Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooSyringomyelia

Syringomyelia is when a fluid-filled cyst (called a syrinx) forms within the spinal cord. Over time, the cyst may get bigger, damaging the spinal cord and causing pain, weakness and stiffness, as well as other symptoms (NINDS, 2026).

There are several possible causes, but most cases are associated with a Chiari malformation. This is a condition where brain tissue at the bottom of the skull extends through the opening in the base of the skull (the foramen magnum) into the spinal canal, blocking the flow of fluid (NINDS, 2026; NHS, 2022). Other causes include spinal cord injuries, spinal cord tumours and damage from inflammation around the spinal cord (NINDS, 2026).

Some people have no symptoms. Syringomyelia is sometimes found by chance on an MRI scan done to look for other problems, such as disc problems or mechanical problems with the spine (NINDS, 2026). When symptoms do develop, they tend to come on slowly and can get worse over many years. If it is causing symptoms or getting worse, doctors usually recommend surgery, and delaying treatment may lead to permanent spinal cord damage (NINDS, 2026).

Syringomyelia Anatomy

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or medical team

Tips

• If the condition is causing ongoing neurological problems that limit your activities and mobility, a physical therapist can help develop an exercise programme to help with your symptoms. I can also help with a gentle exercise programme and hands-on care for the pain, stiffness and tight muscles that can come with it. See the My Approach tab for how I work.
• If you have long-term pain, speak with your doctor to discuss treatment options to help you manage it.
• Avoid straining activities, such as lifting heavy objects or jumping, as these can trigger symptoms (NINDS, 2026).

With syringomyelia, your neurologist or neurosurgeon leads the care: they decide on monitoring or surgery and what activity is safe for you. I work alongside that plan, focusing on the pain, stiffness, tight muscles and tiredness that can come with it. If you've had surgery, I need your surgeon's okay before any hands-on treatment.

I start each visit by asking how your symptoms have been, then assess how your neck, back and limbs move and do a neuro screen (sensation, reflexes and strength). This gives us a baseline, so we can both notice if anything changes.

Hands-On Care

• Slow, gentle massage for tight, aching muscles in the neck, shoulders and back, and for muscles that tighten up or spasm
• Gentle joint mobilisation and stretching for stiffness, with no sharp, fast or forceful movements, especially around the neck
• Lighter pressure where feeling is reduced, and only mild warm or cool applications
• Breathing and relaxation work to help with long-term pain
• Scar work once healed, if you had surgery

Staying Active

1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2026) Syringomyelia. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/syringomyelia (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
2. NHS (2022) Chiari malformation. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chiari-malformation/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).