine" in some way.I'd recommend getting him to concentrate on his breathing too, and meanwhile working very slowly and as you go slowly you can go deeper.Give him some "home work" to do. Stretches or exercises between visits.Hopefully changing a few things and getting him to concentrate on his breathing will help some!Please let us know how it goes! Maybe we can think of a few more things for you to try!

 

[Dani G]

Chronic headaches

Thank you I will try your recommendations!!I think I can say it this time and not mess up. Thank you Nancy and Michelle!!Also thanks Linda B.!!I will definetely let you guys know how it goes. I will get feedback from him each time and see how it goes. Love you guys.Trish

 

[waia2000]

Sounds like you've gotten lots of good support.  I do love this forum!The tennis ball trick comes from Travell --- the guru of neuromuscular..... and it's homework for the client, not something you do.  I use them so often for clients I have a bag of balls and a pile of socks in the office.  Take a tube sock.  Push one tennis ball as far into the sock as possible.  Tie a knot in the sock as close to the ball as possible.  Put another tennis ball in the sock and tie another knot as close as possible.  The tool should feel pretty tight --- tying the knots is the hardest part!  I have clients bring their balls in periodically so I can tighten the knots.  To use the tool, have the client lie on a hard floor (carpet is ok) and put one tennis ball on one side of the spine, the knot on the spine and the other tennis ball on the other side of the spine.  The compression that occurs in the muscles on either side of the spine uses the client's body weight to create the effect.  This tool can be used in this way the whole length of the spine from occipital ridge to sacrum.  I usually recommend they use the balls twice a day at least for up to 10 minutes.  Another amazingly effective use for this tool is for clients who do a lot of driving.  I have them stick the two tennis balls into the glutes/deep lateral rotators on one hip and use the compression there to ease those muscles.  I have used the two balls on one side of the spine (for example, between the scapula and the spine) to get some deep compression in the erector spinae and or rhomboids or the lower traps, if those are the culprits.  Don't forget the effectiveness of alternating heat and cold.  I never suggest to clients that they just use heat anywhere (oooops --- never is a strong word ----- I guess folks with arthritis might be the exception)  I suggest they start with heat in the mornings to loosen things up, but alternate with ice to get the maximum thermal effect on the soft tissues.  For headaches, a frozen gelpack (or rice bag) on the posterior cervicals can be a wonder!  In the "hot" stone class I took, the instructor did a great job of introducing the use of a cold marble "pillow" stone for the cervical curve for folks with chronic headaches.  This stone is shaped like a big potato with a flat side down to the stable --- not so big that it compresses the cervical spine, just big enough that it makes contact.Clients resist using cold/ice, but with experience can get hooked.Sorry to go on for so long.  The most important thing I'd like to say is to remember that without a client's cooperation we really can't do as much to help.  Letting go of outcome and focusing on intent is my way of dealing with stubborn knots or stubborn clients.  Take good care of yourself in the process!Linda B in NC

 

[Tibiman]

ooooops ----- flat side of the pillow stone down to the TABLE, not stable!  sorry I got carried away.....PS --- the jokes clients making about their "balls" is pretty entertaining!Linda B

 

[big jack]

Chronic headaches

This string is fantastic! The support around here just warms the heart... :-*Trish, something else that might warrant a try. I have had shoulder issues on and off for a while. I went to a NMT who helped immensely by working areas connected to my shoulder; chest, lower trap, neck, rhomboids, subscap etc. on both sides. A rock in the upper trap isn't a phenomenon all by itself. It has "support" from any number of muscles that interact with it. You may already be doing this, but if not, maybe try working the anterior neck and chest gently before working the shoulders, rhomboids and lower traps.I also learned a couple of stretches for the neck and shoulders that has helped me tons. For the first, have the client lie on a flat, rigid surface like the floor (carpeted or not) with their knees bent and slowly/ gently use the abs to pull the belly to the floor while at the same time imagining extending their head up and away from the torso and flattening out the curve in the neck. This counteracting of the natural curves in the spine can be a great way to stretch muscles, and open up the vertebral joints a bit.Second is a door way stretch, great for the pecs. Have the client stand in an open doorway with their arms abducted to a 90 degree angle and bent at the elbow (shoulders perpendicular to torso, forearms perpendicular to upper arms, fingers heading upward toward the top of the door opening). Forearms rest on the door jamb on either side with NO resistance. The stretch involves keeping the back and head straight (as close to the position achieved from the previous floor stretch as possible), taking a small step forward so that there is a gentle stretch to the pecs. Hold about 15 seconds and release. Repeat up to 10 times.You can have them do this with arms at 90 degrees for a few, then lower the elbows so that the forearms are still against the door jamb, but the angle of the upper arms to the torso is lower, affecting a different part of the muscle; then raise the elbows so that the forearms are still against the jamb, but the angle of upper arm to torso is higher, affecting a still different part of the muscle.I have to agree with what others have said; the client has to take an active role in his own health, otherwise it's a losing battle. Stretches are a perfect way to get him involved, especially if you can show him how they help him.

