Multiple Sclerosis

[orly]

I just met with a woman who has advanced MS (bed and wheelchair bound) and wants to get massage 3 times a week.  She has had massage in the past and says it worked wonders for her.  She says she needs massage with ROM exercises, and it will be done on her hospital bed.  I'm scared, any tips for what would be the best for her?  Are there any particular modalities that work best for MS patients?

 

[SMILE!]

Multiple Sclerosis

doing a hospital bed massage is not easy. been there, but not for an MS survivor. my gal was ordered to complete hospital bedrest for pregnancy and my hubby has done 2 motorcyclists who wrecked.take spray alcohol to remove lubrication after each body section. this way she doesn't need to bathe after the massage.if you can do her sidelined, all the better. check before you begin if you can manipulate the hospital bed for your massage comfort level. i was not able to sideline or raise the bed.i have worked with cerebral palsy survivor, who found that soothing massage often calmed their nervous ticks and twitches. gentle rocking is also a nice thing.most of all, ask her whether she wants to address certain issues or maybe she just wants a relaxing massage. edit: i wanted to add that if she cant sideline, then do your best to use the weight of her body to create the pressure of the stroke.and last, but not least, if she has neuropathy, be careful with her feet.

 

[Kasey]

My mom had MS.  MS clients have a sensitivity to heat.  You might keep that in mind if you heat your table.  Increasing circulation, even deep tissue is great in limbs that still have feeling/movement.  Reducing stress is key and the more often he/she can afford massage (once a week) the better, in my opinion.  

 

[enfriendemy]

P.S.  The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's website includes excercises with diagrams and you might find other helpful info there.  

 

[jeremyandrew.king]

I have heard (repeatedly) that rolfing is typically used on MS clients and works miracles. If you are practiced in that technique and your client  is familiar with that, maybe you can gradually ease her into rolfing sessions as well.Be well,Jen

 

[Mr. Duffles]

You know, I've been wondering about this too.  A co-worker (friend) at my office job has MS and I think it would work well for her.  I'm kind of new to MT and a little reluctant to work on her.  A physician's permission would probably be good, huh?

 

[That Blonde B*tch]

Wow, thanks for all the information.  I did go yesterday and give her a massage.  I was a bit afraid, but she had massage before and very much knows what she wants.  I gave a pretty light massage, she was tender b/c she had not had a massage in a while.  She requested lots of ROM exercises and was pleased with how relaxed she felt after the massage.  It was too difficult for her to lay on her stomach, so I put her in side-lying. Her feet do have neuropathy and were pretty tender.  I used a really nice organic lotion that worked well and she was not greasy.  Thanks Anne GS for the info on the exercises, that will come in handy.Thanks Jen, I will try to talk to a local rolfer to see what they think.  She may be a bit too tender to do something that rough at this point though.  I will get the info and present it to her though.Yogi22, I also have a another MS client, who is in remission.  I've always just treated her like any other client.  She told me that her main reason for massage is to reduce stress which could cause a flare up.  So far, she has been pretty healthy and lives a pretty normal lifestyle, hopefully it will stay that way.   It would just depend on which seforum.xxxe of MS your coworker is in to require a dr's permission.  It's been my experience that MS patients are very knowledgeable about it and what the limitations are.