I Was Manipulated...

My shoulder was, actually. Yesterday, I went to the outpatient hospital to have arthroscopic surgery performed on my right shoulder which had an impingement. I fasted for 14 hours and fully expected to come out of anesthesia with a one-inch incision on my right shoulder. Instead, my frozen shoulder was manipulated. The doctor tries this first and if it works, skips the invasive surgery. That’s good. While I was under anesthesia, my shoulder was put through a series of motions to break up any adhesions like scar tissue. When a “pop” sound was heard, it was considered successful. Upon waking, my shoulder felt sorer than before, but I have more mobility. With physical therapy my shoulder should get back to normal in a few months. I plan to continue my acupuncture treatments which help improve pain and mobility.

Addicted to Acupuncture

I like Mondays. That’s when my weekly acupuncture appointment is scheduled. I actually look forward to being stuck with needles! It’s the only time that I can really lie down, relax and feel like I’m floating without any drugs or alcohol. And I feel much better in 15 to 20 minutes. I first tried acupuncture when I was diagnosed with tendonitis in my left shoulder. I had tried physical therapy and taking NSAIDs, but was still in pain and had limited mobility. During that time, Oprah was featuring a woman on her show who had shoulder pain and tried acupuncture. I decided to try it. My general physician said, “It can’t hurt.” The first appointment entails giving your entire health history and getting a treatment. The acupuncturist also looks at your tongue and takes your pulse to determine what else is going on in your body. She can tell if you’re tired, nervous, or even if your bronchial passages are filled up. Then, you lie down on a table and the acupuncturist flicks hair-like needles into you. My acupuncturist uses a lot of needles, about 20. No, it doesn’t hurt. I wouldn’t look at them at first, but then curiosity got the better of me. I thought I looked like a human cactus with pins running from shoulders to points between my toes. The 3,000-year-old Chinese treatment is based upon qi (chee) or flow of meridians throughout your body. The needles help to improve the flow. My left shoulder is better, but she’s also improved my asthma, appetite, sleeping, and other ailments. So, I’m still going. I’m hooked.