temporal arthritis

[blinkinbubbles]

Hi all,
I am hoping to do an indian head massage course in the not to distant future and was wondering if temporal arthritis is contraindicated for treatment?, I often give my father reflexology that he loves and was hoping to get this to try out on him as wel. Any feedback much appreciated

[Jabba The Hut]

I would say 'do it' but avoid the area that is affected as it may become sore or cause pain if you use a bit too much pressure. My OH had TA, but after a few years (yep - years) on steroids he is now pain free, with occasional twinges that are controlled with plain old paracetemol. It is a part of his life that he never wants to repeat - I so know what your Dad is going through.

[Bunchie]

Hi there

I have TA and polymyalgia. Well, I would say don't treat. Even if the condition is kept under control with steroids, which i guess it is, there may still be inflammation, I would avoid treating with IHM. You could go lightly over certain areas and adapt the treatment but speaking as someone with this condition, the last thing I would do is book myself an Indian Head Massage! Ask your course tutor, bearing in mind TA is fairly uncommon, on my course we were told contraindication was Epilepsy and I think that's all.

I would say Reflexology is a much better option for him

good luck with the course, I'm sure you'll enjoy it

[blinkinbubbles]

Thank you both for the replies, I guess I was right to question given such conflicting answers! Dad's been like this and on alot of steroids for aprox 8 years, and while undergoing courses of reflexology treatment his tablets are normally reduced, which is good. Trouble is he wont stop smoking (like a chimney!!!) and it's definetly not doing him any favours. He enjoys the reflexology and helps greatly with his circulation.

[CarolineN]

Originally Posted by blinkinbubbles

Thank you both for the replies, I guess I was right to question given such conflicting answers! Dad's been like this and on alot of steroids for aprox 8 years, and while undergoing courses of reflexology treatment his tablets are normally reduced, which is good. Trouble is he wont stop smoking (like a chimney!!!) and it's definetly not doing him any favours. He enjoys the reflexology and helps greatly with his circulation.

May I suggest the advice of a nutritional therapist could make all the difference. There are dietary strategies that can reduce inflammatory levels and this along with the reflexology may make life easier for him.

[blinkinbubbles]

He knows what he should be doing, I've told him a million times, but some people just refuse to help themselves I'm affraid! But thanks for the advice, but with him I bang my head against the wall and just try to make it as comfortable for him as possible, yet he does little to help himself.