These are just some treatment options that are more holistic in nature.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is my treatment of choice as it has played a large role in helping me gain function back in my life!
Not only does it heal my body naturally, but it also helps prevent subluxations or rotation of my vertebrae. I’ll be honest, I did not try acupuncture until spring of 2015 and here is why: I viewed acupuncture as my last resort, my back pocket treatment when everything else failed me. It’s scary feeling. It’s not uncommon to create a safety net. For me that was acupuncture. In essence, I already believed and knew it would help me, and it has.
My pain and level of functioning had gotten so bad last year that my insurance company suggested I try acupuncture and I am so thankful they did!!!! Yes, that’s right folks, many insurances cover acupuncture so worth looking into your coverage!
Acupuncture has been a great source in helping me gain function back in my life. Acupuncture is a very important element of Chinese medicine, and has evolved over centuries; the roots are so old that it predates any written records. Today, the accepted practice requires the insertion of small needles at specific points on the meridians, or energy pathways. The meridian theory establishes that 12 main channels are associated with the 12 major organs of the body, and eight extra channels primarily use the organ points to form their own conduits.
The ability of the meridians to flow uninhibited is what keeps the body healthy. Acupuncture is used to help the body clear away blockages along these pathways, resulting in a balanced flow of internal energy.
Migraine
Cluster headache
Sinus
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Asthma
Allergies
Chronic fatigue
Digestive complaints
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Acid reflux
Constipation
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Menstrual irregularities
Reproductive problems
Addiction-based disorders
Wisconsin Resource
Pilates
Pilates is an essential part in managing our body especially when we have EDS or other conditions. Pilates is often utilized and referred to in physical therapy since there is a lot of cross-over. It is a safe and effective way to strengthen and stretch the body, in particular the core.
The benefit of Pilates include:
- Improves body alignment, posture and coordination
- Injury prevention
- Improves flexibility
- Decreases stress on joints
- Valuable cross-training tool
- Can be integrated into other exercise and physical therapy programs
I have been doing Pilates for seven years now working with only Romana’s Pilates Certified Instructors. I work with them because of their knowledge and skills level. The certification program is at least a year long intensive training program working with highly trained instructors, some who are Master Level. To be frank, I am afraid to think of what I would be like today without it. I view Pilates in lieu of taking another medication. At every lesson my instructors accommodate my conditions. Since there are over 500 movements, each having variations, they are able to make the necessary adjustments to protect and strengthen the body at the same time.
The latest example of their ability to accommodate is with my dysautonomia diagnosis. My neurologist ‘prescribed’ Pilates twice a week to help lesson the symptoms; however, laying down is not good for me. My super knowledge and creative instructors have turned many exercises that are done lying down to being performed standing up or sitting upright. How’s that for customer service?!?! After taking three months off due to dizziness, I resumed with this resourceful way of doing Pilates. Not only do I feel fantastic, I am once again ‘rockin’ my Pilates!
The other amazing aspect of Pilates is I often feel empowered. My body does not work like it once did so to have my body do some of what it does in Pilates is incredibly empowering! High fives all around!!
While Pilates is offered in many work out facilities, Romana’s Pilates is often taught in Romana’s Pilates certified studios. While I mean no disrespect to Pilates instructors who teach at work out facilities, the reality is most have been trained in three-day work shops. This is a vast difference from the level of training to receive a Romana’s Pilates certification. Even years after they have become certified they continue their training. Why is this important? Their knowledge, education, and skill will keep you safe. The goal of exercise when you have chronic pain is not to cause further injury, exacerbate current conditions or cause more fatigue. You should leave feeling more energized and feeling stronger!
I included a few pictures of me when I was 8 months pregnant with our second child working with the amazing Anthony Rabara, a Master Teacher with Roman’s Pilates, at a workshop held at Absolute Pilates in Brookfield, WI! Ahhhh…the memories!
Contact information for both Absolute Pilates and Anthony’s Studio in NJ are provide below.
Ahhhh, you may be thinking “but Ashley, it’s really expensive isn’t it?” The private sessions are equivalent to a personal trainer or fitness instructor; however, most studios offer semi-private or small classes to keep the cost down. It’s an investment in you. If you take one less medication, take one less treatment of another kind or another, feel better and functional, I’d imagine the numbers would work out in a way you never imagined.
I am all for giving something a try so look into a studio close to you and see what your body can do safely! I listed a few below in Wisconsin, Illinois and New Jersey.
If you are interested in learning more about Romana’s Pilates go to http://www.romanaspilates.com
If you are looking for a Romana’s Pilates Certified Studio or Instructor go to either http://www.romanaspilates.com or http://www.truepilatesnewyork.com
Both websites have ‘Find an Instructor’ which will provide you Country or State information.
Wisconsin Studio
Absolute Pilates
Located In Sendick’s Towne Centre
19045 W. Capitol Drive, # 101
Brookfield, WI 53045 262-617-0731 http://www.absolutepilatesstudio.com
Illinois Studios
The Pilates Connection
1506 Sherman Avenue Evanston IL
(847)492-7200 http://www.thepilatesconnectionchicago.com
Dana Santi Pilates Curtiss Street
Downers Grove, IL, 6015 708-482-0258 http://www.thepilatescore.com
New Jersey
Anthony Rabara Pilates Studio of Princenton 392 Wall Street Princeton, NJ 08540 609.921.7990 http://www.rabarapilates.com/site/Home.html
Supplements
This section is under construction but information will be added soon.
