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October 21, 2004

Massage, Migraines and Ice

My coworker and I both suffer with migraine headaches. She and I know enough about our symptoms to control them with medication. Working with each other we've found definite patterns concerning tension related to migraines.

We find that migraine sufferers commonly have tension down the neck, into the shoulder and between the shoulder blades on the side that the headache occurs. There is typically a primary knot, commonly in the neck, where the majority of pain settles.

Traditionally I've used deep tissue therapy and heat to try and strip out muscle tension. Lately, I've been having a good effect with ice, but this does not completely eliminate the most protracted tension knot. I have found a way to melt away those most tenacious of knots using Craniosacral Therapy.

I address the knot with a gentle deep tissue hold combined with a variation on the direction of energy hold. Using my free hand I feel for a "hot spot" on the head, commonly in an area of referred pain and always along a suture. With that same hand, I engage the connective tissue under the skin surface and follow it into the direction of ease. As this is occurring, the tenacious knot begins to shift under my other hand. I follow the knot into the direction of ease. The tissue can shift position, shape, change texture, or soften all together. Sometimes I follow the knot down the neck and into the shoulder. This takes time and practice, but the results are great.

When I finished with my coworker, her affected shoulder and neck were softer and more supple than her unaffected side. Normal color had returned to her face, and the obvious strain of her discomfort had disappeared.

Posted by linda at October 21, 2004 8:33 AM