L4 L5 and Femoral Nerve Damage

[Holden]

I have this new client and although I haven't seen him yet we had a long discussion on the phone about his ailments. He said he was in an accident and has nerve damage. His doctor perscribed massage. I know there isn't a whole lot to go on here but I was wondering if there is anything I should really watch out for? I haven't done a lot of work with nerve damage and Ive been looking it up. Just wondering from your point of view.

Thanx

 

[hvn_fun2]

My first advise is to do a google search for images of dermatomes and lumbosacral plexus. Look at how the L4 and L5 move throughout the leg. These areas may be very tender, sore, full of trigger points, or totally numb and tingling. Watch for him having a drop foot. Both the Femoral and Sacral nerves are affected, so it can be areas of the whole leg. I would definitely work the Erectors, QL, Glutes, and the legs.

Also, watch your pressure, if you are going deep and they aren't feeling it, back off... you don't want to do any further damage. Find out if there are any bulging or herniated discs, any fractures, and what has been his previous treatment.

If you have any other questions, don't be afraid to post! We are here for you!

 

[takeme2theXtreme]

Nerve and psoas question.

Well, I don't want to start a fight or argument, but with only the 250 hour massage course that you have taken, you are not allowed by law (in Canada/Alberta/BC) to "treat" clients, and or working psoas mms because that is definatly not relaxation massage. I'm not saying this to be a stick in the mud, but there are reasons why there is more training in these areas of treatment so that we as therapists do not hurt anyone. Working the psoas mm is very deep and there are structures that can be damage if treated improperly. I suggest that if it is relaxation massage you want to do, and you are worried about hurting your client with the nerve damage, you should contact an RMT in your local area and ask them what is safe to do, or refer the client to them if you don't feel as though its a risk you would like to take. I have refered to RMT's, Physios, Chiros and MDs on a regular basis when I don't really know the condition and it is out of my scope, or I know that the client will get better care from someone whom specializes in somthing out of my scope.

 

[Just Call me AJ]

welcome to both of you. please visit us often and tell a friend. t006

i'm confused, canuck. how do you know what program serenity had? and what is a mm???

 

[Well Duh!]

Canuck,

I thank you for your concern and would like to say I have had futher training. I am an RMT and although I am new to massage I have proper training for this type of thing. I just haven't had the opportunity to have a lot of hands on with this. If I feel that the client is too much for me definately I would refer him to someone else. Like I had said I haven't worked on him yet and Ive run into people before that made their ailments more than they really are, but never nerve damage. He's going to allow me to see his medical reviews which will give me a better understanding of what is going on.

I wanted to the forums opinions because the books can only tell you so much. First hand experience, I find, is better to learn from.

 

[RayHere]

Serenity, thank you for not responding with an "attack" because I was certainly not trying to attack your credentials. I understand what you mean about not being able to learn some techs through books, (or even over the internet for that matter), but I suggest getting together with another RMT and getting some hands on tips to learn them. Just curious though, I read in previous threads that you took a 250 hour course in Swedish Relaxation Massage in Alberta, what other training have you had since that has made you a Registered Massage Therapist in Alberta?

 

[eternalabyss]

Mush, thanx for the welcome, I'm glad to be a part of this website. Sorry for the confusion (I use short form alot on my charting and in classes), mm means muscle. As for knowing what training Serenity has accomplished, I read one of her postings on another thread that stated she took a 250 Swedish Relaxation Massage course.

 

[Sid Vicious]

Canuck,
When I graduated from my Massage course I was able to be registered through AMTWP. I took further training mostly for the pathology part of it. We did learn pathology in the 250hr but not really in depth. All I am looking for is some advise on how to better approach this client. If you want to know more about my training I have my email availible for that

 

[ragapple]

I guess I should be specific about what course was which. When I graduated from the 250hr course I was an RMT through AMTWP.