Extreme muscle guarding in the back

[Nathen]

I have a client who is displaying some extreme muscle guarding on the entire right side of his back into the glutes and upper hamstring. If I don't massage at a snails pace over these areas the entire side contracts somewhat violently. What do you think is going on here. He is currently coming to see me because of neck pain on the right side. Whenever I get the area somewhat relaxed it seems I accidently move a little too fast and set of the jump contraction. He says he has been jumpy like this for about 15 years. He and his wife cannot sleep together because if she inadvertently touches his back in her sleep he jumps and wakes up. Help! He seems emotionally stable and can't recall any serious back injuries in his past. Any thoughts? Thank you

 

[azninvasion]

Extreme muscle guarding in the back

I have a client with a very mild case of Cerebral Palsy. Not noticable (to me) except that she jumps every time if she isn't expecting contact. The more tender the area, the more guarded. It helps when I keep a hand on her to avoid surprise touches, but even so, she will still jump. We both know this is a given and we accept that it is going to happen. But, she relaxes much more when I use hot stones to warm the area.

Maybe that would help your client. Since he's been doing this for years, maybe it's an ingrained reflex action on his part and if you get him totally relaxed, he and his muscles will let down their guard?

 

[qwerqwer]

Extreme muscle guarding in the back

Do you have any training in gentle Myofascial Release?

Just resting your hands on the tightened area and waiting for it to soften can make a huge difference. Cross-handed is probably best for a large area but don't force your hands apart. Just be patient and let your hands sink into their tissue - it might take several minutes. You can make lasting change this way.

 

[G S]

Extreme muscle guarding in the back

Has this client seen a neurologist? It is not the muscles doing the guarding, but the CNS. The muscles are responding to signals from the brain. A neurological evaluation may provide some answers to this client and perhaps provide for a long-term solution.