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Comman Massage
Techniques
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traction takes the weight off neck muscles and discs to give them a
breather. It may also be recommended to stretch cramped neck muscles and to
increase room in the foramina for the blood vessels and nerves. The
therapist should instruct the patient what type to buy and how to use it.
Note that the head harness should gently pull forward, not straight up. Home
traction should alleviate pain, although it may take a week or two. The
patient should be instructed that if pain increases instead, he should call
on the physician or the therapist.
Relief of muscle spasms :
Muscle
spasms occur when the neck’s supporting muscles undergo sudden prolonged and
involuntary painful contractions.
Heat
: Applied generally to the affected area with a hot water bottle or in a
bath, heat relaxes sore muscles and increases circulation. However, if done
for too long, it can aggravate symptoms. So the therapist should give the
patient proper instruction. Applying heat before traction, exercise or
massage can make these measures more effective too.
Cold
can also relieve a small muscle spasm or ‘knot’. Crushed ice taken in a
plastic bag wrapped in a towel should be applied to the affected area.
Exercises that stretch the neck can help relax the muscles and prevent
stiffness (see illustrations)
Massage may be recommended after the acute phase of a neck disorder.
It offers temporary relief and helps the patient to sleep (see illustration)
The
physical therapist’s (physiotherapist’s) role :
The physiotherapist may use models, films and handouts to show cervical
anatomy, proper posture and the effects of injury or disease. The patient’s
thorough understanding of the cervical spine will provide for safer and
faster relief. The therapist should also educate the patient as regards
‘Good Back Hygiene’.
Good back hygiene :
Good back hygiene helps to keep the back flexible, strong and pain free.
Proper posture and lifting techniques can prevent the back from becoming out
of tune with rest of the body. Muscle-stretching exercises, nutritious diet,
and overall health build a healthy back and body.
Proper posture keeps the back in balance and pain free. Check your
posture by placing your head and back against a wall. One must be sure that
the three natural curves are in their normal, balanced alignment. Slouching
and swayback should be avoided as these rob the back of support and make it
susceptible to injury.
Proper lifting can prevent half of all back injuries. When lifting, the
back should be kept upright with the three natural spinal curves in their
normal, balanced alignment. The object should be held close. The stomach
muscles tightened and then the object should be lifted with major support
provided by the lower limbs.
Exercise improves flexibility in the back. Lower limbs and abdominal
muscles supporting the lower back. When neglected these muscles become weak
and contracted and the back becomes prone to injury. Stretching is
particularly important for underused muscles.
Welfare includes attention to good nutrition, weight control and overall
body conditioning.
A nutritious diet is low in animal fat, salt, sugar, high in fiber, and
includes a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Weight reduction and regular exercise can slim and condition the entire
back, reducing stress and strain on the person and his back.
DATE FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT
3-1-95 Rx Causticum 200 IV x 2
30-1-95 Lt sided stiffness > 20% Rx
Lt sided numbness > 25% Causticum 200
Strength in It arm improved IV
Nose-block > 30%
Cold > 30%
8-2-95 Overall > 40% Rx
Cold > > Causticum 200
Nose-block > 50% IV x 2
Expectoration – scanty and whitish
Stiffness > now only slightly present
With numbness of entire it side > 40%
25-2-95 Much > > Rx
Lt sided neuralgia > 25%-30% Causticum 200
Numbness of it side > 50%-60% IV x 2
Stiffness > >
Cold > very mild
Head/frontal sinus pain >
Nose-blockage feeling > 80%
No cough
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