Just got an infra red lamp - seems to be doing the trick nicely as the days and nights get colder......it cost £50 ($75?) but is worth the cash.

Im considering infra red sauna too - u can choose different colour therapies to accompany each treatment to address different issues (pain, stress etc)

worth a try right?
x

Keep us posted on it ok Tracey?
*fingers crossed*

A comment on infrared light:

Infrared lasers have been approve by the FDA to treat carpal tunnel syndrome and have been shown in studies to help TOS. The lasers are just a special kind of diode and aren't that expensive. I have seen a number of companies sell lamps with them.

The only problem is that often the consumer catalogs don't tell you how "strong" the light is (technically the flux of light). The laser light has been shown to have significant pain relieving properties above a certain dose of light and no effect below that dose.

in some states, you can get this treatment covered by worker's comp because it has been shown to be cheaper than carpral tunnel surgery.

I have links on lasers & infrared light in post # 1 in the stickys.
here- there might be newer info out there - I haven't searched on it for a year or so.

Laser/ Infrared/ far infrared info
http://laser.nu/
http://www.purehealthsystems.com/infrared.html
http://www.purehealthsystems.com/mus...in-relief.html
http://www.toolsforwellness.com/far-infrared.html

It's interesting to read about the differences between Infrared{near/far}, low level laser/cold laser and LED light therapy.

Love this thread...
infa~red, gotta try it and lookig forward to doing hyperbaraic chamber soon.

I have to tell everyone that the BOTOX helped. It's done every 6 months & Dr.J has patients who get it every 6 months for the last 10 years. I'm just scared of the botox medication itself. I guess Medicare pays for it now. It's in their book of covered medical necessities for neurological conditions my Mom's friend said. Another year of waiting to get SDI. 10 months to process appeal, 10 months to get a trial date. Geeze. Waiting on my retirement disability to take effect since June. One legal issue down 2 to go.

My sister n law has an anethesiologist who lives up by her on Point Loma, San Diego. He does this for injured military men & women & they get so much relief. Isn't that FABulous veterans get BOTOX to help with pain & muscle spasms?

Mine lasted up until a couple of weeks ago. Had it August 6th. The severe burning & pains is returning steadfast. Dr. J is going to do it bilaterally next time instead of just the baadass right side. Loaded up on Lidoderm patches more & more.

Still use gentle stretches & breathing, stationary bike, guided imagery, hypnosis & OPANA IR & OPANA ER, diazapam & anything I can get my hands on when I have a flare.

Excited to see everyone Sunday! Wish we could ALL get-together. Can you just imagine the smiles & happy, happy, joy, joy faces & hearts meeting everyone in person?
Cyndy

Victoria,
Your website is so incredibly coool! You are so creative & the cards you make are FABulous!

Will you show me some technically techniques to help me get started when you are here? I'm so **** technically. Basics to get me by.
Cyn

Thursday,
oooo good one.
My problem is turning pages too. My nerves burn like they are on fire.
Cyndy

If you wanna bring anything, just bring ANYTHING CHOCOLATE! Otherwise I will have it all.

Today I, got a different puppy after my recent puppies passing (she was 15 and lived wwll annd gave us great joy) The house just didnot seem right so right up to the SPCA (please if you are thing of getting an animal rescue one) and Daisy Chose us with those eyes a little bark, took her out side she did her duty! If you double click on my 3rd pic yoy will notice how red ,swoellen and angry my left hand Looks oh heck double click on all to to see my Girl Daisy>>TO A GOOD DAY FREE OF PAIN !!!

I need to look into the laser/infrared....sounds nice!!

Cyn- i'm glad that the Botox helped you! That, I think, has been a lifesaver for me. Thinking about it, I haven't had to increase my meds since we started botox about 14-15 months ago.

I also use the breathing techniques my wife and I learned in the Bradley Method (childbirth) class 2yrs ago to help me relax.... it helps pretty much anytime/anywhere.

Knock wood, I also get some relief from nerve blocks. I think the block my PM does is an axillary brachial plexus block. no anastesia, just an injection on the inside of my arm up near my armpit/shoulder.

Dbmm
 

LOVE the pup!
We'll have to call you SPANKY now.
Geesch, Your poor hands.
Feel so bad for you

Dabbo, yes PARTY HARTY I say. We deserve some serious laughs & embarassing moments. Ur so funny. :)
Cyndy

Hey there everyone !!
I love the thought of Infra red .. I definitely will have to check into that !

