Dystonia

[Lady in Red...]

I had a client tonight that was Dx with Dystonia about 2 years ago. She wants to get away from the TP injections and pain relievers so she wants to try massage. This was definitely a first for me, I studied about Dystonia in pathology and I just remember that we shouldn't do any tapotement. Any time I came near any TP's or any tight areas it kicked in making it very painful for her and very difficult for me to massage her. Has anyone worked with Dystonia patients before? She felt relief post session but I was a little stumped with how to not set her off into spasm.

 

[Scott S]

Dystonia

I've worked with two clients over the years with focal dystonia-aka spasmodic torticolis. I still see one of them weekly. She has rec'd Botox injections and has had minimal relief. I find her SCM to be very hard and unyieding. Her head is turned to the right and shakes slightly. She is taking other medications and being treated by a Parkinson's doc.
I've not had any side effects reviewed so I don't know if this is helpful. She seems to have adjusted to it and it really doesn't interfere with her life.
Good luck,
rubmyster

 

[msjinx39]

Thanks... When I looked it up most of the cases were a torticolis. It is her whole right side, mainly her trap and affects mostly her shoulder. She couldn't even tolerate me working on her uppper back at all.