Sad day - need to stop lifting weights

SRP

SRP

Cathlete
Hi all. I rarely have time to visit here anymore, but I made time out of, well, desperation, I guess.

I have tendonitis in both wrists, along with arthritis in one hand. Lifting weights is just becoming more and more difficult, as is other heavy work, like yard work - both of which I love. But I need to keep my hands working so that I can work - I'm a writer and type all day.

I've been fiddling around with bands and tubing. I've found some alternatives, but often the tension of the band/tube also puts too much stress on the hands.

So - if any of you have anything you'd like to share, please do. I'm just feeling a bit lost right now. No weight lifting? I can't even imagine it. :(
 
Shannon, Don't give up! Talk with your doctor, do wrist tendonitis/arthritis exercises. Be educated about what you can do. Research on the internet, acupuncture, alternatives...

There is an alternative I want to share that helps me a great deal. It's called The MELT Method by Sue Hitzmann, M.S., C.S.T., N.M.T. She is a nationally recognized somatic-movement educator and manual therapist. It's a revolutionary approach to pain-free fitness and longevity. And she has a method for hand treatments. Here is a link to her site.
About Sue Hitzmann | MELT Method

Look in her store and there is a system for MELT Hand and Foot Self-Treatment Kit. She also has a book (I have one and LOVE it). I only wished she had a DVD for other things besides the hand and feet. This might be up your alley.

I have an acupuncture mat and use it every night before I go to bed. There are even nubbie shoes I wear that acupuncture my feet. These things make life easier to sleep at night, stops muscle aches, in your back, legs (IT), feet, digestive problems and other benefits. Wonder if you could make something like that to put around your wrists? If I had your problem, I would purchase one of those mats for the soul purpose of cutting it up and wrapping it around your wrists. Or something! Just to see if it helps. You can get them at Amazon for sometimes $15.00 with free shipping or not much shipping expense. It might be worth your while. You just don't know. It helps with so many things, why not your wrists or hands.

I'm only recommending these for you because they work for me. They may or may not help you.

Please keep us posted. If I hear of anything else that might help then I'll pass it down to you.

Prayers and Hugs,

Janie
 
Janie - thank you! I just quickly explored the MELT website ... it's not something I would normally consider. So could you please tell me more? Like, what does it specifically help for you? How did you find it, and what made you decide to try it?

I'm very hesitant to try nontraditional treatments, but I know from past experience that traditional doctors don't treat this sort of thing well at all, unless you want pain meds.

My first thought was that wow, that's a lot of money (on her website) for all that stuff. But if I start going to all those doctor's appointments, the cost will add up in no time.

So if you don't mind, tell me more. I'm cautiously excited.
 
Shannon,

I had severe tendonitis in my elbow a couple of years ago and had the same dilemma about lifting weights!

Nothing was helping (brace, pain killers, etc.) until someone told me to try Tiger Balm.

Amazingly my tendonitis was gone within a few weeks and has not returned!

You can get Tiger Balm at Walgreens (or probably any drugstore). Worth a try!
 
I'm glad I peaked your interest. I certainly hope this will work for you, if you choose to do this.

Hmmm where to start. I have GERD. It's an indigestion disease and no cure. I was not able to take meds and one time ended up in the emergency room because of it. Did research on the internet and found information from people who uses the acupuncture mats to help them. It not only helps with my digestive problems and insomnia but also all my aches and pains being a person going on 63. YIKES!

So many people on the internet swear by the MELT Method and thought I would give it a try too. What is there to lose but maybe some pain and relief from GERD. I may even lose money if it doesn't work, but at least I'm not giving up and neither should you. It's an alternative way of trying to make a better way of life for myself when there is no other way. My doctor and I talked about these methods and she said to go ahead and try it. You might do the same with your doctor.

When I workout I sometimes strain my muscles especially in my back/shoulders. I've had tennis elbow (that one took a long time) only because I'd forgotten about the MELT and didn't use it. Then remembered it one day and started it, using the ball method. Once had a sprained foot and used this method for the feet, it worked. But I use both the acupuncture mat and the MELT method together now and on a daily basis, so one or both is working for me.

No reason to be hesitant about trying something new. Especially when you have exhausted all other treatments available. If there is nothing else, then why not? Try to be acceptable to new things. There is a reason for there existence for so many years. The MELT Method is new in comparison to acupuncture, but it certainly works for me.

I sure hope I helped you in some way. Mainly for you to open up to other alternatives. If you find something in your research to help with pain, all the more power to you.

Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.

Janie
 
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Carolyn - thanks for the TigerBalm idea. I've tried salves like that before with no luck, but not actually TigerBalm.

