Stroke (CVA - CerebroVascularAccident), paralysis & mass

[dreamingenigma777]

There's a personal trainer at the gym with a client who has suffered from a stroke (CVA - CerebroVascularAccident) and has some paralysis. The client is benefiting from the gym visits, but the personal trainer asked me if massage would help as well. I asked if the client's doctor said massage was okay, and of course the PT didn't know.

I don't know more about the client than what I've said above, but I'm wondering if anyone here has worked on stroke sufferers? It seems to me that the increased circulation may help IF the blood isn't clotting anywhere, but of course I'm hesitant to work on someone with paralysis if they can't FEEL my work, and in the case of stroke I'm presently unwilling to do any work without the doctor's consent.

Thoughts?

(BTW, it's really hard to look up "stroke" and "massage" since the word "stroke" has two meanings, one of which is prevalent in massage! t101 )

 

[Tanners Mommy <3]

Hi,
Try looking under cva and massage....
Also, check with client/doc to make sure blood pressure is under control and they are not taking a blood thinnerm which is contraindicated for massage.
My mom had a stroke 12 yers ago and it is tough to maintain any normalcy in the tissues. Very tonic.
Good luck

 

[katie h]

CVA

You do need to check his meds and get his MDs OK. But any work done with CVA patients is going to be VERY light. Seriously, like 5 grams worth, and not more than 15. Escpecially anywhere from C7 up. If he is benefitting from gym work, he probably has some feeling, and can give you appropriate feedback. Your best bet for education in this field is Upledger Institute.

As for tonic tissues and maintaining normalcy. If he's working out, it is most likely safe to use MET (muscle energy technique) to make sure the golgi tendon organs stay properly programmed and the mucles can maintain their proper length. It is a light exercise to the muscles, and and education in control for the patient. I'd still check with the MD and make sure. If you want the MD to refer to you once you get some education on this, keep them updated with your SOAP notes.

 

[Marissalynn]

Thanks for the info and Upledger reference. I already ask about blood pressure and medications, but searching on "CVA, massage" lead immediately to this article:

http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2005/issue115/research115.3.php

It seems more of a research review than a methodology description, but I'm sure I'll find more useful info as I wade through the search results.

Thanks again!

 

[sailingblue13]

Thanks for the info and Upledger reference. I already ask about blood pressure and medications, but searching on "CVA, massage" lead immediately to this article:

http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2005/issue115/research115.3.php

It seems more of a research review than a methodology description, but I'm sure I'll find more useful info as I wade through the search results.

Thanks again!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Of course, I highly recommend CranioSacral Therapy. It is important to tune in and work with the cranium and dural tissues in way that works with the clients body. After taking a class called The Brain Speaks, I truly began to realize how the brain can heal if we tune into the correct structures and cellular components.

Brian