MEDICAL MASSAGE vs. SOMATIC/VISCERAL ABNORMALITY

This month’s contribution comes from one of SOMI’s students, Nichole Hernandez, LMT. This case study and her story are quite remarkable. I met Nichole several months ago during one of our Medical Massage seminars. It was her first exposure to the science of Medical Massage and its clinical application. After the class, she asked questions, and we communicated via e-mail.

In July, she asked for advice on the most effective way to treat her client with a very complex clinical history. The case was so difficult that a therapist who had already gone through intense SOMI training would have been more likely to handle it. This case was so complex because a somatic abnormality complicated by neurological symptoms was additionally combined with a chronic visceral pathology. Such complex cases are the most difficult challenges in the entire massage therapy profession.

Truthfully, we thought there was only a very small chance that Nichole would be able to make significant improvements for this patient just because she was a novice to the entire concept. She proved us wrong. As readers will see, in just eight sessions, she was able to crack a very complex case and make a huge difference in her patient’s life. This case also illustrates how everything in our body is interconnected and how important it is for therapists to see the larger picture and consider all players that may contribute to the clinical picture they are dealing with.

Nichole proved to us and to other therapists that clinical effectiveness of massage therapy is based not only on the number of certificates but also on professional dedication, curiosity and personal effort.

By Dr. Ross Turchaninov
JMS’s Editor in Chief

MEDICAL MASSAGE vs. SOMATIC/VISCERAL ABNORMALITY

By Nichole Hernandez, LMT

This has been the most complex case that I have dealt with in my 9 years of practice. In this case study, you will notice more information that comes to light as time goes on. At the chiropractor’s office where I was working, I did not have the time to do an initial thorough evaluation. This was the system that my employer wanted me to use, and therefore I complied.

INITIAL COMPLAINTS

On July 22, a patient came in with complaints of lumbar tightness/pain that radiated to the lower left extremity (primarily the inner thigh) and the left knee (the knee being the most painful). Nerve-type pain sensations were so intense that even his bed sheets would trigger sharp pain if they made contact with the leg. The patient was also not able to sleep or lie on his left side due to sensitivity in the left leg.

He complained of pain when walking on the left leg. He had tightness/pain that had started about 2 weeks prior, after a 3-hour drive. He could not remember doing anything physical to cause trauma or injury. The patient went and had an MRI with findings of “Stenosis” in the L2-L3 vertebral segment. It is important to note that he had had surgery twelve years earlier on the L4-L5 vertebral segment. He was also prescribed muscle relaxants 3 x a day, which he had started that morning.

ASSESSMENT

Visual observation showed elevation of the left hip as well as the right shoulder. The first part of Kibler’s technique, which indicates tension in the first level of Connective Tissue Zones, located in the dermis of the skin, was positive bilaterally in the lumbar area. Tightness and active trigger points were detected in the Lumbar Erectors, especially at the L2-L4 levels, and the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) muscles.

INITIAL TREATMENT

The patient could not lie in a prone position without a pillow under his left knee. I performed the MEDICAL MASSAGE PROTOCOL for Erector Spinae as well as Quadratus Lumborum (QL).

I also worked on the Left Hip Abductors, focusing on Connective Tissue Massage & Active Friction techniques. The patient had tenderness, especially at the insertion of the gluteus medius into the greater trochanter. Performed light piriformis/hip abductor stretching.

I finished with work on the left hamstrings, but only for a short period of time because of the pain. The patient was lightheaded after the session but felt some relief. I scheduled him to come back on Monday, 7/25.

HOME RESEARCH

That evening, I did further research, and while examining the pattern of inner organ innervation by the Autonomic Nervous System or ANS (Page 8, Medical Massage, Volume I), I linked the L2 segment of the spinal cord to the Urinary Bladder (see Fig. 1). I made a note to ask the patient if he was having any urinary issues.

SECOND SESSION (07/25/16)

The patient returned on Monday and wanted to see the chiropractor first to get guidance on what he should do next. He was very anxious and stated that he thought he needed surgery and wanted to see a neurologist. The patient did not want to do the massage. I was able to convince the patient to let me ask a few questions and do some quick testing.

I asked the patient if he was having any urinary issues, to which he stated that he was. I asked for how long, and he said since about the same time that the lower back and leg pain had started. His “flow” had not been that great, and he was using the bathroom 4-5 times during the night. The patient also informed me that the night before, he had been getting out of the hot tub and had passed out (luckily his wife was there and was able to catch him). He felt lightheaded right before getting out.

My next step was to perform the Sensory Test to evaluate the skin for the presence of cutaneous reflex zones within L2 and neighboring dermatomes. My goal was to detect any sign of imbalance within the Autonomic Nervous System.

The application of the Sensory Test immediately confirmed the presence of an Excessive Red Dermographism reaction, especially on the right. Also, the patient reported scratching sensations in the lumbar region when I slightly pulled a fold of skin there. It indicated the presence of Connective Tissue Zones at the second level, i.e., in the superficial fascia.

