pain get worse before it gets better?

[WBLamar]

Hi all.

I saw a first time client yesterday.
There is a history or lower back pain but now she says its gone into her right leg.
Her husband died around 2 years ago and she's been 'holding it together'.

Her body was like a board. She noticed it to which is great. I work intuitively and I said I think she's holding the grief in her back/hips.

I called her to check in today and she said her back was worse today and on both sides. I did say to her yesterday that this might happen.

I've heard that sometimes we are holding something, resulting in pain, but its protecting us. If we have it worked on it can make it worse or result in a 'flare up'.

So, I'm confused now when it comes to lower back and hips.

How do we know when to work the area or when to leave it? I trust my intuition and feel I did the right thing and of course I am hoping that the pain will ease and she is releasing what shes been holding onto for years.

What is your experience with things like this?

Thanks in advance

 

[Candy :)]

Hi Lollo.

Could I ask first, what sort of therapist you are and what sort of therapy you offer and what therapy, specifically, your client came to see you for?

 

[Mr. Sunshine]

Hi Derek.

Yes, that would be handy to know

Holistic massage. 5 years. Also some energy work, reiki, chakra balancing and polarity balancing (the 2 latter being the work of Bob Moore, an irish energy worker)

She came to me recommended by another client. She came mainly came for relaxtion. Said she was going to go back to the physio to check out the pain. She wanted some work on her shoulders as she was feeling tense there. (Those were better today) And have some touch as its obviously been a while. It was also her first massage so I guided her through the whole process first and during.

thanks Derek

 

[Nyle]

I just wonder how she would have felt the next day if, rather than telling her she is holding that grief in her back and hips, you had told her 'well done' for letting it go? (Although I never offer my intuitive musings unless specifically asked for them!)

And rather than telling her she might feel worse before she feels better, you had told her to expect to feel great because she'd just had a fantastic bodywork session?

The power of words - and thoughts!!!

 

[nhnnzjjr]

Yes. You're so right. I did give her some negetive suggestions didnt i. Tx for pointing that out.

Thankfully I didnt actually use the word grief. I just said something like 'emotions from what you've been going through'. I did mention that the area is about relationship, so it made sense that that area is experiencing what it is.

On the plus side she did say that as she knew it might feel worse, she was ok with it. Tricky.

I'm finding this whole sacro-illiac and pelvic area very confusing. I just dont know when i'm going something to help or hinder. Maybe it's all out of my hands, so to speak and I dont have a choice in the matter and the body will do what the body will do.

Tx for reminder of the power of words Derek.

 

[Lovechild?]

You are welcome, Lollo - and thank YOU for taking my comment in the spirit I made it

I would say not to be too concerned that the sacro-iiliac area is so complicated. Do what you are trained to do and listen and feel for the subtle messages from the body that tell you, 'More of that, please!" or, 'a little softer, please.'

Although I do think that a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology is important, I don't get hung up on it myself, and although I have studied the work of Debbie Shapiro and others and have a good understanding of how our bodies reflect our emotional state, I don't let that direct my work, either. (Although, of course, either or both of these may affect my intention whilst I work!)

And I don't subscribe to the idea that we should warn our clients that they may feel worse before they feel better. I just want my clients to feel better straight away - and they do! In almost ten years, I have never issued such a warning and, to my knowledge, it has never been necessary.

I'm not bragging here, but I have learned from my experience and the results of my work, to be very confident in what I do. Which is simply to make my clients feel better.

Intention is everything - mine and my client's!

Keep up the good work, Lollo