and what can be done about it…

So this is not necessarily my favorite subject, but one that bears mentioning. I say that because I just celebrated another birthday. With another year behind me logging great transformations, integrations, and progress with my horses I find myself still dealing with pain throughout my body.

Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I DON’T SLOW DOWN! I’m not one who feels discomfort or pain until it’s beyond my threshold. That being said I do have several techniques, and procedures I utilize to keep myself going day in and day out.

Let’s face it…horses are a lot of work. Granted it’s a blessing to have them, they require great care, and time. Getting up each morning to put out the proper amount of feed, water, or to be sure that they are well tended requires discipline. If I am not feeling my best I’m not quite as motivated. So, this is why I have to take the time to care for myself as well.

I have a number of sports injuries, as well as, general age related pains. Since I am technically homeopathic, my self care routine consists of a number of natural methods. These are the same methods I use for my horses whenever possible. There are those rare occasions when I have to rely on allopathic medicine, but not often. Managing pain is determined by each individual’s needs.

My personal routine consists of Kinesiology tape to support and protect my joints, IV nutritional vitamins, infrared therapy, ice therapy, aromatherapy, and general rest, just to name a few.

Some days I look like I am built out KT tape. I use this stuff so much that I buy it by the roll. (LOL) I laugh, but it’s true. I found this product many years ago when it first hit the market. I used it during my competitive years, and now for preventative care when needed.

I stumbled upon IV Vitamins therapy when I was looking for the reason for my exhaustion, and general malaise. Though I can take vitamins by mouth, and often do, IV vitamins get into the blood stream quickly. This is something I do about every 1 to 2 months whenever possible just to be sure I am fully covered.

Infrared therapy is new to my toolbox. I was skeptical, but since I was using moist heat for my neck and shoulders anyway I decided to give infrared a try. I absolutely LOVE it. Since this is new to me I don’t know exactly how it is helping. I do know that the relaxing, and comforting qualities are of great value to me. I have a cape that goes around my shoulders, and covers my neck. It’s like an upgraded heating pad. However, conventional heating pads are not the same technology as infrared. Infrared far out weights conventional heating pads in the technology alone. They are two totally different therapies. The research is much more available now on infrared therapy, and readily accessible to anyone.

We can’t forget about ice therapy, or I wish I could! Who likes to ice anything really!?! NOBODY! There are those few who actually like to utilize full on cryotherapy. I have used cryotherapy to a small extent. The verdict is still out for me on that, but I do use gel packs. This is my go too for inflammation. At times I over use a joint, or I just have a rough day. I grab an ice gel pack from the freezer, and relax with it as comfortably as I can. I find this is usually the best practice in the case of inflammation to joints. I often supplement that with an aromatherapy recipe.

Since I am an aromatherapist, I utilize aromatherapies of many kinds to facilitate healing. I use these with my horses as well. I find it fascinating that I can pick a few oils that I think will aid whatever issue my horses are dealing with, and they will let me know which one they like best. They really are good at knowing what they need.

Last, but not least, is rest! Yes…I said REST!!! Haha…not my strong suit, which is why I am writing this post now. Rest for me comes in the form of just hanging out with my horses where they are. Walking around with them, and just “being” part of the herd. There are no expectations; just be! There is also the occasional nap that we all share. Treasured moments are often the most impactful.

In conclusion this post is a bit longer than I normally like to write, but I felt it was time to address this issue. Not only for others, but really for me. I like to keep myself accountable, and writing this helps me do that. These are just some of the things that I use to help myself keep going, and stay relatively pain free. I hope you can find a few things that you can use to help free up pain for you, and keep you from injuring yourself if possible. No matter what keep going, keep praying, and stay motivated!

As always…May The Lord Bless you and keep you!

All my love,

Annie 🙂