Integrative Therapy is helping me with my pain relief 

If it’s not one injury, it’s another I never had an injury when I was sedentary and doing nothing just saying. Seriously, My ankle injury was over a year ago, but it has proven to have created some residual effects. It’s crazy how even after you heal from an injury the long-lasting issues. I am not sure if it is my age or my new lifestyle. I have to admit that I don’t always practice what I preach when it comes to stretching and foam rolling.

Lots of excuses not to make a proper recovery

Lately, it been about 75% of the time. Mostly because I switched my gym and it doesn’t have the equipment or real space to stretch. I miss my old gym and think I’ll be returning in the fall. Until then, I need to foam roll at home.  I don’t work out at the gym that I train. Unless I can work on my own. I often get interrupted or distracted by work and can’t get the workout in like I like. So, yes I pay to be anonymous at other gyms. I have thought about saving my money and working out at my gym because it is an impressive facility. But for the solitude during my workout, I will spend $10 a month.  For the last few months, I have been experiencing pain in my right hip.

I know it’s from overcompensations. I am aware of the corrective exercises needed to do to fix it. Until recently, I began to take it more seriously. I have been neglecting to do the things I need to do to feel better until recently.  I have to be honest and say that I am scared I may need a hip replacement the way it is going. So, I decided to do the things I need to do and prayerfully prolong or avoid hip replacement surgery.

The Cause of my Hip Pain

There are a few factors that may contribute to my hip pain. One, I was born with my right hip dislocated. One of my legs is 3/4inches longer than the other. I am always naturally standing on a lift which can be taxing on my right hip. Meaning just at standing I am still misaligned unless I get regular Chiropractic appointments. Another factor maybe when I was eight, I was in a car accident. At the time, they were concerned because my right side of my pelvic bone is higher than the other. 

I used to be very diligent about correctives but the last few months have been very hectic in my life. Like most people, I haven’t been making myself a priority. In essence, honoring my temple. Phew! Felt like that was a necessary confession. So much to do and not prioritizing enough me time and too many excuses. So, I finally began practicing what I preach and sought help.  

Imbalance and Overcompensations 

Walking around on a natural lift cause unnecessary pressure on my hip. Then after my injury, I wore a boot for 12 weeks without a lift on my right side. I believe overcompensations has brought me here. The first thing I did was went to my family doctor. I am not sure if that was helpful, but it did send me on the path of Integrative Medicine for my pain relief. 

Prescription Medications are not the Resolution

I made a doctors appointment and within my 10-minute speed visit. I explained my issues. He immediately prescribed pain medicine and anti-inflammatory meds and said, “It possibly it could be bursitis.” I wasn’t going to the doctor for a prescription. I was seeking a diagnosis which I still haven’t received. Bursitis or any itis is a blanket turn for joint inflammation, and usually, rest and prescriptions can alleviate it.  Although I have no problems taking supplements its funny, I am leary of prescription drugs.  I prefer to try homeopathic remedies and now with the knowledge of integrative medicines. 

Seeking an Alternative to prescription medicines

I left the doctor and immediately contacted my friend, who is a personal trainer and an essential oil distributor. Then I texted my Massage lady and made an appointment. And I went to google about homeopathic ways to relieve inflammation and joint pain. That began my journey of exploring and discovery of integrative medicine. So far, I have learned and tried some pretty exciting things that I wanted to share. Some have helped others haven’t but led me to find things that did. 

The thing about Integrative medicine there is no finite prescription to fix your ailments blanketly. It is about finding the cause and then using a customized approach to resolving the issue.  We may use the same therapies in different ways or orders that work best for us.  The fact that Integrative medicine looks at the problem from an individualized approach was a refreshing change to Western medicine we have become accustomed. 

What is Integrative medicine?

According to the University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine definition is:  “Integrative Medicine (IM) is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle.  It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient is informed by evidence and makes use of all appropriate therapies. ”

How do you approach it?

Integrative Therapy medicine is meant to be individualized. Not every formula works for everyone, unlike prescriptions.  Integrative Medicine and therapy react specifically to you. It’s not a generalized approach; it factors in your particular compensations and injuries. Ideally, what is going to remove inflammation and restore your body so you can heal? Inflammation is your bodies way of alerting you something not balanced. In integrative medicine, you’re looking to find the reason for the imbalance and make it balanced again.

Individually-  you have to look at the aspect of your lifestyle. You need to be willing to make changes so that you can heal.  It’s not a reactive approach but more a proactive approach. Integrative medicine is on the rise as people seek alternatives to traditional resolutions such as prescriptions.

I had to make a change

I changed my diet and continually adding Anti-inflammatory foods and prebiotics.  Lately, I have been increasing my movement and not just in the gym. Foam rolling, stretching, and practicing yoga for hip opening exercise.  I have tried several holistic and integrative therapies for my hip, as well. Everyone should approach their healing according to their needs.

Approaching Integrative Medicine

Fuel

When approaching Integrative Medicine, there are several pillars to the approach.  What you fuel yourself with, your activity-movement, mobility, and strength which can come in so many forms; rest; stress management; toxic reductions and restorative self-care. I used these pillars to approach my hip pain. 

First, I changed my diet.  I began to try the Keto diet to reduce inflammation as well as relieve anxiety. It worked, and when I started to carb load, I began to experience pain again. I also sought out essential oils to help with inflammation and pain. 

