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