And I am glad that the Botox is helping so many of you ! Olecyn, Dabbo.. glad to know it works !!

Me ?? Well my best thing I have is one of those buckwheat neck and shoulder pads that heat up in the microwave.. I love that thing ( It's getting old too , time to find another one ) . And I make sure I do stretching and pulleys at least once a day for 15-20 mins. and so far the left shoulder is holding it's own !!

Mark.. I love Daisy !!!!!! She is sooooo cute ! How old is she ?? I'm happy for you MF. sorry about you hand ! .... Well I hope EVERYONE has a pain free weekend you all deserve it !!


Hugs.... :hug:

Dolfinz

One more thing (and its usually free .. WOOHOO!) that really works for me is distraction. It's easier said than done, and it ****** me off when someone with an attitude of 'its all in your head' or 'you're blowing it out of proportion' says to "just take your mind off it." ANyways- sorry for the rant - if you are able to distract yourself (movies, books, music, chatting, etc etc) that should help you feel better.

I agree Dabbo... When I push myself to do something I usually get some Jewelry done.. so far this week I have made 5 pendants and 10 pairs of earrings.... Does that mean I am REALLY distracted ???????

Hope everyone has a good day today !

Dolfinz

distraction
 

I distract myself with making my cards and scrapbooking as well as makng my ATC's. It is however a problem....It causes me more pain and I should not be doing it...however it does distract my mind and I'd go insane without it. More of a mental help than anything else.

thanks for the tips guys...
love and hugs,
Victoria:hug::hug:

Tip: take it for what it is
 

Master P taught me a new one a couple of weeks ago to get my mind off the pain:

I turned on my calming music & he told me to visualize bitting into to the most juicy apple with all the juices flowing, your taste buds are enhightend along with the sweetness of the apple. Slowly vision biting another piece. It so worked. Sounds hokey, huh? But it so so worked. Now I know I need to focus on something other than the pain. Something wonderful.

Another one he taught me is:
When I go down for a flare as I am shivering in pain, cold yet hot, breathing rapidly, can't walk or move as I want to call 911 to get to the ER for morphine. Again, put on the calming music, a cool wash cloth on my forehead & back of neck, & made me vision riding the recumbent sationary bike to get the circulation flowing. It worked.

*Dr. Jordan is adamant about not rewarding the system with drugs but using them as preventative. Not only is ride the bike daily needed for us chronic pain patients but when you are in severe pain. It gets the blood flowing to the craving areas starving for circulation. Make sense? It didnt to me but it does now that I use his methods.
Cyn

51 Tips
 

:)

11-25-08

8 years+ of experience with TOS with scalene involvement, bilaterally; cervical and lumbar herniated and bulging discs, and some other things.

(MVA May 1992 - cervical and lumbar herniated discs. MVA 10-11-2000 TOS with scalenes; a few more, and a worsening of my preexisting condition, herniated and bulging discs and some other things.)

I have come to grade things as positive (P) or negative (N) for my conditions.

Here goes...

1) Kinesio Tape (P) - (Did you watch the US Olympics Volleyball Team? The black stuff on her shoulder was Kinesio Tape. It's a Japanese or Chinese taping technique. It promotes healing. It's used to retrain overstressed/ injured muscles, ligaments and tendons. Good to use for posture.);

2) Botox X3, Bilaterally (P) - (2005) - (It did help but it causes droopy eyelids. For the relief it gave me, it was a fair trade. Be cautious here. Outcome is irreversible - good, bad or ugly.);:eek:

3) Medication (P&N) - (Tried different meds at various times. Lidoderm Patches 5% is a nonnarcotic topical pain patch. It worked for me. I got great relief. I hear there's a new nonnarcotic pain patch with an anti-inflammatory, Flector. Ummmm...... improved.);

4) Horse Liniment (P&N) - (Prescribed by my cardiothoracic surgeon, believe it or not, and he made my insurance pay for it - $20. It was an adjunct therapy with Lidoderm Patches. I was supposed to take a Q-Tip and apply it to my TOS area (I needed a gallon and a paint brush) - or other areas - wear liniment for 12 hours - shower and then apply the Lidoderm Patch to the area. The theory was: The Horse Liniment would ease my pain but would also open up my pores so as to allow the Lidoderm medicine to penetrate better. The patch was a 12-hour patch. I found I could reuse the patches on my wrists, forearms and thumbs. Still had med in it the next day.);

5) Physical Therapy (P);

