Chronic Pain Support Group
Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...
Last month when I was here in Las Vegas I had an AWFUL massage. It was a male therapist and he used his arm & not hands, and my back got covered in black/blue marks. So it was with trepidation that I made another appointment as I'm back but at a different hotel. I told the lady massage therapist what had happened last month, and wow, I'm having a great day as far as pain goes.
I have RSD in my left foot & leg so I always wear a string or in this case, a cheap but cute plastic butterfly bracelet that my 4 yr old won me at Chuck E Cheese. But it's been my back, of late, that has added to my pain. I also tend to hunch my shoulders forward b/c of too-large chest and the fact that I type for a living.
Today, I learned that a really good and informed massage therapist can really make a difference. She listened to me (how often is THAT happening?) and I spent 50 minutes getting my neck, shoulders, back & arms massaged. She also encouraged me to do stretches like my old Physical Therapist did, and helped me stretch out a bit. I got her name so I can get her again next trip.
But my point is, the RSD was going crazy in the cold weather. I was having a flare when I left and wow, the warmer weather sure did work well! So my pain level in my foot/leg, after 2 days here, was cut down to about a 2! Part of that is not having to walk around a lot and having more time to relax (I had one meeting per day.) But my back had been in spasm for days. I was taking tylenol and my muscle relaxers but I couldn't even get comfy in the big pillowtop 5 star bed.
Today, as she massaged my shoulders, and near the rhomboid muscles, she had me move my arm a certain way and then wham- she found the deepest sore spot I had & went to work. The relief was extraordinary! She explained that it takes awhile to be able to get to that area & she DID have to arrange my arm a certain way, and work on the nearby muscles. But when she hit it, I felt almost an emotional response, like, "OMG- that's IT!" The pain that had been radiating from that point was intense & had gone on for soooo long. After she was finished, I was almost in tears. She LISTENED to me and she released a knot that was causing my entire back to hurt like crazy. Then she did it on the other side!
This might sound weird but I am now determined to get more massages. I never realized how much pain could be relieved. I do know that it's not the answer for everyone, and she can't do a thing for my RSD but she made a big difference in my life today. I don't HAVE to live with back pain on top of the RSD. And she showed me that she can relieve a lot of pain, even the pain I get from limping due to RSD. She knew SO much about the muscles, etc. I don't know how long it'll last, but I won't forget this day. I was SO upset b/c my foot was doing better but my back was bad. I was being so negative.
So tonight, I go to bed in less pain that I've felt in probably a year. It was so shocking to me that something so simple could ease my pain. If only it could solve the RSD puzzle! But honestly, I feel like I had a an Ah Ha moment. If only insurance could cover a monthly massage- I'd be a MUCH happier person!
I have RSD in my left foot & leg so I always wear a string or in this case, a cheap but cute plastic butterfly bracelet that my 4 yr old won me at Chuck E Cheese. But it's been my back, of late, that has added to my pain. I also tend to hunch my shoulders forward b/c of too-large chest and the fact that I type for a living.
Today, I learned that a really good and informed massage therapist can really make a difference. She listened to me (how often is THAT happening?) and I spent 50 minutes getting my neck, shoulders, back & arms massaged. She also encouraged me to do stretches like my old Physical Therapist did, and helped me stretch out a bit. I got her name so I can get her again next trip.
But my point is, the RSD was going crazy in the cold weather. I was having a flare when I left and wow, the warmer weather sure did work well! So my pain level in my foot/leg, after 2 days here, was cut down to about a 2! Part of that is not having to walk around a lot and having more time to relax (I had one meeting per day.) But my back had been in spasm for days. I was taking tylenol and my muscle relaxers but I couldn't even get comfy in the big pillowtop 5 star bed.
Today, as she massaged my shoulders, and near the rhomboid muscles, she had me move my arm a certain way and then wham- she found the deepest sore spot I had & went to work. The relief was extraordinary! She explained that it takes awhile to be able to get to that area & she DID have to arrange my arm a certain way, and work on the nearby muscles. But when she hit it, I felt almost an emotional response, like, "OMG- that's IT!" The pain that had been radiating from that point was intense & had gone on for soooo long. After she was finished, I was almost in tears. She LISTENED to me and she released a knot that was causing my entire back to hurt like crazy. Then she did it on the other side!
This might sound weird but I am now determined to get more massages. I never realized how much pain could be relieved. I do know that it's not the answer for everyone, and she can't do a thing for my RSD but she made a big difference in my life today. I don't HAVE to live with back pain on top of the RSD. And she showed me that she can relieve a lot of pain, even the pain I get from limping due to RSD. She knew SO much about the muscles, etc. I don't know how long it'll last, but I won't forget this day. I was SO upset b/c my foot was doing better but my back was bad. I was being so negative.
So tonight, I go to bed in less pain that I've felt in probably a year. It was so shocking to me that something so simple could ease my pain. If only it could solve the RSD puzzle! But honestly, I feel like I had a an Ah Ha moment. If only insurance could cover a monthly massage- I'd be a MUCH happier person!
Tigg2-don't suppose you have someone that will massage ya -a relative? Even if they aren't a pro.
If you're looking for a LMT close to home call physical therapists, neurologists or chiropractors. They usually have one on staff or know one to refer you too. You want someone trained in neuromuscular/deep tissue bodywork not just a massage therapist like at a spa that does Swedish for relaxation. Someone that knows different techniques and not just using elbows to beat you up. Harder is not always better. It just hurts! I studied massage & reflexology for a while before the RA took my hands. I believe in the whole mind/body connection concept of healing. It's all connected in my opinion anyway.