PRACTITIONER VOICE
Integrating Manual Therapy with Movement and Coaching :
A Case Study of Changing Mindset
Donna Eddy | BHS TCM , Grad Dip Counselling & Psychotherapy , DIP HSc RM , CIV Pilates , CIV Workplace Training & Assessment , Cert Paediatric Shonishin & Shiatsu , Cert Electromyography & GemT Dry Needling , Cert Z-Health & FMS / FSMA .
CASE DETAILS
Female 49 years
Presenting condition : Frequent bouts of low back pain and spasming . The patient takes meds and goes to bed for a day or three . She has general fatigue and soreness . The patient had been treated by several practitioners and had many appointments per week . Her day-to-day living revolved around appointments and medication . She wanted to resolve her pain and not be ‘ stuck in bed 2-3 days per week ’, to reduce pain medication and make some progress with life and relationships . She wanted to be pain-free ( or at least have less pain ) and to be more productive at home and in business . She felt mentally overwhelmed and frustrated by not having any improvements , which culminated in her decisive action to take a new approach .
Past history : Multiple traumas in her life , including loss of parents when she was young and then termination of pregnancy due to congenital issues at 32 weeks in her first pregnancy 12 years ago . Elhers-Danlos Syndrome and osteoporosis , both diagnosed 15 years ago , coeliac disease diagnosed 10 years ago , suspected endometriosis .
Medications : Initially the patient reported Sertraline , Valium , Panadeine Forte , Panadeine Osteo , THC Oil and Neurone Plus . Under the supervision of her psychologist , she transitioned from Sertraline which she had been taking for 13 years to Effexor 185mg .
Occupation : Self-employed . Working for herself allowed flexibility , yet she was often ‘ foggy ’ from medication and fatigue from frequent appointments was taking its toll .
Family history : Close personal relationships were suffering , business suffering from her health condition .
Her relationships with her immediate family were strained and interrupted by her frequent stints in bed .
Observations : The patient did not appear to be ‘ connected ’ to her body ( interception poor ) and any suggestion to connect inwards was countered with avoidant eye gaze and posture drawing away , along with starting a discussion about something not related . Her self-confidence , trust in her own body and ability to help herself were almost non-existent at the start . She was at her wit ’ s end , at a loss as to where to start and was also tired of seeking help and not progressing / resolving her pain , which affected her participation in and quality of life .
Postural Assessment : Trauma posture of lumbar spine ‘ stuck ’ in extension and diaphragm in exhalation . Soft lax body and hyperextended knees , pronating ankles and feet .
222 | vol29 | no4 | JATMS