Need input: Client w/ Degenerative disc disease

[Sleepy]

I need some input on how to help a new client with this issue as I have never dealt with it before. I haven't seen her yet, so at this point I don't know too much. I am looking for some feedback on specific techniques that may be helpful, and also things to avoid. Below are some excerpts from an email she sent me about her condition.


"I have a condition called degenerative disc disease. It isn't
anything major, but it leads to alot of back pain, constantly. I
have to work to keep the muscles in my upper back strong or I face
more surgeries. Rods in my lower back are enough. i don't want more.

The other issue that doesn't help is I have had 5 abdominal
surgeries. So the muscles in my stomach are toast. Which leaves my
back to carry everything.

Now add the high stress job I have...

I'm a bundle of muscle spasms. I am dependent on muscle
relaxers to be able to get the muscles to chill and be able to
sleep. I hate this and want to get my body back!"


Additional info I know about her: She is in her early-mid 30's and has had one child.

I'd really like to help her, but I'm a recent grad and this situation seems a bit overwhelming for lack of a better word. I also practice shiatsu, so I am wondering which modality would be the best option for her to start (massage or shiatsu).

I know this isn't a ton of info, and I'd need to do a in depth intake before proceeding. I'd really appreciate any feedback anyone here may have on this condition. I will be consulting my pathology book as well.

Thanks!

 

[Ons Lacai]

Dear Gessika,

One of my dear ladies has degenerative disks in her neck and in her lower back. The best I can do for her is to make her musculature as relaxed and "unspasmy" as she puts it. I work with her gently when she says it's too painful to breath, and with a modest amount of pressure on the days she can tolerate "deeper" work. My treatment for this lady includes orthobionomy to release muscles more quickly than straight massage. Then there is craniosacral pelvic diaphragm release to assist the pelvic diaphragm muscles and those attaching to the hips and sacrum in releasing so her body and spirit aren't as traumatized as they have been in the past [by others] by swedish work. My lady has problems with iliopsoas being very tight, so we do a strain/counterstrain release for them - when she feels able to tolerate doing that work.

My advice is to work to her tolerance and no further. Myofascial releases may also be of benefit in this instance as she is "wearing" rods in her back.

I hope this helps give you a few ideas.

Best wishes.
J