Osteoporosis and massage techniques

[Toni Nicholas]

I am doing a paper on Osteoporosis and massage techniques, but currently have no knowledge on massage techniques for someone who has Osteoporosis.  I cannot find any info on the net, please help. Thanks...

 

[Mohit]

Osteoporosis and massage techniques

Hi Bean,I have not heard of any techniques specific for Osteoporosis, mostly we have only learned about CI's for massage. You want to avoid high impact or compression exercises, avoid joint mobilizations, and overpressure. The aim of treatment with a client who has osteoporosis is a relaxation massage. Depending on the severity, gentle passive relaxed joint ROM may be incorporated for joint health. Since hyperkyphosis is generally accompanied with Osteoporosis than you may want to incorporate fascial tech to release rounded shoulders, etc... making sure you watch your pressure.Hope this helps,Emily

 

[Ameliasaur<3]

Bean,  I have been involved with a study--emphazing massage and Osteoporosis.  As Emily stated, no deep treatments.  Since it is a bone related problem the one thing we have found that works well is the approach of "balancing the bones"  I know it sounds weird but since the pressure on the bones are caused by the muscles, and the bone breaks down more were the pressure is.  Focus on trying to even out the pressure over the whole bone.  I will try to explain that...  Women that have tight Pec muscles are more likley to get a 'widow's hump' (you know that curve in the upper back.)  This is because all of the pressure is on the front of the Disc. If you even out the Pecs it takes the pressure off the front of the Vert. and displaces it over the entire disc.  Just something to keep in mind.