Thus far, between the 6/11/2019 – to date, I’ve had 7-8 treatment sessions. So instead of dragging the posts too long unnecessarily, Im going to summarize the main crux into a few chapter.
Dr structured a program wherein each session she focuses on one particular aspect and slowly builds on by introducing more stretches and “exercises” as we move along. Once the target is completed, we’ll do general maintenence follow ups thereafter, as required.
First she commenced with the:
Suboccipital muscles
“Because while you’re sitting, I can already see how badly swollen and angry they are” 😂🙈
Suboccipital muscles spasms and misalignment is caused mainly by incorrect posture – in my case it’s the part of sleeping upwards. Bending the head over while reading, writing, typing, slouched sitting at a computer as well.
Whip lash in an accident etc, all play a role.
She worked with caution in finding the exact trigger points that caused the migraine so as not to aggravate another part of my condition while treating another thing.
“We have to be careful, because depending on the location of the migraine.. The trigger points are usually further down or up… So if you work on the wrong area, it can actually trigger another full blown migraine and we don’t want that happening”
She “scanned” everywhere first before starting.
Trapezius muscle – abbreviated as “Traps”
She gave me additional tips to prevent the muscles from going into extreme frequent spasms… Including extra general tips for other parts of my condition. Not muscle related.
Trapezius muscle stretch:
“Gently pull your head forward with your chin toward your neck as if you were nodding. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds”
Side stretch:
“Gently pull your head to the side so your ear approaches the opposite shoulder – as if you’re looking down under your armpit. Hold it for 30 seconds. Switch sides“
This stretch is also best done by wetting a face cloth with hot water and then applying it onto the area while stretching. The warmth penetrating through, releases stiffness faster and gets the blood circulating around the area better.
⚠️ She advised me not to bend my neck back. I told her I noticed that I become dizzy when I tilt my head right back.. Then she explained the reasons for me not to do so.. But I forgot 🙈 because there was so much we spoke and I didn’t take notes or record 🙈 but will ask her again.
Carotid sinus
⚠️ Only rub one side of the carotid sinus, not both at the same time because it will confuse the nervous system. It won’t know whether it should slow down or accelerate the systems activity.
Typing this now, I can’t recall why was I told to sometimes rub either one. Need to double check on that as well.
Sleeping posture changes
I showed her the way I sleep and then she made the following adjustments:
A pillow on either side of me. One next to the back and one next to the chest infront. So whichever side i turn, there’s a pillow for support.
When the body realises it has something to lean back against for extra support, it will automatically expand outwards.
If not, it tends to crouch into the fetal position which causes restriction on the chest and upper muscles.
Besides the neck cushion, a little towel was also folded and placed beneath the edge of my head for extra support. By excluding this pillow, the head inclines more forward and muscles stiffen.
I am habitual of sleeping with a pillow in between the legs at the knee area, since Dr Yasser Motala advised us to do so many years ago. She recommended the same.
If possible to keep the lower leg straight and the upper leg slightly bent so that the lower back muscles are able to stretch out well.
General body stretch
To lay flat with 1 towel rolled under the neck and another rolled out below the spine – in a T shape basically. It allows the body to expand outwards.
This has to be done 3 times a day or according to how long I can manage to breathe while lay flat.
Then while laying in the same T shape position, place hands on the upper chest – Deep breathing – inhale, exhale… The point is to make the diaphragm push out when exhaling, not the upper accessory muscles.
Upper accessory breathing muscles
Are only meant to step in and play their part during a dire need, such as intense physical training or activity – running a marathon etc. Not during usual daily tasks.
Swimming Through The Waves 