[mpforbes]

I have a patient who is 8 years post radiation for head/neck cancer and is now cancer free but has cervical dysfunction and is excessively restricted in anterior cervical musculature. Is there any reason to NOT needle the SCM and deep cervical muscles from anterior approach.

[Frank Gargano]

I do not know if you are Advanced trained or not but needling the anterior points as described in the Advanced is important. Certainly the SCM is safe and valuable. When you say anterior cervical musculature that makes me think you mean longus colli/capitus and I would caution against that unless you have other training to needle them.

[Sarah Gold PT, OCS]

I have a patient that is 30 years post radiation on the cervical and thoracic region. He has crystalized lung restrictions from this treatment and although this has not been diagnosed in the surrounding musculature, palpation of the traps and upper scapular muscles feel nearly like bone. There is a clear distinction in the tissue that has been damaged by the radiation. This significantly limits his cervical and thoracic ROM. Are there any contraindications to needling over these muscles? Has anyone else needled this type of tissue?

[Sarah Gold PT, OCS]

I am taking the Advanced course this year so I just treated the points we learned in the initial class and had great results. His ROM, pain, and posture improved considerably. I am looking forward to the Advanced course to help him even more. Thank you!

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