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BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments
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Subject: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: GUEST,NicoleCastle Date: 01 Aug 02 - 03:58 PM Has anyone had any luck treating RSI? I have "golfer's elbow" (in addition to some diffuse RSI and wrist stuff). No matter how much I rest and babysit it and do all the ergonomic corrections, I'm not completely healing although I've had some improvement. Until it heals, I can't do any of the exercises and so forth to prevent a reoccurance. Obviously, I need to try something else :) The docs seem to have nothing more to offer me besides perpetual anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone shots. Neither seems like a viable or safe option, and I refuse to accept the idea that I can't be fixed. Has anyone had serious long-term relief from acupuncture, therapeutic massage, etc.? I keep hearing about these as treatments, but I haven't heard from anyone yet who's actually used them with success. |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: Catherine Jayne Date: 01 Aug 02 - 04:57 PM I have suffered from tendonitis and took anti-inflamatory tablets for a long time. The thing is if you take pain killers and the anti inflamatories you mask the pain and the symptoms and if you take these drugs so that you can continue to play then you will do more harm than good. Accupuncture worked for me for a while however these treatments can cost a small fortune when done on a long term basis. I would recommend that you get a second opinion. I was refered to a consultant by my doctor with tendonitis for further tests. It actually turned out to be a problem with my nerve masked by the symptoms of tendonitis. The tendonitis was releaved and practically cured by 6 six weeks of REST and NO PLAYING, the nerve problem was fixed with an operation. I still get twinges if I over do it when playing. But rest was really then answer. I know that not playing for a length of time is difficult and very frustrating but the benifits are worth it. Seek a second opinion. Good luck. Cat |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: NicoleC Date: 01 Aug 02 - 06:44 PM Unfortunately, it's not playing that's my problem, it's working. Occupational hazard for computer geeks, but musicians seem to spend a lot more time and effort on the issue. I've cut way back on my playing as part of my rest, though. It's my bow arm in question, so I'm also looking for a very light bow to help reduce the stress there even more. But it doesn't hurt at all to play; it's a completely differnt kind of movement. |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: katlaughing Date: 01 Aug 02 - 07:56 PM Acupuncture cured my "tennis elbow" which was really from the computer. Needles, plus a tincture and some massage. I posted a link to the old thread where I wrote about my experience with it and a link for the tincture in my first posting in this thread: Help for picker's elbow. If you follow those links, you might find it helpful, I hope.:-) If you ahve any trouble finding it, please holler and I'll dig it up. Good luck! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: Sorcha Date: 01 Aug 02 - 08:02 PM Have you tried a brace? |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: NicoleC Date: 01 Aug 02 - 08:07 PM I'm been wearing a brace for a few months now. It definately helps -- more than the drugs, I think. Thanks for the link, Kat. I didn't try a search for "picker's elbow" :) |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 01 Aug 02 - 08:18 PM Despite the fact that the condition refers to a TENDON inflammation (WITH an O), the name of the condition is "tendinitis", without an O. This on the authority of two different medical dictionaries. Dave Oesterreich |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: NicoleC Date: 01 Aug 02 - 08:28 PM Just read through all those threads, some of which I've read before. You acupuncturist's advice about not constricting was interesting -- I've been through umpteen wraps and braces, and the ones that constrict make it feel better while it's on, but feels much worse afterwards. What I've ended up using is a simple sports wrap that keeps my elbow very warm and mostly just reminds me to leave it be, and won't let me extend or flex my arm too far unless I really try. I think I'll hit one of the oriental markets on the way home and see if they have that ointment, but it looks like regular horselinament to me :) |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: katlaughing Date: 01 Aug 02 - 09:41 PM LOL...it really works, Nicole, they even use it on broken bones! The smell of it does remind Rog of horse linament and it does have camphor and menthol in it, but there's also some Chinese herbs whihc seem to make it all the better. It works a whole lot better than Tiger Balm, for instance. My acu-guy said that was because it is made to penetrate to the bones. The rough translation of the name, "Middle Bone Water" refers to tendons, etc. which are just softer bones accoding to what he said. He absolutely said NO restrictive braces, wraps, etc. as there should be no restriction of the chi, so that healing can take place. It is okay to have something on as a reminder, but do NOT have it tight with the linament on, as you could burn your skin. To keep it on my elbow and keep it moist with the linament, which you need to do fairly often the first few days, I cut the end out of an old, loose sock, pulled it up, then used an eye dropper to soak it with the linament. Also be sure to wash your hands and keep it away from your eyes and mouth!