6) ASTM (Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization) (N) (In 2003 -New Treatment Modality program - several times a week for I forgot how many weeks - administered by PT. Very painful with lots of brusing. He was a good therapist. He was my therapist after both accidents (1992 accident for 6 weeks - 2000 accident, in and out from 2000 till 2003). I was not progressing there. After ASTM failed to improve, he referred me to a therapist that did Myofascial Release.);

7) Myofascial Release (PX5) - (You need that.) (Yes, she is a great therapist.);

8) Yoga and/or Meditation (P) - (Just try it. You can work up to downward-facing dog.);:winky:

9) Exercise (P) - (It's good for the rest of your body, too. TOS will probably not be the only medical condition you face in life.);

10) Aqua Therapy (P);

11) Stretches and/or Strengthening (P) - (You've got to be faithful and do it before it will work, adjusting as you progress. Start somewhere.) ;

12) Breathing Techniques (P) - (Taking 3 deep breathes helps release the tightness in my chest and upper body. Sitting up straight is better but not necessary. Breathe in (inhale) deep, expanding your abdomen slowly and in a controlled manner, through your nose, with your mouth closed. Blow out (exhale) by pursing your lips and blowing out slowly and controlled while deflating your abdomen.);

13) Water (P) (The more you drank, the more you should drank.);

14) Vitamins (P) - (I don't take a multivitam - it gives me appetite. I take Vit Bs, even sublingual form, Vit C, D, Folic Acid, Fish Oil a must):

15) TheraCane (P) - (I saw a model on this site that you use with your foot rather than applying pressure using your hands. I like my model, but that would be better.);

16) E-Stim (P);

17) Spine Alignment Board (P) - (For cervical and thoracic area of my spine. May promote collateral blood supply. PT has them. I bought this one on QVC for under $20. It can be adjusted as you progress. Opens up your pecs.); :wink:

18) Light Therapy (P) - (A tool that I found that helps restore function and reduces pain.) - (May be selling these as a second (forced change) career.)

19) Slankets (P) - (Wish I'd thought of that. Blankets with sleeves. Keeping my upper body warm and cozy reduces pain - priceless);

20) Moist Heating Pad (P) - (Too much heat promotes swelling. I find keeping my upper body warm and cozy works better.);

21) Epidurals X3 (PX10) - (2006) (If it's recommended, don't put it off. It took three different - independent of each other - pain management doctors to convience me I needed that. Not 1, not 2, but I had to commit to 3. On the 3rd one, I got relief in my back, neck, arms, hands... lasting relief);

22) Steroid Injections in my Thumb (P) - (2007) (You can only have a couple in your thumb. Any more and you risk tearing the tendon maybe beyond repair.);

23) Oversize Tennis Balls (P) (Wal-Mart sporting goods section);

24) 3" Balloons (P) - (I placed them in my armpit for relief);

25) Laser Hair Removal (P) - (Only works on dark hair.) - I also underwent electrolysis for stray hairs) (Expensive, but I'm worth it.); ;)

26) Adjustable Hairdryer Stand (PX5) - (a must have);

27) Reachers and Grabbers (P) - (I'm sure they're called something else - Wal-Mart has the Gopher - good for heavier things in cabinets and on the floor. Get an order and your Ins may pay for it.);

28) Erognomics (P) - (You need that anyway);

29) Telephone Headset and/or Bluetooth (P) - (For hands free talking);

30) Work (P) - (Work is good therapy... not to mention you need money to treat and living expenses. Life keeps coming at you); :p

31) Articulating Arm Supports (P) I use these at my computer work station;

32) 1-2 Wine Coolers Before Bedtime, Occasionally (P) - (Not a drinker but it helps.);

33) Pillows, neckbone pillows, all sizes of pillows (P) - (Everybody's figured that one out. I live in a nest of pillows.);

34) Wrist splints with Thumb Spicas (P)

35) Driver & Errand Runner (P) - (The less you do, the less pain you'll have.);

36) Buy Smaller Size and Quanty (P) - (easier to manage)

37) Front Loading Washer and Dryer (P) - (With a built up platform for your appropriate height, with cut out holes for laundry baskets you can use your foot to pull out or push in. One under the washer for dirty clothes. One under the dryer for clean clothes. Hubby can fold and put away... sometimes.); :D

38) Stellate Ganglion Injections, Bilaterally (N) - (At this time, 2004, I was in so much pain it was overload. I had more pain, numbness and tingling for 2 days. Other than that, couldn't tell any improvement.)

