Neuralgia can be difficult to live with. I get it how hard it is, not just for the sufferer but for the ones around them too. IT IS important to have a neuralgia patient empathy and professionalism as the massage therapist. If you are going to make a massage for someone with neuralgia, we see how to let it be done safely and effectively.
Neuralgia: What You Need to Know
Before we jump you in on the topic, let us quickly get you familiar with what neuralgia actually is. Neuralgia is a severe, often stab-like pain caused by damaged or irritated nerves. It can feel like a shooting or burning pain, and may be constant or come and go. Neuralgia can take place in several areas of your body, including your face, neck or even your arms and legs. For other clients, their skin may feel so hot that they feel it is on fire or it might feel tingling hot with a very uncomfortable sensation. But this also means the need for sensitivity and a gentleness in honoring their pain.
Massage for neuralgia does not aim to “cure” the disease, but to make us more comfortable. Using the proper technique while giving the massage can also help reduce your muscle tightness that surrounds the nerves that are likely causing the pain. However, it is always important to maintain dialogue with your client, asking if they are in any distress, if they are comfortable, etc. It should all be with the goal of their comfort and relief, you are there to offer them support.
Creating a Calming Environment
The ambient context you establish is as important as technique when providing service to the person with neuralgia. Always the room is warm and welcoming. I always ensure my clients are comfortable and warm as neuralgia can sometimes make you sensitive to temperature. Having the lighting soft, playing some gentle music, and putting them on a clean, smooth massage table will definitely help them unwind. If they are more relaxed, they will react better to your massage.
I also check in with my clients on any needs or requests. For example, a weighted blanket or some essential oil. Adjustments of their comfort matter even a little. The first step in getting a person with neuralgia to relax is to establish trust and familiarity.
Choosing the Right Techniques for Neuralgia Relief
Less is often more when it actually comes to massaging someone with neuralgia. Because their pain can actually be made worse by deep tissue or deep pressure, I use gentle, light strokes. Swedish or similar light effleurage can be helpful as long, gentle strokes pull blood to the skin surface and promote relaxation without causing more pain.
Start with Gentle Effleurage
Long, gliding strokes will make up your effleurage, which is just a fancy word for long, gliding strokes that facilitate circulation and relaxation. My techniques are very gentle, working far from the source of the pain, initially. The gentleness of this approach allows me to feel out how deep the client can go into their breath and body. Only if they are fine with some more pressure from me.
Add Trigger Point Therapy (With Caution)
If there are specific places my client tends to have muscle tightness or spasms, I may apply a very gentle and light trigger point therapy. Nevertheless, this approach has a lot of carefulness with neuralgia. I gently work the tight areas around, but not on, the painful nerve area. I hold the pressure for a moment and then release, making sure to check in with the client the whole time. This method may indirectly relax muscle tension surrounding the nerve without irritation.
Use Hot and Cold Compresses
I make use of cool or warm compresses previous to the massage for individuals who like it soothing. This can help prepare those muscles and ease any discomfort. Heat helps relax muscles and increases blood flow, while cold compresses can act to reduce some inflammation. This technique is not one I use on all occasions (some clients are particular) so I always check before incorporating that technique. Just a note: temperature should be moderate, as high or very cold temperatures can aggravate the neuralgia.
Communicating Throughout the Session
While communication is an integral part of every massage, it becomes even more vital with a neuralgia client. Pain is sporadic–what may feel okay one minute may be far too painful the next. I make it a point to always check in with my clients, making sure they are comfortable, and adjusting my techniques and pressure when necessary. Keep in mind, it’s not just about “getting through” the session, it’s about making those milestones feel comfortable and supported with each step of the way!
Get your client to open up about their pain. Maybe don′t feel comfortable telling you some thing is off. I remind them that the session is theirs — that their feedback is essential and they are in charge of the session. This method establishes trust, enabling a more efficient, tailored massage session.
Aftercare for Neuralgia Massage Sessions
After treatment, aftercare is equally as important. If someone with neuralgia has a session, often they might feel a little tender or tired afterwards. So I always tell my clients to drink water afterwards even if they are still full, as this helps to flush out all the toxins released by the massage. Gentle stretching and rest can also do wonders, giving their body the chance to heal and unwind.
I also give clients some easy stretches they can do at home to loosen the muscles surrounding the nerves that are affected. If you experience tenderness after the massage, and it especially happens right after the massage, then a warm bath with Epsom salts sometimes may be the best option. I then give them some aftercare tips to keep up the self-care journey outside of the session.
Self-Care Tips Between Sessions
For clients who have neuralgia every day of their life, I give some very gentle self-care suggestions they can try in between sessions. Which helps manage the symptoms and get better their quality of life. Gentle stretching, mindfulness techniques, and using hot packs are incredibly useful tools in the management of pain. Deep breathing exercises and meditation could help calm the body and alleviate your nerve pain.
Remind them to listen to their body and to refrain from doing anything that could potentially aggravate their pain. Self-care is not a luxury, it is a responsibility. Daily, small practices can help them feel more empowered in their pain. Give them a reminder that neuralgia is tough but they do not have to do this alone. Whether through regular massage, or other forms of care, relief and support are bound.
Final Thoughts on Massage for Neuralgia
It is something special to have clients who have neuralgia. Bringing consciousness to people’s dogma requires a gentle hand, compassion and a shit ton of patience. With a little bit of care, mindfulness, and tenderness, you can temporarily help ease some of the suffering they may be feeling. We are not aiming for immaculate, we aim to provide comfort and to make a difference to their day!
And always ask your healthcare provider if you are thinking about a massage for neuralgia. This guarantees massage will be a safe option, since every individual varies in the severity of the condition and their tolerance of the symptoms.
If you’re interested in learning more about massage therapy or seeking relief for neuralgia, Step Above Massage is here to help. You can explore our services or book a session through our website at Step Above Massage.
