I've been looking for a massage therapist that does orthopedic massage for over a year now.
Getting a regular "relaxation" massage only exacerbates my shoulder issues. I've had a Massage Envy membership for a while now and once the therapist I had been seeing in Folsom was unable to keep working, I hadn't used many of my prepaid massages. In fact, I gifted most of them over the holidays and had planned to cancel.
I had called the Massage Envy near my place (at the Metreon) several times asking if they had anyone who did Orthopedic massage and was told no every time.
Well, Massage Envy didn't process my cancellation and charged me for another prepaid in December. I really didn't want to get a massage that was going to increase my pain. I scheduled a facial instead. While I was waiting I took a look at their therapist bios. Wouldn't you know, they had TWO therapists that do orthopedic massage.
I booked an appointment with Kim for the next evening when I saw that! I figured I would give her a shot and cancel the next day if she didn't work out.
A thing to know about orthopedic massage: it is NOT pleasant. It is not a relaxing massage that relieves stress. It is painful. VERY painful.
Kim poked and prodded and pushed and pulled. In fact, most of my one hour session was spent on my left shoulder's inflamed connective tissues and scar tissue. But I didn't mind. I knew I was there for specific body work and Kim seemed very knowledgeable. It hurt like hell though. After 13 years of physical therapy, surgery and discomfort, I knew it would be. If you've never had anyone "poke" you in the armpit, the armpit is capable of feeling intense pain. I don't recommend testing it out though.
She had a few recommendations for me diet-wise (most of which I have already adopted, she was impressed with my natural health knowledge). One of which was to make a super strong ginger tea using about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches of fresh ginger and 6 cups of water. Let it boil to reduce it to about 2 cups of "tea" and drink that throughout the day. I'm going to give that one a shot since I'm not taking any supplements during this phase of AIP, including turmeric.
I know that the amount of inflammation in my shoulder is less than usual, but I had hoped that AIP would possibly eliminate it. On the plus side of AIP, I think my nasal allergy symptoms are improving. They are not gone yet, but they are improving. I was able to have a massage laying face down and not sneeze or have my nose run. I was even able to mostly breathe through my nose during the entire session (the right side of my nose still gets "stuffed up" when I lay down. It is really bothersome, but it seems to drain faster when I change positions than it used to).
I did find a resource that would have helped immensely when I started on my AIP journey almost 3 weeks ago. Paleo Plan is a fantastic website that helps make the paleo lifestyle easier and more convenient. I've gone there for recipes and info over the last year. What I didn't realize was how comprehensive their 21 Day Paleo Cleanse eBook was. I purchased the Toadally Primal Wellness Bundle and the 21 Day Paleo Cleanse was included.
I highly recommend checking it out. The $25 price is a drop in the bucket when it comes to the ease with which you will be able to make the transition. It has 3 weeks of menus, shopping lists and even tells you what days you need to do prep work for another meal.
Even if you don't think you have allergy or autoimmune issues, give it a shot. I have to say I'm down 8 pounds since the 6th of January and almost down to my goal weight.
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