39) Silicone Potholder and/or Adjustable Rubber Bottle and Jar Opener (P) - (Wal-Mart - The potholder I have is shaped like a kidney, with graduated dots/bumps/knobs. Works as a bottle/jar gripper to help open things. Also good for #32) :cool:

40) "OneTouch" Can Opener (N) - (Still couldn't grip and press the button. Not TOS-friendly. Wal-Mart);

41) Sleeping with my elbows straight (P) - (Found that on this site. Thanks fellow TOSer.);

42) Ice Packs (P) (If it swells, slap ice on it. It is a good treatment, too. During the course of a day you can alternate heat and ice. Don't leave ice on too long - 10 to 20 minutes. The 1 part alcohol and 2 part water is a great idea. Thanks to ya fellow TOSer.);

43) Hot Showers (P) - I run my water heater dry - actually blew one up. Got a bigger one.);

44) Absorbant Robes and Towels (P) - (So you don't have to use your arms to dry off.);

45) Yogurt (P) - (Your gastrointestional tract will love you for it. Meds and less activity causes constipation. #13 helps with that too.); :o

46) A good doctor with knowledge and expertise in TOS is a must - Keep searching if you haven't found the right doctor for you. I found Dr. Atasoy in March 2004. Surgery was recommended but have opted not to as long as I think I can improve without it. He still helped me in other ways. I had many visits.);

47) Shoulder Injection (N) - (Couldn't tell it helped anything. Didn't hurt anything, though.)

48) Detox stuff like at GNC (P) - (It makes me feel a little better, overall.);

49) Vestibular Rehabilitation (P) - (For balance) (I did not have good balance the morning after the accident -- actually when I got up out of bed, I had baaaaad balance. Smacked into the wall on the left side for 14 months. Muscle relaxer helped that condition, too. Scalenes and cervical muscle spasms - I had been refusing muscle relaxers for about a year and it took another month or so for them to take effect, I guess. Vestibular Rehab consisted of a home exercise program - pages of exercises, with instructions. Taping a exercise sheet to one side of the wall and another sheet of paper on the adjoining wall - in a seated position - focus and move head as instructed. Been a while but it helped.);

50) Determination (P);

51) Prayer (P) - (It's not that I thought of this last. just wanted to leave you a lasting thought.)

:hug:

Now that it is freezing up here in the mountains of colorado and my bum right arm goes completely numb in the cold when Im snowboarding and nordic skiing - thanks to venous TOS and my stupid subclavian vein that doesnt allow blood to flow out of my arm. Im going to try this!

http://www.skins.net/us/en/Default.aspx

They claim that it helps with circulation... We'll see... Im going to get the $100 womens top and I'll let you know if it works. What do I have to lose (besides $100!) or I will just have myself a really expensive long underwear top.

Wish me luck!

Just made a can of Brunswick Stew thanks entirely to my One Touch can opener!!! First time using it and I'm in love :circlelove: You just slap it on the can and step away. Its amazing!!! here's the official site but think you can buy it at Bed, Bath & Beyond and Walgreens and such.
Go get one if you don't already have a can opener (and I'm not talking about family members!! What if they're not home when you need some soup pronto?)!!

:)

Glad the One Touch helps you. I guess I was a little rough on that one.

I had to use it if I wanted to get anything opened, but my reach, grip, thumbs and index fingers would make it a slip & slide event. So I had to have it but it was not without problems. At that time when I'd raise my arm up any it caused more pain and instability. couldn't put the dishes up in the cabinets out of the dishwaher. broke more than I could afford. :p I'm happy to say I can now operate a regular opener... even the old crank type every now and then just to see if I can.... and sometimes I can't do the crank. So do get one. it was useful.

I got the homedics neck massager with heat for xmas!!!!
YAY!!!!!:trampoline: I love it :D

I posted a bunch of easy healthy recipes and cooking tips in this thread

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread70076.html

comfort by laughing at buffoons & other handy things
 

1. i get no end of aggravation from contractors, so for my own peace of mind i am always looking for smart ways to do it myself. hurricane ike is a whole can of worms for me. to stay comfy do not settle on the gulf coast.

2. i have developed a stroke that is a cross between the crawl and the dog paddle. if i am having a good day i may lift my arms out of the water for 1-2 laps, otherwise they stay under where they can't do any harm. the cold water will sooth my aching muscles. i also clear my mind and do counting only to keep track of laps. i do it in a foreign language, repeating the number till the lap is done. it is my way of emptying out all the crap in the brain to relax more. swim every single day.

