Hi I try to take massage to increase circulation. However if I make it thorugh a light swedish massage on the areas i can stand, never feet, I pay dearly after with severe flare - severe, I still try every three to 4 months, but honestly I donat know if it is worth it. cz

I take skelaxin muscle relaxer before I go and I don't go if it's a bad pain day. Then I try and keep my day relaxing for the rest of the day to help avoid additional pain if I can.
Sorry, it doesnt work for you like you would like. Take care and I hope this finds you having a managed pain day.
Sherrie

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I notice that, that someone will come in, post once or twice, and
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Pete

Massage, just this past month, has become an almost decadent part of my arsenal.

The most difficult part was finding a therapeutic, non-spa like setting. Much better at loosening some muscles, albeit temporarily, than any muscle relaxer taken thus far.

UOTE=AintSoBad;546085]Has


Mr Pete been back?
To comment or thank us for our thoughts?

I notice that, that someone will come in, post once or twice, and
Phhhhhh!
They're gone.

Oh well.

I hope we helped someone......


Pete[/QUOTE]

I have been reading your notes! I just had trouble logging back in. Thanks for all that you have written. I do see a wide variety of answers. It appears I have been the very best by letting the patient tell me when to get worked on. Letting these patient cancel anytime. (Not a good business practice but fits their need). Good luck to all of you!!

CZZZ74 - Of all the things I have read I find your comments the most interesting. A Hot RSD and A Cold RSD. This may be the most important piece of information I have read. Is their 2 different diseases that have many common things but 1 area that vary greatly in. I had read to stay away from both hot and cold. But you say that Ice works with you when you are having a hot episode and others have cold episodes were heat helps. I think this may be an area that needs to be discussed more.

I would just say this. Massage Techniques - In most cases are created by massage therapist that are not able to make a living taking care of people because they just aren't good enough at what they do. So they invent a new technique. Yes I have heard of the Alexander Technique. Though in practice if you went to 10 massage therapist using the alexander technique you would get 10 vary different massages.

So far I have stayed very light with my massage for my RSD patients. I always listen to the patient and work within the boundries they set and I agree with my RSD patients a vigorous rub may cause them more harm than good, But woking very light and then slowly working harder listen and watching for any signs of agitation and at the slightest sign back off and working lighter seems to work. I've been using just the basic swedish massage technique that is the basis behind almost all techniques.

I would tell you that if you listen to your body and get a light massage when its quiet you may get positive results may patients have said their flare ups since getting massages have decreased.

In all of my patients I also notice. They are depressed and worried about the future. I think this would be a natural response. I think that part of their results comes from the up lifting conversations that we have. As I have been reading through you descriptions and post it seems very clear to me that modern medicine seems to be letting you down and giving each and everyone of you depressing out look. I call this VooDoo medicine. Be carefull not to believe all the bad news but listen to it.

I am glad to hear your thoughts. They seem to fit with my patients. I think the light massage helps because it is relaxing and they seem to say their symptoms are much with increased stress.

When doing massage in an upward direction as you stated you are moving the blood towards the heart. With all massage you should be pushing towards the heart. You see the veins have gates and if you push away from the heart you can damage the gates which would harm your circulation and cause vericouse veins. Keep up the light massage when your body allows some of the sources I have been reading say that massage can back some down from stage 3 to 1. This is the most encouraging news I have heard. Another important link seems to be getting plenty of sleep. Maybe sleeps suddies would be helpful.
Pete

Everything I have read from modern medical journals about RSD states to stay away from both HOT and Cold

Thought, In one of the replys someone stated they had "Hot RSD" they said that their are 2 types Hot and Cold. Also stated with the "hot" cold helps and with the "cold" hot heat helps. Don't know but if they are correct sounds knowing this would help a lot. Becarefull and try things slowly and just be aware that modern medicine is coming up with cures at a faster and faster pace. Just realize if you have little or no hope today tomorrow their maybe be plenty of hope. Keep your chin up and smile when if your feeling down.
Pete

I would rather not say were I am. The massage community is quite small and have more business than I need. This is just a great way to help those I am helping better. I am so glad to hear your shoulders are doing so well. Most shoulder injuries are easy but I can't imagine it being easy when the patient has RSD!
Keep smiling it helps keep the stress and depression away!
Pete