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Massage
There is a day spa massage and then there is massage. Now don’t get me wrong, we all could use our day spa massage from time to time, but to work with a massage therapist often associated within a medical clinic or working independently provide a more medically based massage.
It is often said, and it’s not a sales pitch, that monthly massage is necessary to make a difference. The magic of once a month is a massage therapist does not have to start over and can make actual progress. Of course more than that can be therapeutic. While massage is often a treatment option in conjunction with other treatments, it can be a singular method in managing pain. As I have stated in the PT treatment section, a great physical therapist is very hands-on which means they often include massage as part of their treatment.
Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain
In my oodles of research, if you have EDS it is important to avoid deep tissue massage to cause any further damage; however, there are many types of massage that can be help us manage the pain and other medical issues. Massage and bodywork are appropriate for people with EDS as long as the cardiovascular system is healthy and hypermobility of the joints is respected.
With EDS it is common for skin to be prone to bruising or tearing which needs to be taken into account by the massage therapist and treated with delicacy. It is not uncommon for the muscles that cross hypermobile joints are likely to be excessively tight, as they take on the duty of joint stabilizers. Stretching joints (especially hips and shoulders) to the full extent of their range is probably not appropriate, and care should be taken as to how we are positioned on the table to avoid stressing these areas. The short of it is, if massage is carefully applied and limitations in range of motion and skin health are respected, it can be a therapeutic additional strategy to deal with the chronic joint pain and muscle spasm that frequently accompany this disorder.
Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection. When someone is suffering from chronic pain the loneliness can be unbearable. Human connection is extremely critical in one’s health.
You may be surprised to find out that there is being licensed in massage therapy and then there are many additional certifications that can make quite a difference in healing a person’s pain and illnesses including:
- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Myofascial Release
- Craniosacral Therapy
- Lymph Drainage
- Sports Massage
I have yet to come across massage covered by insurance even for health reasons or prescribed by a doctor; however, with some creative planning massage can be affordable. Some recommendations include:
- If you can afford to purchase packages as it usually works out to either a reduced rate per massage or even a free massage.
- Utilizing 30 minute massages oppose to the standard 50-60 minutes.
- You may even be able to contact massage schools and work with students for a very reduced rate (but please be mindful of what your diagnosis is – some students may not be efficiently trained to work with you)
- You may even be able to work with students (depending on your illnesses) as that may be a more affordable option.
- If you have flex pay account look into if massage therapy is a way to use the account.
*Note that most medically based massage therapists do not expect tips (tips add up).
Wisconsin Resources
Wesley and Barb Miller 3072 N. Fratney St. Milwaukee, WI 53212 414-374-3077 *Their clinic is the bottom unit of their duplex
** I must share that I had the privilege of working with Barb for about 5 years when I had no idea what was wrong with me but I was in so much pain I could hardly walk. Without Barb, I would had not gotten through the very dark time in my life as she was able to give me some relief. My dad would also swear by her husband, Wesley, as he had significant shoulder pain that after three doctors could not help he worked with Wesley for like an hour and half and his pain was completely gone. Both are miracle workers, true healers!
Nutrition
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Home Remedies
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Pain Management Centers
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Spiritual
Spiritual. Religion. Faith. Relationship with God or your higher power. Meditation. Regardless of what you call it provides the following:
Comfort.
Structure.
The Known.
Community.
I was meeting with my Pastor discussing various aspects of life and we got to talking further about how Spirituality can help cope with pain and this lead to quite an interesting conversation. He spoke of something I never really gave thought to…living a ritual life. He also spoke about what being a part of worshiping community gives people. While religion provides a life of ritual and a worshiping community, but he spoke about how yoga provides this too! Of course meditation would be another great example.
The gift of ritual provides comfort and structure. Being a part of a worshiping community allows for prediction, something to rely on. Why is this so important? With chronic pain and illness comes a lot of unknown. The unknown can be overwhelming, anxiety ridden. Heck it’s one of the top fears…fear of the unknown.
I have found that having a relationship with my higher power who is God really alleviates that feeling of being alone and carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. I am not alone in my chronic pain and illnesses. Since returning to organized religion (i.e. church) I have found it grounds or centers me which allows me to face all that I have to face especially as a mother. God and my church home have my back and that feels so freakin’ good.
I can’t talk about spirituality without talking about prayer. Prayer is so personal. There is no right way or wrong way to pray. And who you pray to, that too is very personal. Prayer can be as simple as saying “Help” in the morning and “Thank you” in the evening. It can be written prayers or daily readings. Or it can be personal prayers that you are saying in the shower. It can be as formal or informal as you want them to be. All that matters is that prayer helps you manage your pain and illness.
If living a ritual life is not something you are currently doing or you need to re-connect please know it may take some shopping around to find the right ‘whatever it is’. Take that time to explore and allow yourself time to try different ritual and/or worshiping communities to see what feels right to you and your belief system.
Godspeed.