Alternative care - HELP ME!

[Sidesteps]

I am starting yoga. I LOVE it. I can feel my body strengthening and stretching as I sit here. I think I will also add swimming in my practice as I am having some trouble with exercising and keeping cool.  

I am having problems with my right shoulder which I am fairly confident this is MS related spasticity. (Locked Shoulder?) I had a cortisone shot last summer in my rotator cuff (which helped) but the pain is starting to creep back in with this latest mild flare.

I am in desperate need of some relief related to my muscle tightness and weakness. I think it's time for acupuncture, PT and naturepathic practices. In your experience has Alternative Care helped you? If so, how and what did you do?

Thank you!

[Sidesteps]

I know, I am not looking to eliminate traditional medicine. I am trying to delay the need for them. I am not on anything yet - I've taken periodic medicine but nothin long term yet. I am just now having some trouble with muscle tightness and pain. It's been intermittent so I thought if I was good with accupuncture, PT and it might help.

Thanks Lulu.

[doublevision1]

I've had success in the past with massage and PT for stiff muscle pain.  I'm contemplating trying acupuncture for neuropathic pain but no past experience with it.  

You may find relief from cortisone shots.  I know you'd rather avoid drugs but in pain management, the belief seems to be to treat pain sooner than allowing it to worsen.  By the time you're in so much pain you're willing to take anything, it may be much more difficult to treat and to get optimum relief.  

Another possible option may be chiropractic.  Again, no experience with this for muscle pain but it might e worth investigating.  Good luck and I hope you soon find relief.  If you do, let us know what worked.

[Lulu54]

I really think the less we can do with the meds the better, but we have to be smart and use the tools available for us for the Quality of Life we need.

You're not proving anything by skipping traditional meds if you continue to be in pain and have reduced functioning.

Treating this disease is such an individual choice - good luck with yours.

[Sidesteps]

L, I was waiting for your response! I was going to send you a PM but I thought this could be a great open discussion.

I really meant conplimentary care except I've been avoiding medicines other than my Avonex. I am trying to delay my need to medications until I can't delay any more. What are your thoughts on this?

[Lulu54]

I don't use it as alternative care - I use accupuncture and massage therapy as complimentary care.  Alternative would mean in place of my other drug therapies.

I think the best way to tackle this question is to try a couple different techniques and therapists and find what gives you relief and comfort.  Good for you to keep an open mind about this ...
  And so happy to hear the yoga work is making a difference.  It is highly recommended by spasticity and other MS problems.


good luck,
L