Migraines
for Massage Therapists
Migraine
Definition- A paroxysmal (occurring
repeatedly and without warning) neurological disorder with many signs and
symptoms.
- Trigeminovascular may involve serotonin
Causes - Unknown; possible central nervous
system disorder that produces secondary intracranial vasoconstriciton followed
by vasodilation.
- triggers: stress,
food, allergies, medication weather changes, auditory or olfactory stimuli,
hormones, postural dysfunction or abberrations
Signs/Symptoms - Family history -(70%)
- Moderate to intense pain 4-72 hours
- early morning onset common
- hypersensitivity to sound, light and smell
- nausea, vomiting
- cold extremities and sweating
- withdraw to dark, quiet room
- fatigued and drained afterwards
- with or without an aura (visual disturbance) found more in women
Special Tests/Contraindications
During Migraine, massage may be
contraindicated depending on symptoms. Do not cause vasodilation (no
heat or deep work) Avoid music, bright lights and fragrance
Treatment Plan - Increase Relaxation,
decrease pain. Prone may be poorly tolerated. Cold hydrotherapy to
head and neck. Hand and foot massage may be tolerated. Manual lymph
drainage. Release sub-occipitals. Triggerpoint
therapy.
Between attacks decrease sympathetic nervous
system firing, hot hydrotherapy, essential
oils (peppermint and lavender)
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