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Wilms' Tumor Story, 1954 | Wilms' Tumor Information | Faith Testimony | Supplements Info | Write To Me! Therepies Which Have Helped MeI come from a family that has looked to natural, nutritional, alternative ways of handling health needs. As the long-term after effects ("late effects") of my radiation treatments increased over the years, I have found it still the best way to handle my health care. Adding medical solutions to problems caused by medical interventions seems to be counter-productive and like getting caught in a revolving door. Because the human body is made from protein, vitamins, minerals, water and the like, it only makes sense to find excellent supplements to meet the needs of struggling tissues. Because the radiation treatments have lead to the degeneration of bones, muscles and other structural parts, it makes sense to look to health care providers who deal with structural needs. And because much of the pain I encounter is due to these structural imbalances more than anything else, it makes sense to find ways to ease the source of the pain before considering a medicinal solution which just dulls or masks the pain, or a surgical solution which permanently alters what I already have. These are the therapies I have found which are working quite well for me. I am not on any regular medications, nor do I take more than a few pain relievers in a given year, if at all. That is not to imply that I have no pain to deal with. I often have various levels of discomfort -- sometimes quite painful -- mainly caused by the asymmetry of my body. I have had times of intense and chronic pain. But the therapies I use -- as well as prayer support from family and friends, for all healing is from God -- eventually lead me out of the pain and back into a more tolerable comfort level. This list only covers my personal therapies. There are
many excellent natural alternatives available for those who seek them.
Smart Choices in Alternative Medicine, by the
Better Homes and Gardens publishers, is an easy-to-read guide covering
alternatives which have been proven over time. I highly recommend
it. My list: • Manual Therapy - "Skilled hand
movements intended to improve tissue extensibility; increase range of
motion; induce relaxation; mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and
joints; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation,
or restriction." (Reference: Guide to Physical Therapist Practice.
American Physical Therapy Association.) • Strain-Counterstrain Therapy - "a gentle yet powerful manual technique which is applicable to a large range of musculoskeletal dysfunctions, using passive positioning and a mild overstretching applied in a direction opposite to the false and continuing message of strain from which the body is suffering." I have found this - in combination with other modalities by my physical therapist - to be very effective in relieving muscular-skeletal pain and bringing a measure of balance to my body which seems quite impossible when viewed conventionally. Due to the amount of time required for effective therapy sessions, therapists who use this method usually have a private practice and it may take some patient research to find one in your area. • Massage Therapy - This site offers definitions, questions and answers. While not as specific as manual therapy in addressing my needs, massage therapy has brought an extra measure of relaxation and rest to the overworked areas of my body. This site can help you with locating a massage therapist. • Nutritional supplements - I have found a number of supplements which have been effective in slowing the degeneration, preventing or relieving muscle spasms, easing pain, and generally enhancing my overall health. The Shaklee brand in particular are well-made and well-researched, and have definitely made a difference for me. • Water
exercising in warm water 2-3 times a week has helped
immensely. The warmth relaxs muscles, the bouyancy counteracts the pull
of gravity, and the water increases the effectiveness of the exercising
while providing a protected environment in which to do it. This page
has helpful links. Links to Find Alternative Health Care Options"The Open Directory Project is the largest, most comprehensive human-edited directory of the Web.It is constructed and maintained by a vast, global community of volunteer editors." • An extensive list of links for Alternative health options (from ODP)
"Beloved,
I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just
as your soul prospers." Wilms' Tumor Story, 1954 | Wilms' Tumor Information | Faith Testimony | Supplements Info | Write To Me! |