In early January, on a beautiful winter day, I broke my collarbone while enjoying an afternoon of snowshoeing. What I learned after visiting the ER is that the collarbone cannot be casted or set. It is in a precarious place with interdependency on many other bones and ligaments. It has to heal by itself. I was given a necessary prescription for medication and told to rest and come back in 3 weeks.
Fortunately I knew better and knew, through a combination of modalities, I could do a lot better than “just resting”. Don’t get me wrong – rest is critical when you are recovering from an injury! However, I knew it alone would not be enough help me heal.
First off, I consulted with our naturopathic team for ideas for health and healing. My supplement regime included calcium, magnesium, fish oil, zyflamend (for inflammation), castor oil (applied topically) and arnica cream. I also did contrast hydrotherapy each morning in the shower – alternating between very hot and very cold water on the injury to promote blood flow and circulation.
Of course received Acupuncture which is very effective for reducing inflammation and helping with pain. I am thankful for my colleagues for this!
CranioSacral therapy made a world of difference. It helps to enhance the production and distribution of cerebrospinal fluid. It also helps to manipulate the fascia–a connective tissue that covers every organ of the body. Thanks to Jennifer Pillow-White!
I have also worked with Kelly Hale at Inspired Wellness in Birmingham doing Integrated Manual Therapy. IMT is a synergistic blend of techniques such as cranial sacral, lymphatic drainage, and strain counter strain. It integrates techniques for all systems in the body such as bone, nerve, fascia, muscle, organ, lymph and circulatory systems.
Kristen Wallace at Studio4bBodywork in Birmingham was the last part of my “rehab” team. She has used her expertise in Rolfing and Structural Integration which includes deep tissue bodywork and neuromuscular re-education!
3 months later I am amazed at how well I am doing. My pain virtually gone I am back to work full time and have full range of motion in my arm and shoulder! I truly believe that the team I built and the support they have provided me are responsible for my rapid healing.
My take-away message: as a true believer in Integrative Medicine – use all modalities available to help you move forward in your healing journey!
Julie, I am so glad you achieved such positive healing from all of the practitioners you worked with. More and more, as a client and consumer, I am learning how very important the concept of ‘it takes a village’ to borrow Hillary Clinton’s phrase……is to advocating for our own health. Sometimes it’s hard to find the right people, or build an inter-connective network. You seem to have done that. I wish you continued good health and
positive energy.
Also, thank you so much for having Jennifer Pillow-White on your office team. She’s irreplaceable.