Case Study – Kris * (not patients real name)
Kris presented to me a few months ago, along with his mother, who is also his carer. Kris is 50 years old and has XXXY Syndrome. His mental age was that of an 8 year old.
XXXY syndrome is a genetic condition, where individuals have two extra X chromosomes, there is a wide variety of symptoms associated with this syndrome, including cognitive and behavioural problems, taurodontism (enlargement of pulp chambers in the teeth), hip dysplasia and other joint issues. People with this disorder don’t often go through puberty as those without the condition, and often can have comorbidities such as diabetes.
Kris presented to me with shoulder pain. Kris’ ability to communicate is limited. We communicated via basic makaton and limited vocabulary. His mother gave consent for treatment to assist with the shoulder pain he was encountering, however it was also important that Kris knew what was happening too.
Initial assessment proved a challenge. My main priority, as with all patients, is to gain trust and rapport. We all talked about how cranial treatment may be best for Kris, to first help relax the nervous system, and then to treat the findings that were presented to me.
Laying in some positions caused Kris some discomfort, so this was addressed by changing how we approached the treatment. Sometimes this would be performed lying down, other times seated, often a mixture of both. Due to anxiety Kris would often play with a “fidget” during sessions. What was interesting to see is that as our treatment and sessions progressed, how these became used less and less.
Through cranial treatment we were able to not only calm down the nervous system, but bring improvements in the range of motion throughout the shoulder and reduce pain. A little rehab – mainly working on mobility of the joint was also put in place, with the emphasis on here as fun…dancing and prancing were key!
One is always concerned when basic communication is difficult. How can changes be monitored? WHat this case has shown me is the importance of rapport, the picking up of non verbal cues, the feedback from his carer and the change in Kris’ anxiety and cranial findings were simply amazing to watch unfurl.
Want to see how treatment can help you or a loved one? Drop me a message for a non obligatory chat to find out more and where I can answer any questions you may have.
With love
Em