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LMTs who have chronic pain issues

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LMTs who have chronic pain issues

I am a massage therapist with RA and spinal degeneration. I love what I do, but some days it is hard to even move. I wanted to start a support group for others in the same boat.

Members: 23
Latest Activity: Aug 15, 2018

Discussion Forum

Deep Tissue Burn Out 3 Replies

I do a lot of deep tissue work on my clients and I'm starting to feel the negative effects on my body. I was treated several years ago for a herniated disc at C7-T1 which led to hypertension in my…Continue

Started by Heather Moll. Last reply by Donna C. Agrinsonis, LMT Apr 1, 2010.

potential change of job duties? 4 Replies

I am interviewing for the director position of my massage program.  The owner is interviewing me first before deciding she will open up the position to the public.  I have the background to do the…Continue

Started by Kelly Grounds. Last reply by Kelly Grounds Mar 24, 2010.

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Comment by Massage sucks on August 15, 2018 at 3:38pm

My biggest problem is that I herniated a disk and pinched a nerve several decades ago. Interestingly enough I was fine until I turned off the shower... go figure.

All in all I am lucky to be walking.  What has helped me is spending hours upon hours stretching.  That is what I had to do initially.  i still have to stretch several times a week though, or the leg pain acts up again.

Comment by Angela Yates on September 15, 2010 at 9:27am
Thanks all - I have done the mediation, acupuncture, PT & massage (of course), Farinfared (blanket from NIKKEN and an hand held unit), magnets, 2 different new beds (Memory Foam and Sleep Number), Dr. suggested pillow, new shoes with orthotics. I have changed my diet (for over 6 years- vegan) with the help of a dietitian.
I am just not having any success with pain management. I don't want drugs that mask the pain. I was wondering if anyone has had the anterior fusion (self or client) and what are the post surgery results????
Comment by Darcy Neibaur on September 15, 2010 at 8:59am
The one item I bought for myself this year that seems to be working for me is a FarInfared BIOMAT. I love it. I sleep on it every night and so far so good. I bought the small one as they are pricey. The small one fits my whole back. www.biomat.com
Comment by Kelly Grounds on September 12, 2010 at 10:51pm
Angela, I am so sorry about your disc degeneration. That royally sucks! Have you tried any accupuncture? I bought a hand held electric accupuncture type stimulator on ebay. I keep it in my purse. It rocks. I've also been using the It Works wraps and gel--not for weight loss--but because they take down my inflamation. Four wraps are $50 and I cut them up and get more use out of them. I also take sulindac, which is a prescription anti-inflammatory. It helps. My problem is severe anemia and fatigue. I slept most of the weekend away.
I'd really get a second opinion about fusion surgery. Do they know what is causing the degeneration? Is it autoimmune? Or is it due to an injury that is snowballing the effect?
Comment by Angela Yates on September 12, 2010 at 8:16pm
I have C3-4 dics degeneration and C5-6 disc with a posterior protrusion that is effecting my right hand (due to an MVA in 2001). I have burning like my fingers have a sun burn. I have neuropathy and hypertonic muscles on the left side (shoulder and neck). I also suffer from swallowing problems and pain in pec minor and 1st rib & 10th rib protrusion. I have swelling in my fingers and my wrist is now starting to be painfull - making massage difficult.
My spine doctor & pain doctor both are suggeting anterior fusion of both levels. This would cause me to take 6 weeks off and have a neck brace. I have tried PT and receive massage weekly to aid with the pain with little change. I am an instructor and clinical supervisor and do a little massage currently. I am very worried of the long term effects of this type of fusion would have on my ability to do massage.
I have put this off for 8 years but the pain has increased in the last 6 months and the Lyrica and pain meds are not helping.

Any suggestions, feedback or ideas would be great: I have to do something because what I am doing currently is not helping and I am getting worse. I love massage and I do not want to give up this part of my life.
Comment by Marcia M Speer on August 6, 2010 at 10:26am
I have been dealing with horrible migraines due to past abuse & also heavy monthly's. I take medication daily for all & it affects me so much that there are days I cant see anyone. It affects my business & my family financially. Does anyone know anything else I can try besides the pain medication?
Comment by Kelly Grounds on March 22, 2010 at 6:31pm
I have a student who is currently enrolled who was basically 'told' by the other schools in the area not to pursue a massage career because she has Lupus. On the one hand, I'm surprised they didn't just take her money and tell her this after she was in the program. On the other hand, many of us come from "the wounded healer' past, so why would they discriminate her from any other potential student.
Comment by Lori Derr on March 21, 2010 at 6:29pm
I'm inspired by all the stories. When I was in school my instructors were worried that I would not be able to handle being a massage therapist due to the fact that I have Fibromyalgia. In fact, fibro is what led me to massage. After receiving massage and feeling the difference it made in my life I wanted to give some relief to others who also live in pain. Thanks for starting this forum, its nice to know I'm not alone.
Comment by Jeni Spring, LMT / Heeling Sole on February 25, 2010 at 11:26am

Classes available nationwide, check www.deepfeet.com for one near you
Comment by Kelly Grounds on November 25, 2009 at 10:46pm
You are so right Lynne! I also teach sports massage and just lectured my students on this again today. My current class is full of young people, like under the age of 30. All of them are healthy and athletic. It may be a few years before they actually "get it". ::LOL::
 

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