EASY IDEAS TO RELIEVE PAIN

Over the years I have tried to not only help people as a therapist but to give people ideas about how to help themselves. In these pages I will try to share some of these methods of self-help that won't hurt and might just help.

When some type of pain or problem we don't understand comes into our lives we lose control over what we can do. These ways of helping ourselves gives us power over what is going on, provides some understanding and gives our bodies a chance to heal and get some relief.

People with arthritis need to move the joints as much as possible. But only if inflammation and swelling can first be reduced.

Fibromyalgia can be helped by getting deep sleep without tranquilizers. Sometimes we just need some help. Then the body can begin to help heal itself.

Multiple sclerosis often makes it increasingly difficult to continue exercise or movement. The longer these people can continue to move the better.

Osteoarthritis strikes many of our joints as we age. Many people I see it starts with their hands. I am not going to get into technical explanations here just what has given relief for others. Some people soak their hands in a high concentration of epsom salts in a dishpan or plastic gallon jugs with the tops cut off. Cut around the handle to keep some of the strength. Be careful if you use this method. You can have the water hot or just warm. A cup or more of epsom salt to a gallon of water is good. Some people use more. You can experiment and see what works for you.



For pain relief of hands or feet a tea of chamomile bags and grated ginger root has helped many. The ginger you get in the produce section and you can buy cloth bags to seal it in but a piece of cotton cloth tied with string works as well. Same thing with the dishpan etc. Be careful grating, it does NOT have to be fine. No secret amounts, buy tea and the ginger root on sale and experiment. Start out with small amounts and increase. This water can be used as compresses on specific joints then used for soaking and later poured into the bath. Be careful of hot water and pour the tea base into container of water for soaking.

Some people get relief for hand and foot pain by using contrasting water treatments. You need two water containers here. First put your hands or feet in hot water for 3 minutes and the cold for 1 minute and switch back and forth several times. You need a helper to add water and ice to keep the temperatures constant. A thermometer is recomended. Be careful with hot water!!! This can still be effective without drastic temperatures but 100F for the hot and 60F for the cold is the best.