Richard Aerni on sat 13 mar 04
Hello group,
I can't say I've waded through all of the posts concerning aching thumbs,
hands, etc, but I've read enough to gather that most of us suffer pain and
inconvenience in the practice of our craft.
I'm no exception, but I did want to provide an encouraging word concerning
those various aches and pains. My background...I've suffered from lower
and upper back pain for the past twenty years. I've been a full time
potter all that time, and figured that my potting practices contributed to
my ailments, and there was only so much that could be done. To that end,
I've tried to eat right, exercise regularly, stretch, lift weights, etc.,
hoping to postpone the bad and improve the good. I've visited
chiropractors when needed, visited traditional doctors looking for relief,
and even lately begun to utilize a deep tissue masseur. All have provided
various levels of temporary relief, but none have given me anything to hang
my hopes onto, in terms of permanent relief, or self-help relief.
...until, I visited a great physical therapist a couple of weeks ago. I
was skeptical when my new general practitioner recommended this therapy,
but went anyway (I'll try virtually anything once). This PT asked me a
multitude of questions, then examined my back and took me through a set of
exercises. The relief was palpible, and became even greater when I did
these twists and stretches at home regularly. What she has done is to show
me the way to "pop" my back into correct alignment without the aid of the
chiropractor, and to stretch and extend it in a way that loosens and
relaxes the previously stressed and spasming muscles. I think I'm a bit in
love with this woman!
Next week, we will start to work on my upper back and then my shoulder. I
can't wait!
No real moral, or message here, other than to keep searching. I thought
I'd read, and tried, pretty much of everything out there. I was skeptical
of western medical treatments. But, this one has helped me. Now, my big
back pain is reduced enough so that I can feel my other aches and pains!
That's progress...
OK, that's it.
Richard Aerni
Rochester, NY feeling spry, and the new studio is DONE! I'll try to take
some photos and post them somewhere so the curious can come and see.
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