What Self Care have you done when you've suffered an injury?

Of course, it's the last thing we'd ever want to think about - getting hurt and having to cancel clients. 

My experience happened when I hiked the Grand Canyon in February.  I was using hiking poles to assist in the 7.7 mile 2400 ft elevation change on Kaibab.  I was grateful for the poles, using them cross-country style to recruit both my upper and lower body to move me upward to the Rim.

Everything was great, I was in shape and reasonably exerted when I reached the top.  However, in the middle of the night I noted my left thenar wasn't very happy.  When I awoke, it was swollen and I couldn't grasp well with my thumb in opposition.  In my mind's eye I saw the continuous radial/ulnar deviation I had used for 6 straight hours coming up.  With the force of pulling through my body for that long, no wonder my thenar and long muscles weren't happy!  I realized I had jammed my scaphoid and lunate a bit too.

On the 4 hour ride back to Scottsdale, I iced it on and off, and left a message for my chiropractor about my carpals.  I had to clear this out if I was going to work my full day after 5 days off. By now, I could not even reach my thumb to my middle, ring or pinky fingers, let alone use any pressure.

I got my carpals adjusted, some anti-inflammatory enzymes, and decided to wait to see what the morning would bring before I called to cancel anyone.  When I awoke, the swelling was a bit better, but no change in being able to touch my thumb to my fingers. I was about to accept that I was going to have to cancel my entire day.  I thought what the heck, I might as well work on myself.   I stayed in bed and used my technique, Kinessage® Massage Through Movement on my forearm, wrist and hand.  I teach Kinessage® because of the amazing results that occur for my clients, and my desire to share that with other therapists.  But I have never had the experience of doing the work on the outside and feeling its rapid effectiveness within my own body at the same time.

Within 20 minutes, my entire thumb, thenar, wrist and forearm were completely clear!  Not only could I reach my middle, ring, and pinky fingers, but I could do it WITH pressure.  Whoo-hoo! I did 4 90-minutes and a 1-hour that day with no pain, no discomfort, and no restriction in movement.  Kinessage® saved a therapist a day's worth of business - I just never expected the therapist would be me.  

If you are interested in learning how to care for yourself, registration is open until this Tues. May 10th for the Kinessage® Self Care and World Skin Project Skin Health classes May 21&22 in Scottsdale AZ.  www.kneadforbalance.com   Namaste.