Since reading this BB, practicing skilled relaxation, changing diet, and taking supplements, my fibromyalgia symptoms have all but disappeared. The last holdout seems to be the tendonitis in my elbows, which I've suffered with for well over a year. My right is much worse than the left, because I am right handed, I guess. I take a multi vitamin that inclues 75mg of B-6 and 10mg magnesium (buffered amino acid chelate), and I take flax seed oil. My chiropractor has done some trigger point work on it, I've applied ice packs, and worn one of those tennis elbow braces. My neck, shoulders, back, knees, and fingers have all healed. I wonder why the elbows are so stubborn? I also use a cushion under it when I use the computer. Right now I'm not working (I do lots of writing), and would have expected it to improve. I go back to work Aug. 12, and would appreciate some advice before then, so the problem doesn't get worse.
Thanks!!
Nancy
In Reply to: "Tennis" elbows posted by Nancy on August 02, 1998 at 16:27:37:
I have found that the elbows seem to sustain this type of problem when the shoulders are "rounded" without correction. Stretch your pectorals(chest) by leaning into a corner with your arms in a "push ups" type position and feel the stretch in your chest. Find some back strengthening excercises like rowing that will increase the musculature and help hold your shoulders back. Watch your posture and don't let your shoulders slump forward.
It seems as though having rounded shoulders causes the forearms to have to rotate externally at all times of use and cause the tendonitis to be irritated just enough to not want to go away.
Good luck.
In Reply to: "Tennis" elbows posted by Nancy on August 02, 1998 at 16:27:37:
Dear Nancy,
You are on the right track or you wouldn't have had so many other benefits. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Tennis elbow frequently has a relational component and you need to see what Doc Dave has to say about that. Also, Rolfing would help a lot as well.
Keep up what you are doing & consider the Chiropractic & Rolfing. Let us know how you do.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: "Tennis" elbows posted by David Ferguson, D.C. on August 03, 1998 at 08:10:08:
Hi, Dr. Dave!
I'm the one you call "Crazy Colon Nancy". Absolutely everything you wrote makes sense to me. My shoulders are rounded. My PT had me doing those pectoral exercises when I had a frozen shoulder a few years ago, so I know what you mean exactly. She also had me rowing. I quit that because of extreme FMS symptoms several months ago, but I can easily start back on that, as I go to the gym 2-3 days a week, and they have several rowers there. These are great suggestions and not hard to do, except for maybe the posture thing. That's the hardest old habit to break. Thanks alot!
Nancy
In Reply to: Re: "Tennis" elbows posted by Walt Stoll on August 03, 1998 at 15:59:53:
Walt
Thanks for your comments. You were right, Dr. Dave was right on target. Unfortunately, there are no Rolfers anywhere near me. I wrote off for a list several months ago.. It just isn't popular in Louisiana yet.
Changing the subject a bit, though, our local weekly paper (don't worry, we have a daily one, too), ran a feature article this week on alternative medicine. They included naturopaths, herbologists, acupuncturists, and a macrobiotics expert among other things. The people of Acadiana are going to alternative practitioners by the droves. The article even included an interview with an insurance co. president who is advocating reimbursement for these services because he knows it saves them money in the long run. I'd love to send you, Dave, and Robert the paper. I got 5 extra copies for ya'll. I just need to know where to send them. My email address is above.
Nancy
In Reply to: Re: "Tennis" elbows posted by Nancy on August 03, 1998 at 21:46:31:
Dear Nancy,
Isn't Doc Dave wonderful? I had a feeling that he knew something I did not about this.
Let us know how you do.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: "Tennis" elbows posted by Nancy on August 03, 1998 at 21:46:31:
Along with doing rows, you should do shrugs. Simply hold
dumbells at your side and raise your shoulders to yor ears.
Be sure not to fully relax between reps or your rounded shoulders could end up worse. You may also want to use
back support. There's supports that will pull your shoulders back for you!!