Working with Quadraplegia

[slt]

Does anyone have any good "advice" or resources for working with quadraplegia? I will be working for the first time with a client with this condition next week. He has received massage before. I don't know the specifics of his injury or current health status/meds yet. For added reference, he's blind.

I've been able to find some useful articles online, but I'd like more info.

Thanks!

 

[katie l]

You are going to get your most helpful information from him or his family/caretaker. As long as there is no mental incapacity. just interview him before the first massage like you do anyone else.

The cause of the quadraplegia is important to know, and whether or not he has feeling anywhere/everywhere. If it is due to a spinal cord injury and he has no feeling, taking care not to use too much pressure for the tissue is something to always keep in mind. If it is due to a brain injury, he may still have all feelings, and you are actually giving physical relief and/or pleasure, besides the increased circulation, etc. benefits of massage.

It is important work, and very rewarding.

 

[Beverly]

Also avoiding asking HOW the injury occurred. Its important to know where the injury is, but not how ie: car accident etc. This is painful information and does not need to be disclosed. Coming from someone who has worked closely with various "plegias" I know they don't appreciate being asked. Unless they offer it up, its none of our business.

Treatment wise, look up Positional Release Therapy, Rood Technique, Muscle Energy and PNF Technique. All are helpful in the treatment of para/quadriplegia

 

[im_foxygirl]

I must voice the opinion, in the realm of emotions, that while it's good to respect a person's traumas and to not tread where it is not useful....I also do not think it's a good idea to avoid the question altogether, across the board as a general rule. Many people may benefit from reviewing or reliving past traumas, whatever they may be. I'm not advocating an aggressive approach, I'm not even advocating that you ask them.

However, if it comes up, I wouldn't think it wise to avoid it. Even if it's painful for a person to remember, that does not mean it doesn't have value.

JMHO. Avoiding the areas that hurt (emotional or physical) is how we let things remain as they are and continue as the status quo.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I agree, I didn't mean to avoid it if they bring it up. But to not be the one to ask how it happened. Also to remember that it is not our job to be emotional therapists, psychologists or what not. We listen, we're compassionate, but we're not council either. Its a very difficult and very fine line to walk. And is definitely and without a doubt on a client to client basis.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I have worked with paraplegic clients in the past, and I think that asking how the injury occurred is not necessarily a bad thing. I think you have to assess each person individually.

I had no problem with asking "how" an accident occurred and it was a help to know the actual mechanism of injury. The clients also were not disturbed by explaining.

Just my opinion from my experience.



Here's an article regarding Craniosacral Technique and spinal cord injury.

Here is a link to the Upledger Institute Articles. There may be an article in here somewhere that would be of help as well.

Here is a forum written from the injured's point of view. It may be helpful as well. Quadriplegic & Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injuries Forum

 

[Pompal 09.]

It might also be helpful to ask what he found helpful about his previous massage sessions. I will sometimes ask new clients who recieve regular bodywork elsewhere but are first-time to me, "What did you find most helpful about your previous bodywork sessions?" and it REALLY helps me plan their initial session.

Angela

 

[Sotology]

I recently had the oppertunity to work with a recently injured Para. She is 18 and although I knew how it happened, I too feel that it is benificial for people to share- when they are ready.
I wanted to hear how it happened from her, not just the chrio I work for. I feel really lucky to have the oppertunity to work on her, and with her. She is a wonderful person, and has much more soul than I could imagine someone having at her age.
Thanks for the links, I will look forward to doing some research.