Sandel,
 

Hi Alison,
I see the motive behind that method of desensitisation but even tho it is touching the affected area with a foreign object it is my guess this would have a markedly reduced effect than when soeone else does it - especially if you are not able to see when it will happen or what the stimulus is. Still decidedly painful but less than when another does it.

It is along the lines of the fact that you cannot tickle yourself.....the same psychology applies.

Just something to keep in mind - it is a way of touching the affected areas with a little bit of assurity & desensitising with a bit less pain. Your doing it gives you some degree of control over the expectation.

I'm not being critical of this method - it has helped you before - just if the physio does it to check you might be getting a far more pronounced amount of pain & there is a real reason.

Hugs
Auberon

Ali, I am so sorry to hear of your toe and your increased pain. You can also try Clove oil, it is also used for dental pain. The benefit with the oil is it is poured over the area you want to numb so nobody has to touch you. You hang in there, I have read some of your other posts and you are quite an amazing young lady! Your maturity is quite unusual. I guess RSD make the younger people have to grow up so much faster as there is so much more to deal with and priorities change. You and you mom are an inspiration to me and my prayers are with you both. Marilyn