The results of Kibler’s technique, the Sensory Test and the Dermographism reaction, in combination with lightheadedness, indicated an overactive Parasympathetic Division of the Autonomic Nervous System.

I took a picture of test results from his back, showed and explained to the patient the meaning presented in Fig. 1 as well as correlation of Autonomic Nervous System at the level of L2 to the function of Urinary Bladder. I explained to him the difference between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems and the possible response of his Peripheral Nervous System to a possible imbalance in their functions.

All the testing I did led me to believe that an imbalance in his Autonomic Nervous System may also have triggered secondary abnormalities in the function of the peripheral nervous system which showed as neurological pain in his knee. This was the most insight he had in two weeks of seeing various health practitioners. He was grateful and scheduled to come in for a session on Wednesday, 7/27/16.

FURTHER RESEARCH

The next morning, I called the patient to tell him that I thought it would be wise to see a urologist and make sure nothing was going on in his urinary bladder. He informed me that he had just left the urologist’s office. He then told me that he had been on Uroxatral for several years because of his enlarged prostate. Uroxatral helps relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. It is used to improve urination in men with an enlarged prostate.

The urologist thought that his medication may be over-relaxing the urinary bladder, and the doctor then switched his medication to Flomax. The urologist’s assumption additionally reinforced my original idea of an imbalance within the ANS.

I finally had some answers based on the information I had gathered so far. This looked to be a case of reflex zones formed in the soft tissues as a response to the chronic visceral pathology (enlarged prostate). Now it was time to develop a plan of action to get his Autonomic Nervous System back in balance and subdue the activity of the Peripheral Nervous System and get rid of the pain in the lumbar region, left leg, and knee.

With the help and guidance of my mentors, Jeff Wood, LMT, B.S. and Dr. Ross Turchaninov, MD, I was able to come up with a plan of action with protocols to address this case. I was advised to combine elements of protocols I previously used (Femoral Nerve Neuralgia, Lumbar Erectors and QL) in one session and concentrate on the skin and fascia more, as well as the application of Segment Reflex Massage.

I had just finished my first 24 hours of Medical Massage training in June, and now I was having to jump into visceral pathologies?! I was very nervous, eager, and overall hopeful to help this patient…I also wanted to test for myself and others if Medical Massage works!

THIRD SESSION (7/27/16)

Assessment

Dermographism Reaction to the Sensory Test is shown in Fig. 2. The Sensory Test in the area of the Femoral Nerve distribution was negative. The patient reported that the intensity of skin stimulation “feels the same on both thighs.” A Compression Test for femoral nerve involvement was positive. Tenderness along the Rectus Femoris and Vastus Medialis was present.

Treatment

The session did not start out as well as I had hoped. His pain was so intense that the sheets rubbing on his leg were causing pain. The patient was very anxious and uncomfortable. About 10 minutes into the massage, when working on the lumbar erectors using segment reflex massage, he had extreme pain in the left knee and was no longer able to lie prone.

We switched to the supine position, and I started to focus on adductors/quads with effleurage, kneading, Connective Tissue Massage, friction, skin rolling & lymph drainage. Again, it was extremely painful, and the patient wanted to stop. During PIR stretching of the quads, the left knee made a loud pop but caused no pain.

We went back to the prone position, and I was able to work on the erectors and QL, hip abductors and hamstrings. The patient stated he had almost fallen asleep. I finished with the patient in a side-lying position, working on the QL with some light PIR stretching.

When we ended, he did not feel pain, as pain was always constant. He was lightheaded at the end of the session. When he left the office, he was still limping out to his car. I checked in with him the next morning, and he stated that he had no pain relief. Unfortunately, I was leaving the country and would not be able to see him until 8/3/16.

BREAK

He saw a neurologist on 7/29 and got an epidural injection on 8/1/16. The neurologist suggested continuing with the therapy and advised him that he was not ready for surgery. I returned and followed up with my patient on 8/2, and he still had no relief, even with the epidural injection. We were set for him to start sessions in the office on 8/3 and 8/5. I knew he needed one more consecutive session on 8/7. I offered the Sunday session at his home for FREE, since my leaving the country had prevented the consecutive sessions needed for the course of Medical Massage.

I was advised by Dr. Ross to completely avoid provoking the pain-analyzing system in each area I was working on (inner thigh, quadriceps). In other words, to avoid ANY chance of pain generation in already hypersensitive areas. As Dr. Ross also mentioned: if the connective tissue is flared up, be sure not to activate that layer of tissue. Also, make sure the patient does light repetitive movements and stretches in the swimming pool. The reason a patient will feel better in the water is that the force of gravity is one of the main factors which affect muscle imbalance. Tense muscles will have less tension and will then irritate the nerve less if there is NO force of gravity.

FOURTH SESSION (8/3/16)

Assessment

Dermographism Reaction to the Sensory Test is shown in Fig. 3. It is slightly less prominent. Kibler’s technique showed that fibrotic bridges were shortened and tight bilaterally in the lower back.

