a community of practitioners

MLD and neuropathy

I was wondering if anyone has had experience using MLD to work with anyone who has neuropathy? My father has chronic shingles with has caused extensive neuropathy in his arms. They either feel 'pins and needles' or numb, nothing in between. It keeps him awake at night. I have never worked on my dad before and I'm trying to collect some information on various techniques I might use for him. MLD and MFR seemed to leap into my brain first.
Thanks!
Kelly

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Angellynnn on October 8, 2009 at 9:57am

I would try Chinese Meditative Massage!

Permalink Reply by Carol J McDaniel on October 13, 2009 at 11:13pm

I think MFR and MLD/LDT would be ideal in this situation (keeping MLD session short). I have found with many clients that a mis-diagnosis of neuropathy was given and the numbing/pins and needles could be due to swelling, scarring, and soft tissue restriction on the nerves and circulation. Hope this helps!

Permalink Reply by Kelly Grounds on October 14, 2009 at 5:41pm

Angellyn,
I don't know Chinese Meditative massage, and I doubt my father would try it anyway. I'll have one shot to convince him massage can help him and isn't a waste of life. ::LOL:: He's of the mindset that massage is either for sailors who want the happy endings, or rich housewives looking to be pampered. Sad, but that is the reality.

Permalink Reply by Dolores on September 5, 2010 at 6:15pm

Hi There Kelly

I just joined; i saw your post and wanted to share with you; I perform my MLD on pallative/hospice patients; I find the biggest factor with neuropathy is it is due alot from the swelling like Carol had stated. If a patient previously had neuroapthy in the past it will enhance with swelling and if they did not and get neuropathy symptoms; it is generally misdiagnosed as just "neuropathy. Light compression after MLD is wonderful / Skin care/ mild version of MLD and light compression; you can use kerlix rolls they are very light. It can take up to a week for it to start decresing in pain. I also teach self care; which is very important in between my sessions. Patients can also experience sharp shooting pain that comes from no where and it usually last for a minute or less and goes away; generally this type of pain is when the fluid is trying to release back into the circluatory system.