*g* kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: Lane Date: 02 Aug 02 - 12:43 AM I fight the same from time to time. Those tennis elbow straps help but rest and immobilization in a brace is the only thing thats worked definatively |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: NicoleC Date: 02 Aug 02 - 12:55 AM The oriental market down the steet didn't have the stuff. I ended up with tiger balm... thought I was buying the "Ultimate" and brought home "White" instead. Practically useless, but it feels nice and doesn't smell as bad as Ben-Gay or Icy Hot. Well, it's a Korean market. The owner had never heard of the particular ointment, and seemed a little offended when I said maybe I should try a Chinese market instead. :) I know where the Viet neighborhood is... wonder where I could find a real Chinese market around here? Guess I have a project for Saturday. Better yet, maybe I can find an herbalist open on Saturday. I've had several musicians tell me about a "powder" they've gotten from Chinese herbalists that worked like magic on one-time overuse injuries; I guess it would be helpful for repetitive injuries, too. |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: katlaughing Date: 02 Aug 02 - 01:15 AM You can order it from that website and they are really fast about getting it out.:-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: NicoleC Date: 02 Aug 02 - 01:18 AM But I want it NOW! :) |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: Catherine Jayne Date: 02 Aug 02 - 08:35 AM I had it in my bowing arm. Have you tried a Fibreglass bow. They tend to be lighter than wooden ones. I have one that I dont use anymore but it needs rehairing or cleaning to get rid of the excess rosin. Where abouts are you?? cat |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: NicoleC Date: 02 Aug 02 - 01:50 PM Hi Cat, I have a fiberglass bow, and it's a real dog. I don't know if fiberglass bows are all created more or less equal, but it feels much heavier than my instructors pernambuco bow. It might be the balance more than the wiehgt, though. I need a new bow period -- my fiberglass one is losing it's camber and I've outgrown it anyway. Cruising the online shops I see quite a few older bows in the 56g range (and most very pricey!); in the newer bows the Coda Aspire seems to be the lightest one the market, but for $250 I think I could find a nicer cosmetically challenged older one or one from a lesser-known maker. Anyone have a light, moderately-flexible bow for sale? ;) |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: GUEST,Guest Pclink Date: 02 Aug 02 - 04:00 PM Nothing works in the long run but to stop overusing the parts that are getting inflamed and eventually permanently damaged. If you can force yourself to 'mouse' with the other hand for a few months it may cut down a lot on some of the overuse. And you may want to start brainstorming about ways to get off those keys for a while. Is there somebody in the company who spends all day speaking with people, taking phone calls, very little keyboard work, who's going to be out on maternity leave or is leaving soon? Maybe you could be cross-trained to do that for several months, long enough to get your tendons calmed down. Or maybe a permanent change of duties/routines is possible. Just an idea, worked for me... |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: katlaughing Date: 02 Aug 02 - 04:07 PM Good points. The other things you can check into, if it's PC "mousing" that gets to you, is the program called "Dragon - Naturally Speaking" which allows you to speak, rather than type in, your data, etc. |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: Mudlark Date: 02 Aug 02 - 04:36 PM Nicole...If you are having trouble finding a Ch. market, try instead Ch. acupuncturists...they often carry Ch. herbs and potions and even if they don't have it on hand might be able to order zheng gu shui for you (and thus avoid net shipping charge...) |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: GUEST,Peter from Essex Date: 02 Aug 02 - 05:09 PM Ultrasound did the trick for my tennis elbow, followed up by always typing with wrist and elbows supported. Switching from a mouse to a tracker ball has also made a great improvement. |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: NicoleC Date: 02 Aug 02 - 05:40 PM Okay, okay, I ordered the Zheng Gu Shui. After scoping out the neighborhoods the Chinese herbalists were in, and deciding that being a white chick in a VW cruising around those neighborhoods for a few hours may not be the smartest move in the world. I tried calling, but between my bad Chinese pronouciation and their lack of English... well, I don't know if they have it or not. The Tiger Balm made my arm swell up quite a bit, and I'll be darned but it felt better this morning, too. Guess the extra blood speeds the healing, so I may be on to something here with the extra herbs, etc. in the Zheng Gu Shui. Made the switch to trackball years ago and HIGHLY recommend it to any computer user. The only thing that's better for me is the small laptop keyboard with the eraser point mouse in the middle. They used to sell those as desktop add-ons, but I can't find 'em any more. Peter, who prescribed ultra sounds treatments for you? I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere. I work in a very specialized occupation as a database developer and admin, so a job swap just isn't feasible. I wish I had the resources to take a long sabbatical, but I don't. Changing careers would bring some major financial repercussions. You know, I wouldn't rule out the kind of big lifestyle change that would involve losing the house, etc. for the sake of my health. I know that's not really what you meant, Pclink, but I'm glad you brought it up. I think it's premature to make that kind of move right now, but it is something to keep in the back of my head if I can't find a solution that works for me. Scary thought. I packed up one career to save what was left of my ears and it is NOT a fun process. |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: katlaughing Date: 02 Aug 02 - 07:35 PM We still need that Mudcat Retirement Community, even if we don't all want to really retire. Mudcat Retreat and Retirement...