methuselah proposition

Written by bob ray | January 1, 2023

EDITED BY: ARIEL

I am not a massage therapist. But as a tennis instructor of 35 years, a tennis shop owner of 54 years and a tennis player for 70 years, I've learned a few tricks about dealing with injuries. Treatment for one part often applies to another. If the injury is severe, you should see an orthopedic MD.

He will usually order an MRI, CAT scan or X-ray. If there is a tear or separation, they may suggest surgery or even replacement. When orthoscopic surgery was suggested for my meniscus tear, I opted for PRP (platelet rich plasma) . I didn't see much improvement in my knee, but the arthritis in my hand got a lot better from the PRP. When PRP didn't help the knee, I tried stem cell injections combined with PRP. That did work.

The problem with PRP and Stem Cell treatments is they aren't covered by most health insurance. I am fortunate that I live next to the boarder with Mexico. Many procedures that aren’t approved on the US side are ok and or much cheaper in Tijuana.

I am also thankful that I didn't have to go thru the recovery of surgery and the limitation that would have resulted.

If the injury is less severe, I have a few suggestions that might help.

The usual treatment for a muscle injury is R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation).

Before resting the injury, I like to try MICE). The M stands for massage. I like to do it myself. It's cheaper than a professional massage, and I can feel exactly where it hurts.

My thumb is the strongest finger, so I use it to dig deep into the muscle.

I use 4 different strokes: twisting, wiggling, striping and acupressure. I, also, use a roller, a hand-held vibrator and a foot massager. Of the 4 modalities: massaging, stretching, exercising and resistance, massaging is most important and should come before the other 3. Because massaging is most likely to avoid injury by the other 3. I like to massage 1st, then stretch then exercise then do resistance work.

If time allows, I like to throw in massage between the other modalities.

Here are some of the devices I use for massage: (A video on how to use each devices will be posted soon)

• The handheld vibrator is the most flexible massage device. I use it for claves , hamstrings, thighs and shoulder.
  
• The foot massager shakes the whole house. But it breaks up crystals in the foot and stimulates the nerves.
  
• The roller is good for everything. It is particularly good for the back. It replaces the need for a chiropractor.
  
• The Willow Curve is designed for the knee. But can be adapted for shoulder and feet.
  
• The infrared knee wrap is designed for the knee, but can be adapted to feet, shoulder and elbow.
  
• The massage chair is great for passive massage. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
  
• The body massage is awkward to put on, but again is good for passive massage.
  

I am not sponsored by Leg Cramps, but I recommend it as the go to topical rub. If you look at the labels of other topical pain killers. they have one or two active ingredients. But Leg Cramps has about 10 active ingredients . Each active ingredient has a slightly different purpose. It really has great long term reduction in pain and inflammation.

WHAT I DO WITH LEG CRAMPS?

go back

copyright 2022 bob ray | edited by ariel