Supplements Help

CBD was also topically used and ingested to help alleviate pain.  I added supplements to my routine.  Before I was very dismissive of supplements.  I had the hasty generalization that they were all wrong. But like anything, there are bad quality and good quality. Once I sought quality supplements, I began to feel relief. Now, I may sound contradictory since I couldn’t take two pills that the doctor prescribed. I am not seeking something to mask the pain I am looking to get rid of it for good. I discovered some deficiencies and made since in other areas of my life. My iron was deficient, and I was missing other vital micronutrients that could help with my joint health. I added CBD, Multi-vitamin, Iron Supplement, and Collagen. Most recently, I’ve added Prebiotics to my supplements.  Use “FaithFueled” to get 10% off CBD and Prebiotic

I used to demonize supplements, but once I realized despite my “clean eating,” I was not getting all the micronutrients that my body needed. Within two days of adding a multivitamin and iron supplement my energy, mood, and recovery did a complete 180-degree shift. I used to be cold constantly and despite wearing two layers in the saune it would take me 20 minutes to break a sweat. Since adding supplements my body temperature is regulated and I am able to sweat when overheated again. I hadn’t felt this good in a long time. I needed more than what I was getting from fuel.

Activity

I began including foam rolling, stretching both static and dynamic, and mobility to my weekly routine.

Stress Management

When managing stress I recommend tryinh to do the things that you enjoy and brings you peace.  I love to garden and find it very relaxing so that is something I schedule in twice a week. I also began writing again. Writing is something that I enjoy and have put on hold for the past few months. Feeling overwhelmed with balancing work/mom life I have let writing take a back seat.  It’s how I express my self and manage my stress. I also had fallen off my Inductive Bible study, which I find very peaceful.  Adding these few things back to my weekly routine has helped with my anxiety and stress.

Toxic Reduction

Toxins are found in your water, air, household cleaners, household, and work environment. Our bodies are encountering chemicals daily that is not good. We also are always on a device that emits EMF- electric magnetic fields that have been linked to causing diseases. To reduce some of this toxic intake our family began using the ZeroWater filter for our families drinking water. I am also researching eliminating the toxicity in our shower water.  Changing our household cleaners to Branch Basics has been another switch to reduce toxicity in our home. Branch Basics is an all-natural human-safe plant-based powerful cleaning brand.  I am continually making efforts to reduce our exposure to toxicity as much as possible. Total elimination is probably impossible, but making an effort is better than no effort. Use coupon code “FAITHFUELED” to get 10% off your starter kit. 

Restorative Self-Care

I am not going to lie when it came to trying to find a solution; this was my first course of action. I also sought my Massage therapist help initially.  She does sports and therapeutic massages a little more intense than a deep tissue massage and sometimes individually to manipulate fascia that is causing issues.  Every other week I make sure I get a 60-90 minute massage. I don’t want to take a pill for the rest of my life. I want permanent relief and a resolution to the problem versus a pill to dull the senses and mask the issue.  That’s what Integrative Medicine is more than comfort; it is about a remedy. I also tried several different therapeutic Integrative Medicines. I also believe that Self-care is not only biblical but vital. We must make restorative self-care a priority.

Normatec

After a change in diet, correctives, massages, and essential oils. I decided to go to an Integrative Sports Medicine facility that partners with my gym for our members’ recovery.  The Shin Center for Integrative Medicine has been a great source of education and relief. Dr. Shin and his colleagues have been practicing Integrative Medicine for many years.  Their practice has grown as Athletic institutions are recognizing integrative Medicine Approaches.  People are also seeking alternatives than prescription-adopting what was once called Eastern medicine practices like acupuncture, reiki, and other restorative therapies.

I went to Dr. Shin to use his Hip Normatec.  It’s like a high pressured massaged that you wear.  They have it for the upper body, lower body, and hips.  The first visit I just did the hip Normatec.  The second visit I tried both upper and lower body.  “It uses compressed air to massage your limbs, mobilize fluid, and speed recovery.” It was beneficial and resolved my hip, clicking for about six weeks.

Healthyline Gemstone Mat

I went to New York last month and was invited to the Healthyline store to experience the detox and restoration of gemstone mats.  The Shin Center has Gemstone or Biomats as well, for a therapeutic approach.  I have heard of gemstones but never heard of them being used to healing.  Healthyline is known for its gemstone mats that help release the negative ions and infrared rays in our body that is caused by our modern world.  The reduction of these toxins increases the body’s ability to treat chronic pain, muscle spasms, depression, inflammation, nerve damage, and respiratory issues.  They come in mats, pillows, braces you can wear, blankets and even mattress.

I spent 20 minutes on a full at that contain amethyst, jade, and tourmaline.  The mat was heated, and I felt a little light-headed afterward, which Derick who was guiding me through the process said was not universal.  It also left me very dehydrated, and I was so thirsty for the rest of the day. I am not sure if the treatment worked because it takes multiple sessions or a daily commitment of restoring on these mats, but I did feel different. I am an affiliate for Healthy Line and if you are looking to get 10% off your order AND FREE shipping use code “FAITHFUELED”!

Other therapies that are offered at Dr. Shin

There are lots of different treatments to try. The Shin Center of Integrative medicine has a Full Body Reboot and Recovery. My last visit, I tried Acupuncture for the first time to help work out some inflammation in my shoulder. The day after I had some muscle soreness, but within a few days, I found more mobility in my shoulder. Integrative Medicine can be an alternative to traditional injury care and something you may want to explore where you live.  It is becoming more known and accepted as people are finding long-lasting and more significant relief.  If you have it available, I will go for a consult if you are looking for injury and restorative relief.

Other therapies Dr. Shin offers that I have not tried but intend to if needed are:

Cryosauna, Bemer, Float pod, Medical Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, Auricular/Scalp Acupuncture, Grounding Acupuncture, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), Prolotherapy, Prolozone, Ozone Therapy, Neural Therapy, Biopuncture Trigger Point Therapy, Piezoelectric Stimulation, Sound Vibration Therapy, Laser TherapyOsteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), Cranial Sacral (OCF):, Autonomic Response Testing (ART)