A new massage client had a history of vertigo and migraines. After about $20,000 worth of tests, she had been diagnosed with post-viral balance disorder and sent to a balance clinic. Her therapy was consistent: Flashing lights, juggling balls and teeter-totter devices.
Hey, I offered, the important thing is that all the scary things had been checked and ruled out (there’s a big scary list that goes with vertigo and migraines, stuff such as brain tumors and multiple sclerosis,) info I did not share.
I went right for her history. Any car accidents? Yes, a big one 8 years ago with lots of whiplash and torsion. No soft tissue therapy. The fractures took priority.
Ok. Let’s give this a try.
I put the lower half of the massage table down two notches, and she was able to get on the table supine. I went after the anterior trapezial “nausea points” and the headaches points in the ligamentum nuchae. Her vertigo retreated, as did the migraines. Encouraged, I also massaged the masseter and infra-hyoids.
“I think we may be on to something,” I said.
A massage chair is really good for back pain. It is cheap to have a massage in a vending massage chair.