Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis - anyone???

[koala4poly]

I worked with a girl today who had this disease. She told me after the session and despite 15 or so sessions in the past with other therapists never mentioned it.

I can only say from the one session that she has trigger points in just about every area on the map. I suspected she had fibromyagia or some muscular disorder and then she told me she had a rare condition - Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis. She said it is rare and I told her that I will do some research and find out what I can and how it can relate to bodywork for our next session. I am having some trouble finding info. Anyone come across this before?

 

[MUFFINATOR.]

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis - anyone???

Here's a good summary:

https://health.google.com/health/ref/Hyperkalemic+periodic+paralysis

In short, nothing you do with massage is likely to affect it one way or another. She should be getting regular medical treatment and you can do massage normally. Aside from that, be somewhat familiar with the symptoms of an attack and have a plan in place (discuss it with your client) in case she ever has an attack while there for a massage. Find out about her past history of attacks (triggers, frequency, controlled or not, onset fast or slow, any advance warning she can give, what parts of her body usually manifest signs/symptoms first, most recent attacks, etc.). Make good notes and make certain they are a part of her permanent record in a way that any future MTs there will be able to see them every time she is scheduled. Talk to your employer about it, too, so they can be a part of the solution should she have another attack.

Hope that helps!
Jason

 

[Debbie]

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis - anyone???

Thanks, Jason. I started to come to a similar conclusion. I think massage may be palliative in that stress can be a trigger...but that's about it. She has come to my business for 6 months or so and seems to get 1-2 sessions a month. She has also never mentioned it to any. An email from a lady who works for an organization for HYPP said that deep tissue should be avoided because the sufferer's tissue is "somewhat fragile". She likes deeper work, but given her body type I did firm swedish work with trigger point focus.

 

[Ericho]

Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis - anyone???

If anyone has worked on someone with this issue, please feel free to offer your experiences!