Janie - you are right. I shouldn't be such a chicken. :) I haven't been to a doctor for this particular issue. But I get tendon problems a lot, and in the past have never gotten good results from a regular doctor, or even a sports medicine specialist. They tell me to rest. I do. It goes away. And then comes back. I'm dreading starting that process all over again.

So maybe I'll try Melting. Thank you very much for sharing!
 
I had tendonitis in my foot (pf) I could barly walk, it sucked!
I had astym treatments back in July a total of 8 and now I'm fine in fact I was try to remember which foot it was. it worked for me. So far I've been fine.
Just my 2 cents

Christie
 
Hi. I am sorry you are going through this. Although I cannot give you any advise on your tendonitis, I had back surgery a couple of years ago and I could not lift weights for a long time. I was lucky enough to find a gym with a pool and I did water aerobics, spinning, kickboxing, etc. You'd be surprised how toned your body can get with just water as resistance, and best of all no impact. If this is an option for you with either a health club or the ymca, give it a try. If not, for your lower body, you can try a weighted vest, so you dont have to hold weights with your hands. Just my two cents. I know how frustrating it is when the doctor says you can't exercise as you normally do.
 
IslandRose said:
Hi. I am sorry you are going through this. Although I cannot give you any advise on your tendonitis, I had back surgery a couple of years ago and I could not lift weights for a long time. I was lucky enough to find a gym with a pool and I did water aerobics, spinning, kickboxing, etc. You'd be surprised how toned your body can get with just water as resistance, and best of all no impact. If this is an option for you with either a health club or the ymca, give it a try. If not, for your lower body, you can try a weighted vest, so you dont have to hold weights with your hands. Just my two cents. I know how frustrating it is when the doctor says you can't exercise as you normally do.
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Hi, IslandRose, I have spinal stenosis for more at year now and I still do weights and cardio but my doctor for back pain send me to aqua therapy but my insurance doesn't cover. Can you please share with me how you did, thank you.
 
Shannon, I just wanted to throw in my 2 cents on this. There is a great deal of research that shows a gluten sensitivity\allergy is connected to arthritis and tendinitis. Also, typically tendinitis can be healed with b12 and b6. If a person has a gluten issue he/she is deficient in many nutrients including b vitamins, hence the need to supplement.

I had horrific tendonosis in both ankles. I was doing my stretching, icing, etc.; however, it wasn't until I started supplementing with b12 and b6 that they finally healed.

I hope this helps and I hope you find relief soon. I truly empathize.
 
I had 'tendonitis' for a couple of years, my allopathic doctors couldn't help at all, all they gave me was pain medicine. Then I met my chiropractor, within a few weeks I could move. My initial injuries were due to a car accident and it took a while to fix them. But, now, I only need an occasional tune up and its been over twenty years since I was in regular therapy. You may wish to find a good chiropractor in your area (preferably found through a referral). Until the 'tendonitis' pain/cause is solved, I do not recommend any weight training. You don't want to compound a subtle injury

As for the arthritis: my Mom takes ginger root for hers. It has helped a lot with the pain but it can be tough on the stomach, so you wouldn't want it on an empty stomach. She takes the capsule from Nature's Way. Its not perfect, but it has slowed the progression of the disease.

My Dad also takes the ginger root but he uses something called 'Dragon' from Dragon - Dragon NaturallySpeaking - Nuance  - Nuance to dictate all his emails, reports, and e books. It takes a little getting used to, but it might take some of the burden off your hands.

I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this, hugs.
 
Hi - thanks everyone, for your helpful and supportive posts. I appreciate it!

Christie - I did a quick search on Astym - hmm. Looks like a form of massage. As does the MELT system that Janie recommended. I think I'm going to do some more research into treating the fascia.

IslandRose - Well, I'm sort of scared of the water. :eek: A gym membership isn't in my budget (thank goodness - another excuse to stay out of the pool!). But yes, a friend at work also suggested that, and it gave me the willies then too!

MurphyMax - I just had my B12 checked, and it's fine. I keep an eye on that since I'm a vegetarian. So in your experience, can additional B12 help? My understanding is that excess is flushed out of the body. Gluten sensitivity ... ugh. I do need to check this out. I don't want to. I LOVE bread. :p But thank you - I will certainly investigate!

RapidBreath - Sorry - I had a bad experience with a chiropractor, and my dad also had some negative results, so I will steer clear of them. I use a lot of ginger, both fresh and dried, in my cooking. Turmeric, too, and both are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. So when your parents take it, it's in a capsule form? Thanks for the link about the Dragon dictation thing. I don't think I'm quite there yet, thank goodness.
 
Shannon
I thought that too! But it is NOT massage! The first few visits are very "uncomfortable"
She took that tool thing went really deep, I swear to my bone! She did my whole leg and it looked like I got hit by a bat! I was black and blue. but it only hurt while she was what I called scraping me. When she was done it felt so much better.