*sigh*.... glad you've ordered it...I hope it works well for you. I meant to say the white tiger balm always seemed stronger to me than the "extra-strength." Zheng gu shui rules, though! |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: Bobert Date: 02 Aug 02 - 08:30 PM Yeah, a little over a month ago I was headed right for yet another bout with what I call "Picker's Elbow" so I threw the thread on here that Kat put up in her earlier post. What really made this case worse than others is that I was going to be ar Blues Week at Davis and Elkins on July 7th for a week of intensive pickin. Well, lots of good suggestions but what worked for me was Tiger Balm, which was all I could get a hold of, and several deep tissue massauges a day with the balm. Well, I'm here to swear by that treatment 'cause it not only stopped the stuff in its tracks but I've been pickin ever since. Now here's the hard part. Ya gotta use your thumb to find "the spot". You know, "the spot". Well you're gonna have to hold some uncomfortable pressure on "the spot" for several seconds and then let up slowly and then repeat 4 or 5 times then massauge whole muscle from the wrist to the elbow. Repeat 4 or 5 times a day and you will get results. If not I'll galdly refund you the cost of the advice, less the balm... Jus funnin. It will work! Bobert |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: Bobert Date: 02 Aug 02 - 08:32 PM Yeah, a little over a month ago I was headed right for yet another bout with what I call "Picker's Elbow" so I threw the thread on here that Kat put up in her earlier post. What really made this case worse than others is that I was going to be ar Blues Week at Davis and Elkins on July 7th for a week of intensive pickin. Well, lots of good suggestions but what worked for me was Tiger Balm, which was all I could get a hold of, and several deep tissue massauges a day with the balm. Well, I'm here to swear by that treatment 'cause it not only stopped the stuff in its tracks but I've been pickin ever since. Now here's the hard part. Ya gotta use your thumb to find "the spot". You know, "the spot". Well you're gonna have to hold some uncomfortable pressure on "the spot" for several seconds and then let up slowly and then repeat 4 or 5 times then massauge whole muscle from the wrist to the elbow. Repeat 4 or 5 times a day and you will get results. If not I'll galdly refund you the cost of the advice, less the balm... Jus funnin. It will work! Bobert |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: Bobert Date: 02 Aug 02 - 08:53 PM Got to lay off the caffiene. Danged! Bobert |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 02 Aug 02 - 09:16 PM ulta-sound is a "miracle treatment" for tendonitis.
The application of oil and the rubbing with the fixture appear to be a "snake-oil-joke" but with light exercise immediately following the treatment you can feel the pain fade away.
Tendonitis is a curious case. Injury and/or overuse create microscopic crystals within the tendon encloser....everytime the tendon moves within the enclosing sheath the crystals irritate and cut into the tendon. Picture a bicycle brake-line...sheath on the outside, smooth cable inside sliding back and forth when the lever is pressed.....now pour fine beach sand into the smoothly oiled sheath and feel the grit cutting into the cable...that is what is happening to your tendon.
The ultra-sound treatment breaks-up the small cystals and allows them to flow away with use.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Gargoyle |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: NicoleC Date: 06 Aug 02 - 12:52 AM Kat, Wow, this Chinese stuff is awesome! It's not really hot, but just nice and fuzzy warm, er, cool. Something. :) It does feel like it goes all the way to the bone. But how do I keep the cat from licking my arm? I ordered a couple of lighter bows on approval. Now I gotta wait for 'em to show up... |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 06 Aug 02 - 01:19 AM Tiger Balm - active ingredients oil of clove, camphor, capsicum (red pepper)
The tourist when visiting HongHong....should see the extravagent gardens (built on the family riches of the above ingredients mixed with pertroleum jelly and sold at an outlandish profit to suffering third world denizons) ...the concrete sculptures of are both beautiful and brutal. (My personal favorite is the two contestents struggling over the pit of bamboo spikes...one or both will loose their life.
Sincerely, |
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Subject: RE: BS: RSI/Tendonitis & alternative treatments From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 06 Aug 02 - 01:22 AM Laying in the bountiful lap................................................ of luxury my little....................................... chuckle-cat...you retired....... years............ ago.
Sincerely, |