3. long hot showers

4. kinesis contour keyboard, drop keyboard, foot rest at work. mouse left handed. enable and use handicap keys for clicking only.

5. yoga - be sure to talk to the teacher about being a rank amateur and they will take you under their wing. i have a particular one i like best - debra at la fitness in league city.

6. when it was really bad i needed a steering wheel knob, it is a tractor supply. mount it at 8:00 for the good left hand. get rid of it as soon as you don't need it any more.

7. dog belly rubs, dog walks. use a no pull harness on bad days. dog wrestling.

8. draw cartoons to make yourself laugh at the dodo doctors, pts, co-workers and in general any buffoons you encounter. in fact you can save on shrinks by doing this.

:)

I'm glad I found your post about the infrared lamps. Did you try them yet?

I've used infrared and LED lights. They really helped me.

:bump:
Its been a while since we shared tips! So I wanted to bump this for new member and also to ask what's working for you?

<Currently I'm talk typing this (Dragon) while I've got a Homedics heated-neck-massager going. It's working great to relieve my shoulder blade fire feeling.>

I've been doing tai-chi and chi-gong in the a.m. for a month now.
The chi-gong breathing exercises feel great for the Thoracic impingement!!! I have tried to find a video of it on youtube to share - but no luck tonight. I will try again tomorrow :santa:

Forward head postures - video listings.

explains it, how we get it, and tips & stretches videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpbDfu44hWM

This is the general link to a list of videos about it , explore them to find one that is doable for you.
The first vid just explains how we get the forward head posture.
He doesn't mention how it can close the area of the brachial plexus and cause the symptoms we can have.


I use the info and positions as a starting place and make changes with arm positions to what is best for me.


Using the Foam Roll - video listings
You'll need to sort thru them as some are for athletes and some are therapeutic but the info is good.

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...rch_type=&aq=f

:bump:
This one needed to be dusted off :P

I've found that moist heat works alot better for me than regular/dry heat.... I was always uncertain how the electric heating pads could be moist (without electrocuting me). I found some heating pack you microwave for 2-3 minutes, and it gives you that moist heat. Just don't over-cook them....they WILL melt/burn. I think it was ThermiBeads Moist Heat Pad.

what has helped me
 

Therapeutic massage (including myofascial release & ruit therapy stretching)

stretching dvd from : http://mrtherapy.com/

Feldenkreis personal trainer

daily Nerve glides & stretching

hot baths & showers

foam roller for stretches

wrist braces for nighttime sleeping (for problems with carpal tunnel like symptoms)

therapy dog ( in my case my bff chiaua :)

limit driving , lifting, & typing,

use a book/computer stand, so you don't have to look down

heating pad with moist heat, also good to use heating pad when driving

Pray ....pray, pray....Keep hopeful......

currently trying Rolfing....http://www.rolf.org/

take your vitamins- some vitamins help with pain by helping to reduce inflamation. daily I take 1) omega 3 fish oil with Dha/epa, 2) Magnesium malleate 3) probiotic 4) protease 5) vitamin D and you can take oral St Johns wort (for pain & depression-
http://herb-pharm.com/catalog/stjohn...oil-p-280.html)

also st johns wort oil can be rubbed on painful spots, or peppermint oil to help relieve inflammation.

tai chi

and trying to relax your muscles, and not let the stress go to your trigger points.

Hope this helps some of you as it helps me...

bump

hand-over-hand driving to lessen tension in pecs
core strengthening
http://www.ilcaustralia.org/images/VIC/6189001a.jpg
PRISM GLASSES NOW I CAN READ AGAIN YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

Is there a name for the chi-gong exercise? How about a description?

Thanks.

Here is my list so far. These have helped me:

-- elevating my symptomatic arm (left side) in order to open up the space between the collar bone and first rib

-- not letting my arms swing when I walk. centripetal force pulls the shoulder and therefore collar bone down. I make light fists and rest them on the top of my pockets, transferring the weight of the arms into the legs.

-- daily walking for its numerous benefits (cardio, energy, mental lift, sunshine, fresh air, etc.)

-- fixing my posture during the day

-- doing brugger relief position throughout the day

-- following the Egoscue Pain Free exercises

-- learning more about posture with "Posture: Get It Straight" DVD

-- learning more about anatomy especially re: the shoulder, scapulas, traps, necks, etc.

-- seeing a chiro who also knows myofascial release and first rib adjustment

-- meditation specifically aimed at noting specific tensions and releasing them on exhalation

-- stretches, but I waited til I made some progress, got the first mobilized by the chiro and learned to do it myself with a strap. stretching for TOS is tricky.

