I realise this thread was started in November but I have only just seen it and read through it.
I struggled with the pains in my body, my back, my arms and thighs for about 5 years - it increased over that time. It all coincided with peri and menopause. I had other symptoms though which seemed to cross over between thyroid, hormone and fibromyalgia. I reached a point I could not walk 500 metres without having to turn back and hobble home with the pains in my back and hips. If I tried swimming, I could not climb out of the pool or walk when I did get out. My body was like lead.
If I touch my thighs they feel as if they are bruised and sore (I still have that to a degree). I had an MRI scan and tests and in the end they confirmed I have fibromyalgia. I was advised to have injections into my lower spine and to take anti depressants and anti inflammatories. I decided not to do that immediately and look for alternatives.
I believe FM is a syndrome which is really the body in a state of crisis - physical, emotional, chemical, hormonal. I decided to tackle it from different angles. HRT, chiropractor and I found a fantastic physiotherapist who does myofascial release, trigger therapy, and kinetic chain release. He corrects short leg length which he has found causes many/most of the skeletal and muscular pains we have. I also realised that sugar exacerbates the FM pains so diet is important for me.
So, less than 9 months later, I have just walked around Paris for a weekend with only slight discomfort. I managed to walk around the local loch which I have not been able to do for 2 years. I sleep soundly, I rise in the morning without needing a car jack to straighten me up. I do still get some pains in my lower back and hip but I have learned how to use trigger point therapy on myself to release that pain and the frequency is much less than it was.
I tried Bowen Therapy although did not see much benefit from that personally on this occasion.
Reiki is very good for relaxation, stress reduction and a feeling of wellbeing. Yoga is great for stretching the muscles that have tightened and shortened. Unfortunately, I recently developed what has been described as tendonitis in both arms and wrists which restricted what I could do in yoga and I felt embarrassed I was so bad n the class. However, the yoga instructor has been fantastic and contacted me to explain how I can do moves in alternative ways and she said even if I sit in a chair to do some moves she would rather I was there, so I have decided to return this year.
My arms can be very very painful at times and I have to rest my hands and wear supports. However, I am going to go back to see the physio since he has said that frozen shoulder, pain in the neck and tennis elbow are often a direct result of the short leg length.
I take some ibuprofen or paracetemol from time to time for the pain, but that is down to 10% of the level it was.
For me, there has definitely been a big improvement by adopting a multi therapy approach and realising it is a work in progress with changes and adjustments needed.
I hope some of you have found similar ways to cope with the challenges you have described, and perhaps if you can try some of the therapies I have tried, you will find some relief.
Rhona x
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Topic: Tell us how you cope with joint aches (Read 709309 times)