Lou Gerigs(?) Disease!!

[higs4477]

Hi everyone!
I am see a client on Friday that is in the last seforum.xxxes of Lou Grerig's disease. He is bed bound and has major nerve issues! I was wondering if anyone else has ever worked on anyone with this disease??? Any suggestions or information would be much appreciated! Thanks For now!

 

[Mother Hubbard]

Lou Gherig's disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a central nervous system disease that causes atrophy and paralysis of the muscles in the limbs and torso. The ablity to breathe unaided deteriorates. Thinking capacity is not affected in most cases and the disease is not coneforum.xxxious.

Postponing sessions if the therapist is not feeling well is recommended due to the compromised immune system. Avoid any deep massage, instead using light strokes and energy work on the client. Light moblity and stretching are recommended to the client's tolerance. The normal theraputic responses will be absent due to the condition. Heat is also encouraged to the client's limits. Be aware of not overwhelming your client emotionally, instead use a calm compassionate approach simply by your presence and your touch ablities will be comforting to them.

Hope this helps.

 

[votremec]

When I volunteered with Hospice, I did massage a client with advanced ALS. In this situation, the client was VERY sensitive to touch, but she was also really craving massage. I kept the pressure very light - Gentle bodywide effleurage. (Slow, light and soothing.) I checked in with her to make sure it was comfortable. She loved it, and she was so grateful to be touched without pain. Take care of yourself both before and after the appointment. I agree with dobab that the quality of your presence is as important as the quality of your touch. t049

 

[Corrie]

So, I am totally hearing you guys, thanks so much, my ques. is though, he requested deep tissue, is this contraindicated?? He is bed ridden and wants mostly his legs massaged, will he just realize that the pressure is too much anyway!? Realy just looking for the most info I can get, so I can go in feeling confident! Thanks agian!

 

[Pluto C. Rat]

I can already tell that your client's ALS is manifesting differently than it did for my client. My client knew she couldn't take deep pressure. Her concern was that I wouldn't be able to work light enough to be comfortable. (Her husband tried to massage her as light as possible and his pressure was still too strong). She would never have requested deep tissue therapy.

Every client's different, even when diagnosed with the same disease. This is a great example. My recommendation would be to begin moderately to warm up the muscles like you always do, and then check in carefully as you increase pressure. If he says the pressure feels good, I would work deeply as requested. However, I don't know if this is an option, but I would recommend a "trial session" for deep work -- 15-30 minutes for the first visit. Then call the next day to see if there was/is any after-massage soreness. Sometimes people want the pressure because that's what they preferred when they were healthy. They don't expect any after-effects, but when they are seriously ill, their body may respond negatively. They wouldn't know this ahead of time (unless they have received deep tissue therapy recently from another massage therapist). If when you call, he's feeling great from the deep work, you can schedule another appointment and do a longer session. If he's hurting from the massage, you'll know to work lighter at the next appointment.

That's my opinion, anyway. I would be interested in hearing how the appointment goes.

 

[Elizabeth]

Hi Moonstone,

How'd the appointment go on Friday?