-- putting a cold pack above the collar bone for 15 mins on, 15 mins off and then 15 mins back on. reduces inflammation and has a mild, positive effect for me. nice to do after any postural exercises, stretches or rib mobilization to counter inflammation those might cause.

-- deep reading of this board

-- budgeting time every day to work on the above

-- listening to my body and making adjustments as soon as I get a "signal" that something is wrong. I posted about this recently.


Things that have resolved or improved substantially:

-- no more numb and/or cold forearm

-- pain in the inner forearm by elbow is less frequent and less severe

-- pain in the shoulder is absent most days and very minor others. same with pec minor

-- no more chest pains and sternal squeezing (I had strong vascular problems--my circulation would "back up")

-- much improved sleep; don't wake up with symptoms as often

-- can work more hours as a result


Things that I'm still struggling with:

-- lightheadedness aka dizziness

-- chronic neck tension (improved but still bad)

-- my chiro says I still have a skull+neck misalignment which is the cause of the above

-- I drop into "neck forward / shoulders forward" posture all the time. I correct it, but the correction does not (yet) naturally hold.


Things that didn't help me:

-- non-specific meditation

-- moving qigong / chi kung. that just aggravated my condition with all the arm movements. I hope to return to it when I'm better.

-- resting. at least until I found that I needed to elevate my shoulder girdle, resting was a crap shoot as to whether I would feel better or worse.

-- emergency room. they had no clue.

-- cardiologist. wrong type of doctor. and he wasn't clueful enough to refer me to a vascular specialist.

-- supplements. based on studies I'm sure they're good for us long term, and if you have a very specific problem, this could be a key. but no supplement I took had a noticeable impact.

-- deep tissue massage


Useful ideas I didn't list as helpful, because I haven't tried them at all or enough to comment:

-- sternal positional swiss ball stretch (I'm about to start this now that I've opened up some from brugger.)

-- Edgelow protocol (I got this, but have barely gotten into it.)

-- trigger point therapy by a pro or self administered (also looking into this)

-- osteopathic manipulation

-- active release technique (I'm seriously thinking of doing this for my neck)

-- Feldenkrais, Alexander, etc.

-- acupuncture


I hope that helps someone!

Symptoms and solutions vary between TOS sufferers so don't mistake my list for an authoritative one. You'll have to find the combo you need.

One observation is that there are so many things to try that it takes awhile just to get to them all, which is cause for hope because there are more things yet to try!

If you don't know what something above means, search for it on this forum, google and youtube, and you'll get some nice reading material (and possibly viewing as well). :-)

good point about the arm swinging, i notice it too..its subtle, but definitely an aggravation

or any reaching for that matter, the arm swinging is easy to forget about tho bc generally youre feeling good so you swing your arms then bam

Thanks for the comprehensive list of what has and hasn't worked for you! I do a lot of these things but it's always good to have a comprehensive reminder.

The DVD I was working from was Tai chi for arthritis by Dr. Paul Lam. My local library has it. I bet any DVD that gears the movements toward arthritis sufferers would be just as good.
Good Luck!

Acupuncture and Bras
 

I've said it before and I'll scream it again:
ACUPUNCTURE!!!
I have been able to make big improvements since I started a year and a half ago.
I can raise my arm over my head. I can exercise doing forward and backward arm circles. I can do cheat push-up (I don't put my hands flat on the floor because my hands don't have that range of motion yet... I do them with fists.) Being able to get a range o fmotion has helped me develop the muscles and do the PT I wasn't able to do when I was super inflamed. Acupuncture minimizes inflammation :D

Also, I have to say changing to a different bra style helped me too. :icon_redface: Before I didn't have enough support and the girls were pulling me forward. Now that they are hoisted up, I don't turtle head as much or get upper chest muscle soreness.

@thursday How often do you go for acupuncture and how long are the sessions? Did you need to relay and special instructions or requests to the practitioner, or just describe your symptoms and lay back?

You just describe your symptoms and then they needle you in places that are not the places you are having trouble with.
My practitioner mostly works on my legs as part of the distal points approach.

Please see my big post to get a bigger picture and ask me more questions! I'm just so happy it made my life better, I wish it on everyone! :grouphug:http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread119303.html

Since my pain is mainly in my elbows and hands, i use Tiger Balm to relieve the pain. Also hot showers and a an acupuncture TDP lamp helps :)