Treatment

The session went much better. The patient reported that the change in prescription to Flomax was helping his urinary bladder function, especially with frequent urination during the night. For the first time, the patient was able to lie prone without pain in his knee.

For this session, I referred to Medical Massage Vol II (pages 270-279), as well as the protocols for Femoral Nerve Neuralgia and erectors/QL, while avoiding the adductors/quadriceps. I focused on the sacrum, hip abductors/flexors and iliotibial band with Connective Tissue Massage, skin rolling, manual vibration and friction.

The patient responded well to all techniques and reported no pain in the iliopsoas. I ended with PIR stretching – passive stretching of the ES group with the patient supine, stretching the lower back and both lower extremities. Then passive stretching of iliopsoas (Medical Massage, Volume I, Pg. 272, Fig. 186). The patient reported pain in the quadriceps. Note to continue pool exercises daily.

FIFTH SESSION (8/5/16)

Assessment

Dermographism Reaction is the same. Kibler’s technique confirmed that fibrotic bridges were still shortened and tight. The patient reported an improvement.

Treatment

Less pain and less irritation in the leg. Performed the same protocols. Added compression to the SI joints on the patient’s exhale. While working on the lumbar area, the patient fell asleep and stayed asleep for 30 minutes… snoring on the table.

This may have been the most rewarding session of my entire career! Ended the massage with PIR stretching. (Passive stretching of the lower back and both lower extremities.) Note to continue pool exercises daily.

SIXTH SESSION (8/7/16)

Assessment

The patient reported feeling 65% better. He reported that he could finally walk with his weight on his left leg. The patient’s gait looked much better, with no notable signs of limping. The patient stated he was able to sleep on his left side without pain in the leg, so his sleep had improved (sleeping 8 hours). The patient was no longer taking muscle relaxants. He was very happy and feeling much better.

Treatment

Performed the same protocols. Was able to work more on the quadriceps, but the adductors were still sensitive. Finished with PIR stretching. (Passive stretching of the lower back and both lower extremities.) Continuing pool exercises daily.

SEVENTH SESSION (8/10/16)

Assessment

Dermographism Reaction to the Sensory Test is shown in Fig. 4. The absence of the Dermographism Reaction with repetitive stimulation of L2 and neighboring dermatomes proved that balance within the ANS had been restored. This fact was confirmed by the results of Kibler’s technique, since the fibrotic bridges had lengthened and the tension in the first and second levels of Connective Tissue Zones had started to melt away. The patient had no pain with testing.

The patient was extremely happy and feeling much better. Less pain and tightness. Still sleeping well. The patient had had one acupuncture session but did not notice much difference. The patient had finally booked a trip that he was supposed to be enjoying all summer but, due to his circumstances, was not physically able to take. Patient still has trigger points in erectors and QL, but nowhere near as active and painful as a week ago.

Treatment

Performed the same protocols, continuing to focus on the skin and fascia. CTM as well, with high friction on the sacrum. Segment reflex in the thoracic and lumbar areas. Compression to the SI joints on the patient’s exhale. Work on the iliotibial band, quadriceps and hip abductors. Ended with PIR stretching.

EIGHTH SESSION (8/17/16)

Assessment

The patient had an entire week’s break in treatment and noticed that he was doing well. He had a little bit of pain in the lumbar area over the weekend from getting in and out of the car for his business. Nothing out of the ordinary or anywhere near as bad as a few weeks ago. There was still some sensitivity in the inner thigh. The patient had had another acupuncture session on 8/16 and noticed some relief in muscle tension. He was feeling 80-85% better and was so thankful. The patient was leaving the next day for a 3-week vacation. No abnormal Dermographism reaction on the skin was detected.

Treatment

Performed the same protocols. Worked with the patient in the side-lying position for a longer period of time, focusing on the QL using Connective Tissue Massage, skin rolling & friction along erectors, QL, hip abductors. Work to iliotibial band and quadriceps. PIR stretching of back extension with sheet. Patient reported no pain during stretch. PIR lateral flexion of QL, Rotation of QL.

Will keep in contact with the patient while he is on vacation. Will set up a maintenance session after 9/3/16. My patient is now a strong believer in the clinical power of Medical Massage.

CONCLUSION

I hope this case study will help other therapists. It has definitely changed my way of working and thinking as a massage therapist. This was my first big case involving Medical Massage. I was able to prove that it works and overall that I can do it.

My biggest asset was reading my Medical Massage textbooks, researching, watching the Video Library over and over on Medical Massage Courses & Certification, as well as reaching out to my mentors and asking questions about things I did not know or was unsure of.

I remember how nervous and discouraged I was when my patient did not get immediate results after 2 sessions. I am pleased that I was able to help him, with the help of Dr. Ross Turchaninov and Jeff Wood. I am so grateful for their guidance in helping me conquer this case.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Category: Case Studies

Tags: JMS 2016 Issue #3