what massage strokes would you use to treat a client with scoliosis?

Answer 1

As a massage therapist, I was able to straighten scoliosis by concentrating differentially on the overly contracted and overly relaxed muscles.

Do not massage the muscles which are lax. They do not need to be lengthened. Instead, concentrate only on the muscles that are overly contracted helping to maintain the curvature.

I found that using deep, cross friction and stretching help. Also try to work the muscle in a shortened state, if possible.

If you concentrate on the "Hard as Rock" muscles of the back, as they relax, the curvature will also lessen.

Answer 2

My masseuse always used a thing called the raindrop technique on my cousin. Seemed to help him out fairly well, it combines aromatherapy, detoxifing along the spine, and light massage. It goes off the theory that scoliosis was caused by a build up of toxins and bacteria\viruses that collected along the spine when a person was little, so it works to try and remove these things that are there now. For more information look up the kit for the technique on this website https://www.youngliving.org/Gramora or contact the Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education (CARE) for more information.

Answer 3

Deep tissue work of any type may be helpful. You need to find the specific major muscle contractures and work them to the limit of the patient's pain tolerance. Common muscles that may be involved include the quadratus lumborum, multifidies, and ilio-psoas. Compensatory contractures may also develop in the intercostal muscles, the external and internal obliques, and the rectus abdominus. If these are present and not released, they can maintain the chronic adaptive pattern. Lastly, I would also evaluate and treat any imbalances in the hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors and gluteal muscles.

Simple, deep goading of tightened muscles (especially if triggerpoints are present) can be very effective. Patient tolerance (and therapist's endurance) will be the limiting factors.

You may also want to recommend several nutritional supplements to help with the detoxification that will be a byproduct of such work. Vitamin C, and E, lipoic acid and NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine), Magnesium Citrate, Calcium citrate and a quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement may be very helpful. Additionally, extra Vitamin D is often needed to maintain healthy muscle function - so a daily 1000 IU supplement of cholecalciferol (D3) in addition to the meager amount in the multi would be a good idea.

Best wishes and good luck.