This last flare that I was in has reinforced some conclusions that I have previously found to be my perpetuating factors. The flare started with wearing a Compression Belt (SI belt) to hold my pevis in position. Within one hour of wearing the belt, my leg muscles contracted. My body is so sensitive that any changes in my gait can cause the muscles in my legs to contract. It took me a week to realize that it was the belt that was causing the problem. Meanwhile, my legs hurt so much, that I took out my inserts that stabalize my feet, because my legs seemed to feel better without them. Bad move on my part. Over the last three weeks, I discovered that my pelvis and sacrum must be in alignment (hyperbobility causes them to move out of position) and that I have to wear the inserts or my legs hurt regardless of going to the Myotherapist. Yesterday, my leg muscles were pulling, tugging, and burning so I was thinking what else had changed, and I realized that I had taken the inserts out of my shoes. Put them back in yesterday morning and the muscles that were bothering me settled down and the pain went away. I believe that finding all the perpetuating factors is crucial to solving our pain. I'm not sure that I have found them all, but after reading Sharon's thread on Hypermobility, I think that being deconditioned is another one. I plan on starting the water therapy this week, so I'm hoping that my body will tolerate it and that I can strenghten my muscles. Hugs to all who are in pain and my wish is that we can all find our perpetuating factors that hold us in pain. Kat