[foxyshaman]

Originally Posted by ruffryder

I need a back and shoulder massage. any ideas how to stop shoulder pain? I've been exercising my arms, moving them around, stretching. Used icy hot the past 2 days per my Co workers advice. That helps the pain for sure. Went to a chiropractor in the past, not sure if it helped or not.

Challenge? 3 words that describe your journey to a healthy you this year. Mine would be Determination, Commitment, Focus

Ruff,

Regarding shoulder pain, not know specifically where you hurt. However, stretching your arms while standing in a doorway really helps to loosen them. Lean forward while your hands are above your head in the doorway. The other thing I do is use a tennis ball, sit against a wall, or on your couch, place the ball where-ever in your shoulder you hurt, and move the ball around the knot. It hurts, but does work. The other exercise I find useful is using resistance bands. Place your hands behind your back, holding both ends of the band, and try to lift your hands up and over your head. Stop where you feel the most discomfort and hang out there for awhile. If you have someone in your life who can help you with the next one... lay face down on a hard surface. Let someone put their fingers on the biggest part of the knot. They have to press HARD. You raise your arm out to the side and do small circles five times....slowly. Next, hands still on the knot, put your arm out like you are flying superman, lift your arm up and down...slowly, five times. It will help to release the knots. Chiropractors do help, but like any other healer, you have to find a good one. I use my pendulum to find healers. That has never failed me.

This may not fit into your lifestyle, but if you can take a rejuvination or restorative yoga class they are designed to slowly work the knots out of your back and shoulders (and hips) using slow moves and props. Also taking a yin yoga class may also be of assistance. Yoga is not for everyone, so I only mention this as an aside.

My three words:

Healing - my weight is a result of internal struggles, the food is the symptom for me

Understanding my internal process and making use my of shortcomings; learning how to identify the "immediate gratification voice" and how to quiet the voice so Reason may step in and be back in control

Compassion - loving myself enough to see this through till the end, derailing accepted and not self criticized (saboteur will not win)