Herniated Discs..chriopractor referrel

[Barragan L]

I just got a call from a client today.  He has 4 herniated discs...his chriopractor advised massage and is going to right a referrel slip.  His chiropractor recommended 10mins of heat and ice.  Now...in school they showed us a little hydrotherapy.  Heating pad for 3 mins, cloth soaked in ice water ... scrub for 1 min.  As far as the heriated discs...i'm not sure if I should scrub the ice cloth in a certain direction or just chaotic whirl winds....lol.   I was going to use a heating pad for the heat...since I cant find a hot bottle anywhere.  This is my first referrel for a health care professional....Pleasssssssssse  Helllllllllllllp.

 

[Happee]

I tend to lean toward the messier type of cold therapy.Frozen water in a styrofoam cup.....tear of the edge as it melts.  It is messy but manageable when you use either bar mops or handtowels tucked in on either side of client.  3 minutes circular motion.....increasing the circles until you have covered the area.Heat...after wiping away any moisture for three minutes...end with 3 of ice.I like to contrast or do either of the therapies for at least 20 minutes but you have a script.Also, if you go heatin g pad go for one which lists moist heat instead of dry.I use contrast therapy as self care ALL the time.  I have thermophore pad on now.  I have a slip separation of SI and also a L-5/S-1 herniation.  Ice and heat are my salvation.Now the three minutes are small enough incrememnts of time but still, always check for color and temp.  Robyn

 

[Pompal 09.]

Herniated Discs..chriopractor referrel

Sorry, I hit send when I wasn't finished.Also, if you have not gotten the heating pad yet....maybe think Fomentek bag.Robyn

 

[Legionnaire Hooch Monster]

I use a heating pad for heat and a gel pack from the freezer (wrapped in a hand towel) for cold.  It's quick and non-messy.Bonus:I've even been wrapping the heating pad around my lotion bottle to warm it up before I start work because it's been so cold in my office.Katykangaroo

 

[Cool Kid]

Herniated Discs..chriopractor referrel

I have a client who has a herniated disc.. In school they told us not to be scared of them, that we could massage clients with HD, but I am a bit concerned.. What methods would you recommend?

 

[naughtydogg70]

Herniated Discs..chriopractor referrel

When doing contrast therapy, always end with cold and remember that each time you apply the cold (for 3 minutes), the body will react more swiftly to the cold.Congrats on the referral and have fun.PS: in addition to checking in with the client as to whether it's too hot or too cold, you might want to explain the seforum.xxxes of cold the client is likely to experience.PSS: I would also be in favor the ice in the cup method as you'll be able to focus on a specific spot versus a more general treatment. You might want to invest in a cold cup (you could probably purchase one through MassageWarehouse). They're so easy to use.

 

[wellwisher]

Herniated Discs..chriopractor referrel

Need a link for "bar mops" as mentioned above?

either bar mops or handtowels tucked in on either side of client

Sanitary Supply Company - Bar Towels

100% cotton terry cloths with sewn/hemmed borders, highly absorbent, soft, thick, washable, re-usable, 32 0z., excellent for most cleaning chores. Variable colors, white or striped.

http://www.sanitarysupplyco.com/60900010.htm

 

[PapeR TigeR]

Because of the herniated disks there will be some splinting of probably psoas, and errector spinae.  Just be careful not to take away too much stability for him,  for the body prefers to be stable before it prefers to be mobile

 

[Jack S]

I tend to use more heat than cold. I prefer using the 'bucky' which are made of cloth, generally filled with buckwheat or organic flax seed. I think mine also has some herbs in it because when it is on the heater warming up I can smell a nice aroma. My clients LOVE the bucky. I also like it because if my hands are starting to tire, I can lay them on top of the 'bucky' while it is on my clients back, and do some compressions while soothing my own hands.
I have many clients with herniated discs because I work closely with chiropractors in the same office building, and get tons of referrals from them. Generally, the client comes to me prior to their DC appt. I work on loosening up their tight muscles, then they will have an easier adjustment afterwards. Usually, I do a lot of effleurage (deeper pressure mostly) and some petrissage. I also use a lot of heat on them since it is a natural relaxant. Many clients are nervous and worried about herniated discs, but the DC's that I work with are excellent and diffuse the fears by showing the client exactly what is going on in their body. Most HD do heal rather quickly, with the combo of massage and DC care.

Hope that helps,

Aimee
http://www.aimeebernier.iwantamassage.com
oceanwave83@aol.com