Just wondering for those of you that have tried Myofascial release, trigger point therapy or some type of massage…
Does it make you more dizzy?
Just wondering, because I was dx with Cervicogenic Dizziness ( which I agree with) But keeping options open…
And I did my first PT visit with a Cervicogenic specialist, just a PT that has dealt with this alot over the years and specializes in Vestibular Rehab.
So during and after, here I am 6 hours later, and still feel more dizzy. I feel like this agree’s with the dx. Just thought I would see
if any MAVers get more dizzy during muscle work.
I’ve had myofacial release done and had differing results. The same has applied with massage in general. Sometimes it has worked well and I feel quite good the next day (when symptoms are low) and other times it has caused me to feel quite bad for 2-3 days. The pressure the guy uses on me has to be medium to light. If they really pummel the muscle then it is more likely to set me off, especially around the neck and shoulders.
Definitely worth a look though if you have lots of neck tension stuff going on from this junk.
I mostly find massage pretty helpful both to undo the knots and general relaxation. Sometimes it can make me feel ‘weird’ and induce false sensations of movement. I had a massage last week and even though she was massaging me in a horizontal direction(i.e. neck to base of spine) I felt like the massage table was gliding back and forth vertically. Very weird. When I opened my eyes the sensation stopped.
I actually inquired about this. After a massage (deep tissue etc.) I tend to be dizzy that day and the day after. I was told by both the chiropractor and the massage therapist that this is a common occurrence after a massage if you don’t drink enough water. The deep tissue work has potential to release stored toxins and your body needs the water to flush them out.
Worth a shot!
Sarah
Have had physio from a raange of physiotherapists. Cranio sacral made me dizzier & any neck message resulted in migraine. Trigger point for pain by shoulder blade was good - the physio taught me how to do that myself using a tennis ball against the shoulder blade & wall, finding the trigger spot & putting pressure on that - worked well! The best physio treatments I’ve had was by an Holistic Physiotherapist whose touch is so light I could hardly feel it but great results. My dizziness improved for the rest of the afternoon. Unfortunately she lives an hour away so I don’t get to see her often.
Barb
Thanks for the comments, I thought maybe it was more of a clue that it was cervicogenic dizziness. But not really.
So I guess I will give PT a fair go, and if no improvement, may need to start meds. I just didn’t want to, because my
only choices were Propranolol or Effexor… boo
I had trigger point injections in my head, neck and face this summer. One of the worst experiences of my life. It hurt more than the spinal taps, C-Sections, just about anything else I’ve been through. it was just awful. I had an insane migraine the next day. I never went back for the next round. I had about 30 injections in all. That night I was in so much pain from all the nerves being stimulated in my body that I almost went to the ER. I’m not saying don’t do it, I’m just saying it is no walk in the park.
That sounds awful Elisha, I was talking more of the massage type trigger point therapy, as well as myofascial release.
I ask, because Im already doing some things, and it makes me more dizzy.
Yes, massage and trigger point release is a very tricky thing. Often when you or your massuer release one trigger point it will send referred pain to another connected part of your body. Often my massage therapist says that he ends up “chasing” the pain or discomfort as it moves throughout the body. Its very frustrating when your neck feels better after a massage or trigger point, but then you start having a new pain in your neck, shoulders arms etc.
I believe that a similar thing is happening with the dizziness symptoms. As one point is released, another is affected and you may in fact end up feeling more dizzy for a period of time. I think the key is having a consistent massage therapist that you go to regularly, so you can “chase” and release each point as it contributes to your symptoms.
Also check for trigger points in your Sternocleidomastoid muscles. Claire Davies (“The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook”) states that dizziness symptoms can often be attributed to imbalances in these key neck muscles. I’ve worked on these muscles off and on with mixed results.