older client with SEVERE neck issues!

[Rosaline]

Have an older female client (in her 80's), 1yr ago she was in perfect alignment, son got her a new recliner, that was too much cushion & threw her completely out of wack! She almost looks to have a Y-neck at this point! She raises her right shoulder & leans her head down to the right. Have tried MFR, she doesnt seem to be responding, anyybody have ideas???

 

[Pompal 09.]

I would refer her to a chiropractor or physician.

 

[Fancy Pants]

Her Doc just drugged her up Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[sarci]

I would stick with very gentle massages and also show her some good stretches to put everything back where it belongs. The overstretched muscles are weakened - they need to be worked to stretch the tightened muscles. The two of you can do those stretches together and then she can continue to work on her own. A chiropractor may be needed to adjust the spine, but it won't work or help if everything is still very tight. Do you know any chiros that work well with the elderly? Some are very good with them, while others tend to be too forceful. Ask around before referring. You don't want her to break, or to feel so much worse (even on the way to getting better) that she decides it's better left alone.

Unfortunately, doctors tend to be very quick to drug the elderly, and very rarely listen or dig to find a cause.

Has she quit sitting in that recliner? Seems like a silly question, but it's very important!! She needs to evaluate how she sleeps, too. If she sleeps on her side with her head drooping, that needs to change. Postures in daily activities will all contribute to either getting better or getting worse.

 

[xxtomxx]

I didnt think about her sleep patterns!! Thank You! we do stretching & the people who work at her facility are now helping her do them when I am not there. Its a start. Thanks again!!