Treating new client with diabetes and epilepsy

[Momma]

I've been asked to do a series of four massage/treatments on a 40 yr old woman with diabetes and epilepsy. I have not met with her yet to take a history and to talk with her about expectations. Her mother tells me the daughter's body is "hard as wood" and it is the mother who is requesting my services. I'm told one of the goals is to try to relax the woman so that her tendency to go into seizure is lessened.

I'm aware of the need to ensure she eats prior to the massage to ensure her sugar level is "normal" and her blood pressure is also "normal" since massage tends to lower BP. I am not aware of any peripheral neuropathy but suspect it might be present.

I'm inclined to start with mostly a relaxing massage to try to ratchet down tension levels and deal with what I find at the time.

IF any of you readers have suggestions for me, I will be pleased to receive them. Thank to each of you.

 

[Gareth Moore]

Type 1 or 2? If 2 always know where her injection sites are. Thats all I got.

 

[MiJA]

Type I. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[i likes cheese!]

Type 1 or 2? If 2 always know where her injection sites are. Thats all I got.

Just an FYI Type 1 is insulin dependent and requires injections, Type 2 is Adult onset which means they may or may not be on insulin.

Angie

 

[Hoadly]

Thanks, Angie.

Yes, I am aware of the difference between type I and II. This lady is a type I so injection sites are important.

Thanks again.

 

[Jonathan]

Oh crap - I TOTALLY know that. Mom has type 1 so I really do TOTALLY know that. Just a slip!

*emberassed because thats totally basic*



*edit*
can I say totally enough? ok back to topic

 

[bay232323]

With epile[tics it is important to avoid any essential oils that are considered "stimulating" such as rosemary, eucalyptus, etc.

This qwould include not using them on the client before, just to be safe.

Angela

 

[Ya Boy]

I would think (though I'm not expert, so you may want to do some research) with the epilepsy, if she is well medicated, after the relaxing massage you may want to do some brief stimulating moves to reinvigorate her at the end. Anti-convulsive medications tend to cause drowsiness and lethargy and too much relaxation could cause her to be dizzy and too tired when getting up from the table.

I didn't know about the essential oils. Good to know. Does that mean, should the client get extremely congested while prone, not to use some on a cotton ball for her to inhale a bit?

 

[sadgreeneyes3]

For now, skip aromatherapy altogether; it will simply add complication to a case that is complex enough. When you have worked with the client enough to feel like you understand how to work with her and how she responds to some different methods, you will be better able to consider it.

There are MANY different causes of epilepsy, and many different meds used to control seizure activity. Learn all you can about her history and read up on the meds. Learn if she has any of the usual diabetes complications that may impact what kind of work you can do.

For the first session, my best advice is to keep it simple and just get to know her and her body. Let her get comfy with you the first time and follow up to see how she feels over the next day or two.

 

[vis]

Stasia, thank you for your suggestion. You make a good point about the anti-convulsive meds that may cause drowsiness and lethargy. While I do not yet know what meds the lady in taking, I do know (as I stated in my original post) that massage lowers BP; therefore, if you couple this fact with the effect of certain meds, then it clearly means I, or any therapist needs to be extremely observant and work with a high degree of focus and intent.

Jason, thank you also for your comments. I agree with you on skipping the aromatherapy. I was considering using neroli for its tension releasing properties but doing so adds yet another variable to the equation and I think there are several already and probably more to come, especially since I've not had an opportunity to take a history or formulate a treatment plan.

Your other point is also well taken re: the effect of the meds and other potential complications.

 

[1:45.83]

When I took a CranioSacral class it was mentioned that you shouldn't do any work on the cranial bones if the client is epileptic. I don't know if that is specific to CST or to massage in general, but it might be worth looking into just to be sure.

 

[NM-47]

Type I or II

Type 1 or 2? If 2 always know where her injection sites are. Thats all I got.

Just an FYI Type 1 is insulin dependent and requires injections, Type 2 is Adult onset which means they may or may not be on insulin.

Angie

Remember that Sombraman has type I diabetes and is usually around to answer questions. You can no longer call type II 'Adult onset' because of the epidemic of young kids being diagnosed with type II. Having a McDonalds on every corner certainly does not help, not to mention all the damn video games!

Jeff - Sombraman