My sister is a massage therapist and I want to ask her to give me a massage, but I'm hesitant because of the startle reflex I have. Has anyone been to one, and was your startle reflex a problem during the session? I ask because a massage therapist did a demonstration on me once, and I startled all the way through it. Do you think it would help if I would ask my sister to tell me when she is going to move her hands around? I'm not sure if that would disrupt the relaxing atmosphere, though.

You know, I've never went to one because I always thought it would hurt or be uncomfortable... I'm sure a trained therapist would be better but usually if people give me massages it hurts after a few minutes and I know from personal experience trying to learn deep breathing and relaxation that if I can force myself to relax, all of my tight muscles get this very weird annoying feeling.

Yet I never even thought about the startle reflex, such a good point! I get really jumpy if people touch me... I say give it ago, after all she is your sister. If it works out for you; great, fanatastic—and if it doesn't at least you tried. You never know.

my husband (who has CP) has not been to a massage therapist, but I (who don't have CP) have.
However, myhusband does like massages and seems to need at least one a day, especially in the morning to loosen up those stiff muscles. Just "tickling' his back (lightly moving fingers up and down his back) works for him (but i'm sure it would drive others crazy).
Me, i have been to a massage therapist, even though it's been awhile. I remember that the therapist talked to me while he was massaging. He use a soft voice which i found to be relaxing.

I say go for it!! give it a try!
YOur sister probably is at least somewhat familiar with you situation. Explain to her about your startle reflex, and ask her to tell you before she moves to a different body area. If she speaks softly that shouldn't ruin the relaxing mood.
Have fun and enjoy!

I agree. If you do get one, get it from your sister since she will most likely be the most accomodating. Although, I see no reason why other LMTs would not be willing to speak in a soft voice, etc. to avoid your startle reflex. :)

I started massaging my son with cp when he was a small baby, because he was so stressed and tight. It was very helpful. Now 25, we didnt know he had cp until 16.

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Here's a few things I have learned from working on him:

Gentleness!!! His sensitivity level is heightened, so just gently and slowly touching or caressing his back and shoulders really helped him relax. After all we all know how touch makes us feel.

Gradually, I was able to increase the pressure, to what a massage therapist would call a very light touch.

3 drops of Lavender oil in oil for the massages made his experience and response even better.

If he goes for physical therapy and they cause pain, it remains until the next session, and results in no benefit.

So please enjoy, but begin very very gently, to see what your body likes.

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