Masssage for Peripheral Nueropathy ?

[tifquestions]

I have a client who has diabetic PN. She experiences the pain on the dorsal foot and the anterior leg. Numbness on the plantar surface.

Does anyone know of massage techniques that are useful for this? There is plenty of research out there, but no info on specific techniques. I used basic Swedish, really paying attention to the areas of concern and she seemed pleased...but I would like some direction on this. Since it is useful to increase circulation to the area does that mean I should stroke O to I?

 

[waynetta180]

Masssage for Peripheral Nueropathy ?

Since neuropathy has to do with nerve damage, there isn't anything you can do for it with massage. I have had some clients who claim the massage seems to help the neuropathy, but that is anecdotal and it may just be the client's attitude about what the massage is doing, rather than the fact massage is helpful. Just keep doing what you're doing as long as the client appreciates it is what counts. There is a possibility the client perceives it as helpful b/c it brings attention to the area, which may help the injured nerves (in light of neuroscience). But that is just my personal conjecture.

(BTW, massage has not been shown to increase circulation. In some studies, massage has actually shown to decrease circulation to an area for a very short time)

 

[Omer]

Masssage for Peripheral Nueropathy ?

As a general rule massage is contraindicated when your client can't give you feedback about pressure. It doesn't sound like that's the case, so you might have to determine the modality that you do.

Deep Tissue: Locally contraindicated in numb or painful areas; otherwise supportive. Decompress fascias proximal to affected areas.
Lymphatic drainage: indicated in all seforum.xxxes if used following a standard massage treatment.
Polarity: Indicated within comfort of client. Extra light pressure in areas of atrophy or numbness.
PNF/MET/Stretching: Indicated in all seforum.xxxes. Be cautious about reduced sensation and staying within pain-free range.
Reflexology: Indicated; work all gland points.
Shiatsu: Indicated with respect for sensory deficit. Work K, LV, SP, GB constitutionally; use all possible joint movements between metatarsals and metacarpals.
Swedish: Supportive; be cautious about reduced sensation and staying within pain tolerance.
Trigger point: contraindicated for numbness or atrophy; indicated for hypertonicity.
Numbness and reduced sensation are contraindications too, since the client is unable to give informed feedback about comfort. Clients with nerve damage are likely to be hypersensitive; massage my examassageplanetate or soothe this symptom. Massage therapists must make case by case decisions for clients with PN to balance the possible benefits (soothing irritable nerves, improving circulation) with the possible risks (further irritating nerves, damaging numb tissue)

Quoted from pg 236 A Massage Therapists' Guide to Pathology 4th Edition by Ruth Werner

 

[wilsonrocket]

Masssage for Peripheral Nueropathy ?

I have a family member I work on with this. I use compressive work and qigong type energy work which has been beneficial.

 

[Lady in Red...]

Masssage for Peripheral Nueropathy ?

I agree that bodywork won't address the neuropathy problem itself. But not all is lost.

The best thing you could probably do is find a source that vibrates rapidly - vibracussors, hand-held massagers, anything with a flat, soft surface. Set it as high/fast as the client will tolerate without tensing up.

What it does: vibration fires off large-diameter nerve fibers that conduct vibration and fine touch. They transmit information to the brain faster than nerve fibers that carry information about pain. This effectively blocks out the pain for a while. It's AWESOME. I've used that with great success.

What to expect: Sadly, it's a temporary relief. The damage is still there and the associated pain does come back. But this gives some immediate symptom relief. They're going to think you're a wizard. They probably won't ever no-show again - they'll look too forward to their appointments!

What they really have to do is get their diabetes under control (yes, that can be done - and it can even be reversed altogether in many cases) and improve their circulation and heal their tissue damage. This usually includes nutrients like chromium, Vitamin B complex at high doses, etc for the blood sugar and high-power antioxidants (preferably in trans-cutaneous cream form) rubbed thoroughly into the area. Work with a doc who does Functional Medicine or a kick-butt CCN (nutritionist - but make dang sure they're up on the LATEST stuff, not the typical info that lingers from the '60s) and you'll be a ROCK STAR in this patient's eyes. (Speaking from experience from both sides of that equation)

 

[Pompal 09.]

Masssage for Peripheral Nueropathy ?

I bet tuning forks on the feet could work wonders for this.