 

[Mustbe]

Have you considered adding some gentle energy work to the mix? Perhaps try just cradling his head in both of your hands while you sit at the top of the table, this would be a great time to get him to pay attention to breath. Simply holding a person's head this way, quietly and gently,  is really wonderful. When you've held is for perhaps 3-5 minutes, start a tiny bit of traction, just lean yourself back very slightly. Hold again, and then very slowly and gently allow his head to come to rest on the table. At this point it's really nice to ground this experience firmly in the body by going to the feet, slide your hands up under the leg so you're holding the leg at about the Achilles tendon, somewhere you can get a firm steady grip. Then lift up slightly, hold, and simply allow your own body to lean back a bit, tractioning the leg that way. Let both legs down gently and you can then cross your hands and hold the ankles again, making an energetic figure 8.Sometimes a client who is already a type A is already doing so much "hard work" to themselves, that it might be more effective for them to have a massage session that is a 180 degree opposite, let it be slow, and gentle, and subtle. It forces them to slow down and shows them a different perspective. Gives them a subtle suggestion that it really is ok to be gentle with themselves.You might also try some BMT with deep swedish type work, the rocking lulls most everyone.If they are open to aromatherapy, vetiver is a divinely grounding scent that usually both sexes like. A tiny bit goes a long way.HTHJill

 

[nicky]

Linda I think I got the picture about the tennis balls in the tube sock I may have to practice tying it and see if I can get it to do just right.And yes, I can imagine the comments ;DJill gentle energy? I have done Reiki but maybe I'm not doing it properly with him.  Also, what is BMT? I've never heard of vetiver who carries it? What do you mix it with?Merlecruz thanks for the advise I will keep stretching the neck muscles and do as you suggested by going real slow so I can get in there deeper. Thanks guys. You are the best.Trish

 

[Foxy Lady Wanna bite ?]

Chronic headaches

Hi, I don't know if this is anything. but my husband wears glasses and his rx. changed just enough that it started giving him horrible headaches in the same place as you are talking about. He didn't realize that the rx had changed, but the eye dr. said it was just enough to start the headaches. Then he got a new rx and has been great ever since. Something else to suggest.

 

[winnefred]

Chronic headaches

Thanks Jenny Nebeker I haven't thought of the obvious. I will ask him about his prescription.

 

[Joyce]

Chronic headaches

Gentle energy work* is simply holding within yourself a gentleness, softness, quietness, and stillness as you work with a client. You will radiate these qualities outward, and it may positively affect your client. But this works all the time and everywhere, if you are the type who feels like you take on the negativity of others, simply do your best to BE RADIANT and you will be the one improving the energy in any space you're in. Vetiver is an essential oil, it's pressed from the roots and has a deep earthy smell, like a forest. It should be available from any health food store, Central market, etc. and it's very inexpensive! You can mix it with an unscented lotion or oil, whatever kind you like.Ahh, BMT's are Body Mobilization Techniques, which is rocking, again a gentle technique that you can use on virtually everyone and have profound results. After all, how do you get your baby to sleep? By rocking her! She, and we all for that matter, remember it from when we were in the womb.Jill*This is just a name I made up for this, should I patent it? I could start out with 18 levels and charge $47.29 per level! lol

 

[love]

Chronic headaches

Thank you. Jill ;D

 

[Very Chucky]

What an absolutely wonderful thread.  So, here's another thought.  Being that he is under so much stress, as much as I don't like meds, if you are at the risk of loosing the client because he feels he's not getting anywhere, I would suggest that along with all of the above, you may want to suggest he see his doctor, to see if they can get him something to help him sleep.  He may not have been sleeping well, every since the wife was diagnosed.  even if she is well now, that is a pretty major stressor and may have really affected him.  Also, it may be that he could benefit from some sort of couselling.  I mention this, because I have never been to a counsellor, but am currently working on one, and have found from her that many people can really benefit from this when they are stressed to the max.Just a few extra thoughts.As for technique, I'd say you have to let him know, that he has had the headaches for yea-many years, and they won't go away quickly.  It will take quite a lot of work, since those muscles like to follow the old patterns.I did have a pretty nice description of some of the neck work that I do, listed under "massage pearls" before the technique section disappeared on us.  I'd suggest looking at that if we get this whole section back again.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Chronic headaches

Thanks Texas-gal!! Everyone has been giving me some great ideas!I look forward to the board recovering some of the old stuff like massage pearls. I think your right it would be helpful to read once it is available.Thanks again.Trish