Hands On Mobile Therapies

Sharon O’Carroll

Complementary Therapist

087 9515 534

 

 

 

Psoriasis

In 2008 I was fortunate enough to be employed by South Infirmary Victoria Hospital to treat 58 year old, Jimmy. This gentleman had psoriasis, MRSA, was prone to epileptic seizures, was in a compromised physical state and in a coma*.

 

Due to his MRSA status; on entering his room I had to gown & glove-up and wear a face-mask. I used the medium of Halden’s Balm - which is hypoallergenic (I didn’t want to jeopardise any interference with existing medical treatment or exacerbate his skin condition further). I massaged Jimmy’s accessible limbs  - depending on his positioning in the automatic bed- every second day for between 20 and 40 mins.

 

The gentle nature of the massage aided desquamation (removal of dead skin cells) and also aided circulation. The psoriasis completely cleared up, the MRSA sites significantly decreased in size and Jimmy’s muscles relaxed enough for staff to access various tubing more easily with less stress for him. His episodes of seizures dramatically decreased. I was lucky enough to receive recognition for my contribution to Jimmy’s care in the form of a letter of appreciation from Mr. Gerard O’Leary.

 

I feel this case study also emphasized to me the importance of touch.

 

This, I feel, is across the board - from any age and any capacity - paediatric ward to palliative care to respite homes. Having a treatment that is so personal yet perfunctory - regardless of awareness levels -

gives the client the sensory benefit that may have been lacking in an otherwise exemplary medical treatment.

 

*A nurse on duty used massage on Jimmy’s affected limbs and he slept through to morning without any incidence of seizure. When the Matron heard of this, she investigated the possibility of Jimmy having regular massage treatment .