Learning to Manage Winter Pain

Winter typically means large amounts of pain and frustration, but I'm finally learning how to manage both.  My techniques include:

• Rolfing -> I'm continuing appointments despite some bruising from the deep tissue work.  I notice my muscular structure more now than before, and feel like I am fighting to keep my hard-won gains in the battle to stand straighter.  In response, my rolfer and I agree to make visits more frequent, once every 2 weeks instead of once a month, in hopes to help my body "remember" what it *should* be doing.

• Warmth -> most people seem to prefer cold on a soft tissue injury, but for me, especially in the winter, this results in more pain as my capillaries collapse.  So, I am trying to keep myself warm before I notice I'm cold.  This is currently working with the assistance of flannel lined pants/jeans, fuzzy slippers, flannel sheets, and not being afraid to wear gloves indoors.

• Staying active -> the more I hurt the less I want to move.  I'm fighting this instinct by continuing to move despite the discomfort.  This idea came from a friend whose child has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and staying active helps minimize the flare-ups.  I figured it is worth a try.  My biggest effort is walking since yoga during the winter still results in dislocations.

• Laughing ->   they say laughter is the best medicine, so I look for something to laugh about each day.  Occasionally, this results in jaw pain, but I think it is worth it.

Dislocations and subluxations still occur, but I feel like I am managing them okay at this point.  Usually, when I see the arctic cold descending into my area of the country I cringe and cry, then am miserable until spring thaw.  This year it doesn't seem as intimidating.

Problems with EDS and Rolfing

So far, I've had nothing but good things to say about rolfing.  I have, however, realized that one problem I consider minor should be mentioned for the benefit of others who would not think so.  Bruising.

On symptom of  EDS is easy bruising.  In my case, this is confined to some areas of my body - other regions being less likely to bruise in similar situations.  Not all EDSers have similar bruising patterns; ranging from severe bruising from a minor bump to little or no bruising from a major fall.

Rolfing is deep tissue work, and I have, on several occasions, found bruises after a session.  At this point, I consider this a minor inconvenience compared to the overall success, but not everyone would agree.  As such, I wanted to make sure I mention it in case others are considering rolfing.