Theodora
02-25-2006, 09:04 AM
...in the "take what works and leave the rest" category...
1. My chiropractor HEARTILY recommends Omega 3 supplements---I'm getting mine in the form of milled flaxseed or flaxseed oil---this is anti-inflammatory, and has other benefits as well, including lowering cholesterol (one of MY many concerns!) There are also various fish-based supplements, but my allergies won't permit that. (I have fibromyalgia--generalized aching, made worse under stress---but that also seems to affect the knees/hips etc. Not sure exactly what's going on with my "creakiness" there! My acupuncture treatments also help making me more mobile, I THINK!)
2. Because I'm presently struggling with pleurisy on top of "my usual," my MD has recommended heat on the affected areas. (I'm assuming/hoping that you're also able to use heat for your hip.) I found a microwaveable pack at Walgreen's which has a velcro fastener to wear around your waist. (Actually, I found that, since I'm also using this when I'm either sitting or standing, it's more effective just to TIE it around the area.) My low back is frequently a problem as well, so I sometimes am wearing TWO of these! Not sure that this is exactly how they're "supposed" to be used----but---having the constant source of heat on those areas has made it possible for me to "do" more things of late---I think! (Now to get back into the various "team" members and make sure that I'm not OVER-doing!!!) If interested, the product is called "Bed Buddy."
3. A friend of mine, who also has hip problems, swears by this product:
Schiff Joint Free Plus which has
Collagen 10 g
Glucosamine 1500 mg
Chondroitin 500 mg
MSM 500 mg
With the note on the bottle that this "helps maintain healthy joints."
I've only been able to tolerate a little bit so far---complicated saga with my problems with meds and supplements!---but is on my "wish list" in the days ahead. I've previously used MSM in some other forms as well (also recommended from another chiropractor) and thought that helped general symptoms.
and
4. Last--but not least--I'm fortunate to have a good old-fashioned DEEP bathtub and have found that long soaks in quite warm water DO seem to help the general aches and pains. Advice from yet another "alternative medicine" source--i.e. a massage therapist---ALWAYS follow such long soaks in hot water with a good cool-down rinse as well. This not only improves the circulation, but works to help the immune system. (Seems the "crazy Swedes" and their saunas followed by a dash out into the snow weren't so "crazy" after all....said I...speaking as a descendent of one of these as ancestors.)
My chiropractor AND massage therapist BOTH recommend adding Epsom salts to the bath water which puts magnesium in your body--I think!--and further adds to the relaxation..and therefore lessened pain. Again...on my "wish list" as I try to wend my way through some rather conflicting forms of advice and a fairly "sensitive" body in general. Some things that might be "helpful" for others can really "wipe me out!"
ANYWAY------- the above just came to mind as I was washing dishes with my heat pack on, so I thought I'd share it on...."FWIW!"
Love and prayers--
Theodora
==
1. My chiropractor HEARTILY recommends Omega 3 supplements---I'm getting mine in the form of milled flaxseed or flaxseed oil---this is anti-inflammatory, and has other benefits as well, including lowering cholesterol (one of MY many concerns!) There are also various fish-based supplements, but my allergies won't permit that. (I have fibromyalgia--generalized aching, made worse under stress---but that also seems to affect the knees/hips etc. Not sure exactly what's going on with my "creakiness" there! My acupuncture treatments also help making me more mobile, I THINK!)
2. Because I'm presently struggling with pleurisy on top of "my usual," my MD has recommended heat on the affected areas. (I'm assuming/hoping that you're also able to use heat for your hip.) I found a microwaveable pack at Walgreen's which has a velcro fastener to wear around your waist. (Actually, I found that, since I'm also using this when I'm either sitting or standing, it's more effective just to TIE it around the area.) My low back is frequently a problem as well, so I sometimes am wearing TWO of these! Not sure that this is exactly how they're "supposed" to be used----but---having the constant source of heat on those areas has made it possible for me to "do" more things of late---I think! (Now to get back into the various "team" members and make sure that I'm not OVER-doing!!!) If interested, the product is called "Bed Buddy."
3. A friend of mine, who also has hip problems, swears by this product:
Schiff Joint Free Plus which has
Collagen 10 g
Glucosamine 1500 mg
Chondroitin 500 mg
MSM 500 mg
With the note on the bottle that this "helps maintain healthy joints."
I've only been able to tolerate a little bit so far---complicated saga with my problems with meds and supplements!---but is on my "wish list" in the days ahead. I've previously used MSM in some other forms as well (also recommended from another chiropractor) and thought that helped general symptoms.
and
4. Last--but not least--I'm fortunate to have a good old-fashioned DEEP bathtub and have found that long soaks in quite warm water DO seem to help the general aches and pains. Advice from yet another "alternative medicine" source--i.e. a massage therapist---ALWAYS follow such long soaks in hot water with a good cool-down rinse as well. This not only improves the circulation, but works to help the immune system. (Seems the "crazy Swedes" and their saunas followed by a dash out into the snow weren't so "crazy" after all....said I...speaking as a descendent of one of these as ancestors.)
My chiropractor AND massage therapist BOTH recommend adding Epsom salts to the bath water which puts magnesium in your body--I think!--and further adds to the relaxation..and therefore lessened pain. Again...on my "wish list" as I try to wend my way through some rather conflicting forms of advice and a fairly "sensitive" body in general. Some things that might be "helpful" for others can really "wipe me out!"
ANYWAY------- the above just came to mind as I was washing dishes with my heat pack on, so I thought I'd share it on...."FWIW!"
Love and prayers--
Theodora
==