advice with elderly client

[Pompal 09.]

hi, i'm looking for procedure/technique/positioning advice with an elderly client of mine. if you have ideas for me i would so appreciate them!

i have written about her recently, in the energy forum, but this is more of a physical post.

she's 90+ with the last seforum.xxxes of osteoporosis. she's unable to take any meds for the pain.

she's been coming weekly for 6 months. we've made great progress with her neck - she's nearly completely out of pain. or, she was. then she had a setback which really really set her back. she experiences so much pain when turning over on the table. any light compression on her left ITB causes such pain but then she feels better with her hip afterward.

so starting monday. i'm going to try the body cushion with her so she won't have to turn over.

i know that part of her pain is that her muscles are so tight they're pulling on her joints and already fragile bones. so of course, i am very very careful with my tehcniques and pressure. i do use reflexology with her, reiki, light pressure and clear intent.

do any of you have any suggestions? either in technique or positioning with the BC? this will be the first time with an elderly client that i'll be using the system.

thanks in advance
amanda

 

[sally p]

I work with quite a few elderly clients. I don't have a body cushion, and actually hadn't thought of it for the elderly. Good idea!

What I do with one of my 90+ ladies who can't deal well with the table is to just have her sit in her recliner. I've had to adjust my body mechanics - and make sure the chair isn't too close to the wall to get behind comfortably - but it has worked very well. She is able to be comfortably positioned and I am able to work every area of her body. The gluts are the only slightly difficult area to get to, but she has recently taken to turning partially on her side to make it easier for me.

Your client sounds a bit more mobile than mine. How is the body cushion system working? It is a new thought....I wonder if it would help with some of my clients? I have several who have quite a bit of difficulty with turning. I have not done much massage on sidelying clients, other than a bit of pregnancy massage. You have me thinking! I'm interested to hear how it is working for you.

 

[Savana]

Very fragile, and clients in a lot of pain often do very well in the water. Is your client willing/able to get into the water? And do you have access to a warm therapy pool, or cooler jacuzzi you could use? Would you feel comfortable massaging your client in a pool or jacuzzi? Or maybe you could recommend your client get a Watsu massage.

There may be a therapist in your area......check on http://www.waba.edu

Noel

 

[Dr Frank]

thank you, both, for your replies.

i did try the BC on monday, and during the tx she felt like it definately helped, but by the next day her pains had returned. it was probably not the best idea i've had..

one thing to remember with the fragile is that when you're working their back and they are supine, gravity is working AGAINST you, so you have to be really careful not to work too deep.

so, i may just try to put her into semi-side lying position next session. unfortunately she won't be back for a couple of weeks due to family issues.

i think she might go for the water - but i, personally, don' t have access to that. curious that she might be able to find a water therapist at one of the hospital rehabs.. but she's only got medicare so...

anyway, thank you again for your ideas
amanda