Hi Everyone,
Silly question but I am desparate for some help.
I currently treat an elderly lady (aged 92) who suffers from extremely swollen knees and yes I do have GP permission to treat. Unfortunately, whilst she is feeling the benefits of the massage she is very concerned that the swelling is not draining off at all. She is extemely worried and I obviously want to put her mind at rest - her main worry is that her mother was bed-ridden for the last ten years of her life (dying at 102 years).
I am doing all the regular movements across the legs and knees but wonder if anyone knew of any more unusual moves that may help.
Thanks in advance
Destreserai
RE: Swollen Knees on OAP
Hi Distresaria what has she told you regards the onset of her condition?
Is she helping herself with R I C E ect? Is the swelling reduced after your massage or will you need to refer her to a MLD OR VODDER technique therapist(they specialize in drainage techniques). Has a physio checked the pattela tracking (you will be highly unlikely to be effective if muscle imbalance is affecting patella tracking).
steve
RE: Swollen Knees on OAP
Hi. Sometimes we need to refer on to others.
I would try to help, but if I wasn't getting anywhere I would refer her on. Possible treatment would be acupuncture. Also you could advise getting her checked out by an osteopath.
I'm lucky as at our clinic, which I own with an osteopath, we have all therapists and therapies so we do this a lot. You can still carry on treating her, but sometimes we have to accept that there are other ways.
Hope that helps.
RE: Swollen Knees on OAP
Ps. Just a thought. Are you making sure you open up the lymphatic area at the top of the leg first? You need to do that before you do the knees.
RE: Swollen Knees on OAP
Thanks everyone for your help. Yes I am doing all I can to induce drainage. She has spoken to her doctor about her condition who assures her that it is just one of those things brought on by old age. Inconsiderate I know and probably not the best way to reassure a patient who is very concerned for her age.
Anyway, i am persevering as she enjoys the treatment and is reluctant to be treated by someone she does not know. (It took me weeks of chatting to her before even I could treat!!!!)
I'll let you know what if any progress I make.