Elderly client with oedema in feet

[Fu2]

Hi has anyone got any advice for me in treating an 80 year old woman who has developed oedema in her feet and ankles in the past few months. I know that it is contraindicated for massage, but I gave her a very gentle aromatherapy massage of her back first and then on her feet. As I say it was very gentle and she really loved it. I had her permission and her family's also. They said that the Dr. has said it is most probably related to circulation problems, which I had reckoned myself. Immediately after the massage there was a noticable reduction in the swelling and the lady herself said that her feet felt so much better. Followed up a few days later with her grand daughter and she said that her Gran felt really very well that day and the next and even felt able to walk without her stick for a little while

Anyway really looking for some reassurance and advice if any of you have it ....first do no harm and all that.

Thanks
Aroma Amethyst

 

[Lisa Drew]

Sounds like you done well. Oedema is usually from circulation problems so I see no problem with the gentle massage as I think it would have helped her circulation and you confirmed.

Did you also do her ankles, I would say that and even a bit further up the leg as it will probably help the lymphatics and thus help with her water retention. I don't think you are doing any harm and her grand daughter confirmed that! How nice that she felt she could even walk without her stick - what more proof do you want?

 

[Pompal 09.]

Sometimes the ones you think you can't help are the ones you help the most. Sounds like you're doing a great job, keep up the good work!

 

[Super_Yiro]

I have a suggestion which may help even further.
Last weekend I was on a course and we covered oedema in lower legs/feet. They said if you start working a little way up the thigh, then up the lower leg, then the ankle and feet it helps to pump the fluid away, so rather than start at the feet, begin nearer the top. This means that you clear the pathway for the fluid to travel, rather than it having nowhere to go.
Did that all sound a little muddled. Let me know if I need to clarify it - having brain-ache this afternoon!
Lesley

 

[*sigh*]

Lesley, that sounded a bit confusing for a moment but then the penny dropped and it makes sense - loads of sense, just never thought about it that way! Suppose the main thing to do is to keep working upwards. Real good one to remember, thanks for that!

 

[Eleanor]

Thanks to you all, good advice as always. Yes it makes sense to work up the leg, I did work up to the knee, will try higher up the next time and see how it goes. As I said it was a very gentle massage and I was afraid to do any passive moves on the ankle but I will see how it goes. I am doing an aroma foot reflex massage course next weekend so I told the client to wait until after that for next appointment as I might pick up a few new tricks. Will give an update when I have one.
Thanks for the replies
Aroma Amethyst