For someone who has been through the traumatic experience of losing a limb, phantom pain can come as quite a secondary shock. Symptoms of phantom pain in an area of the body that has been amputated are similar to the type of pain experienced before the loss, including cramping and tingling. These symptoms can occur often and may last long periods of time. Other than painkillers, there aren’t many treatment options available through western medicine, which makes bodywork therapy a valuable alternative.
There are many massage modalities that can offer relief to someone suffering from phantom pain. Any technique involving muscle relaxation should be applied in order to reduce tension that may be a cause of the pain. Enhancing circulation through both acupressure and energy work can help to reduce pain, which will greatly benefit clients.
In addition to massage therapy, other alternative therapies can offer much-needed relief. Since phantom pain is believed to stem from the brain, stimulating the central nervous system with acupuncture can have a very positive effect.
Due to the unclear nature of this condition, phantom pain is commonly thought to be a psychological problem. For the many people suffering from phantom pain every day, it is very real, and unfortunately traditional western medicine can do little to help them. Pain medications can only offer so much relief, and the benefits last only a short time. Rather than masking pain, alternative therapies can offer valuable support in dealing with this mysterious condition. Teaching your clients ways to relieve the intensity of their pain through energy therapies will help them better cope with phantom pain.
Read more about phantom pain and massage and learn what you can do as a bodyworker to help your clients relieve its symptoms.
Source: www.ezinearticles.com