When she was doing the bottom of my foot it sounded like popcorn was popping. it was really bumpy, it was the weirdest thing. by my last visit it was smooth

just my experience

Christie
 
Mariposa1973 said:
Hi, IslandRose, I have spinal stenosis for more at year now and I still do weights and cardio but my doctor for back pain send me to aqua therapy but my insurance doesn't cover. Can you please share with me how you did, thank you.
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Hi Mariposa. My insurance did not cover aqua therapy either, but it was included in my gym membership back then. I do not belong to a gym anymore and have not done aqua therapy in years, but it was that kind of therapy that kept me in shape when I could not lift weights. There is nothing like it, in my opinion, not just to keep me in shape, but I was so tired after the sessions that I could sleep without using meds, and before that I needed something to help me get some sleep because the back pain was unbearable.
 
Hi IslandRose, it is good you are ok now, did you was diagnostic with the same problem at me, I 'm sorry to many ?; you don't have to answer. Happy for you that pain is terrible, you know in the morning is my big pain and my husband said can you change you the face because you looks boring and unhappy and I said I'm in pain, wath you want me to do, well know I do have medicine for the pain.Thank you again
 
I'm so sorry!

I'm a competitive mountainbike racer and have had a few bad crashes, my sports physician has told me I'm pushing it with the number of soft-tissue injuries I've sustained (I'd rather break a bone then have soft tissue injury). This is what I use and swear by and will never stop taking this combo. I do two tablespoons of Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate for joints (green label) and I take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon each day MSM, just make sure it has OptiMSM in in, Jarrow has it.

These two supplements along with copious amounts of coconut, avocado oils keep me humming (and additional protein).
 
DirtDiva said:
I'm so sorry!

I'm a competitive mountainbike racer and have had a few bad crashes, my sports physician has told me I'm pushing it with the number of soft-tissue injuries I've sustained (I'd rather break a bone then have soft tissue injury). This is what I use and swear by and will never stop taking this combo. I do two tablespoons of Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate for joints (green label) and I take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon each day MSM, just make sure it has OptiMSM in in, Jarrow has it.

These two supplements along with copious amounts of coconut, avocado oils keep me humming (and additional protein).
Click to expand...

Funny, I was going to recommend Sulfur as well (MSM). I just started taking Organic sulfur. This is my 5th day, just hoping it works to relieve some of the joint pain I have been experiencing.
 
jdimascio said:
Funny, I was going to recommend Sulfur as well (MSM). I just started taking Organic sulfur. This is my 5th day, just hoping it works to relieve some of the joint pain I have been experiencing.
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I have found that several different manufacturers have different size scoops in them. Work your way up to 1/4 teaspoon and then 1/2 if you can. It takes some time to feel results, won't happen in a week or two. The other nice thing it does (among many) is it also makes your fingernails and hair grow faster. I've been taking MSM for 12 years or more now. Some friends of mine take a tablespoon a day. You really can't overdo it, since its one of the most abundant minerals in your body.

Be aware of where your MSM is sourced from, you do want OptiMSM because it is sourced from USA grown pine trees. Quite a few others are sourced from China. You can google OptiMSM and it will show some examples. Currently, I'm using Jarrow.
Bergstrom Nutrition - OptiMSM Human Joint Health Supplements

You get sulfur naturally from eggs (yolks, eat them women) chicken, beef, fish, garlic, onions.
 
Shannon,

I don't have issues with my wrists but I do have severe osteoarthritis in my left hip, I have no cartilage left. Doc told me my options were to continue doing what I'm doing, which is working out, keeping it moving, stretching, icing, etc. or get my hip replaced. I'm 46 and feel I'm on the young side for a hip replacement so I opted to look for other options for relief. Along with my bad hip, I have issues with my left knee, which stems from the bad hip. I recently purchased Tommy Copper knee sleeve. I do have to say it seems to help. It doesn't take the pain away completely but definitely helps. I wear it all the time. I also see an acupuncturist and she has provided great relief. Down side of that is you have to keep going back to keep the relief. The other thing I recently did was I saw a holistic practitioner and she has herbal tinctures that I have been taking to help rebuild bone, flesh, and cartilage along with another tincture to help the inflammation associated with arthritis. It seems to be helping. The one thing she told me was to eliminate wheat from my diet as it causes inflammation in the body. My latest adventure is CEDSA testing. I got my results back and the things I've learned about what was going on with my body were amazing. Right now I'm waiting to get all my tinctures for a 9 week program to get my body back on track and they claim that I should get some good relief from my arthritis after I'm done with this. If you'd like to know more about it, let me know.

Don't give up and look at other options that may help. I know if someone told me I had to stop lifting I would be devastated.

Sending good vibes your way and hoping you find something that works for you.

Take Care!
Brenda
 
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