Relapsing Polychondritis...Contraindications?

[basement dweller]

I gave some brief, gentle massage last night to a 40-yr old guy with Relapsing Polychondritis. He contracted the disease through an anthrax vaccination (Navy). C7 is extended -- causing him pain -- and there appears to be inflammation around the area. Are people with this disease able to receive chiropratic services? What are the contraindications for me giving him massage? I'm really concerned about proper degrees of pressure, especially around attachment points.

I'd appreciate any educated insights or advice.

 

[like me not me :)]

From my understanding of polychondritis the cartilage becomes weakend and deformed in some cases. I would avoid anything that is going to stretch the joints, like deep passive ROM. Instead I would work distally to the joints, and only work lightly over the joints to encourage circulation. Is he working with a PT? I would think he would be given some strengthening ex to keep the muscles around the joints strong to help keep them from subluxing. Also if he is on steroids/ painkillers you need to be careful not to go too deep over other parts of his body as he may not be able to tell you if you did too much. I think my goal in this would be to create as much relaxation in the muscles as possible and just gently massage the joints because it will feel good without working deep anywhere. Polychondritis can also cause problems with the blood vessels, so you would want to find out if this is an area of concern as well.

Good luck!

 

[Junie]

polychon

thanks Ellie! I don't think he's working with a PT, he didn't mention it. I asked him about meds and he said he wasn't taking any other than an occasional Ibuprofen at this time. I deeply appreciate you reading my post and replying, since my tendency is to do a deep massage unless I have information to suggest a contraindication. In this case, there is clearly cause for caution and I was grateful for the opp to learn about this condition......

best, Vicki