The Cultivate an Exceptional life Podcast is where Leisa Watkins uncovers stories, strategies, and resources designed to inspire and encourage you to cultivate better health, more happiness, and joy, despite the challenges life throws in our path.

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DISCOVER SOME OF MY FAVORITE RESOURCES

I like having an arsenal of natural pain management resources to turn to. Some days the pain from multiple sclerosis, pancreatitis, and other illnesses can be super intense. Some days I feel I have to throw most of these at the pain resources to get relief.

Below are some of the pain management tools I reach for and why.

My orthopedic doctor turned me on to this tool. He said most of the staff in his office kept one of these in their office and at home. It is especially great for reaching those knots under the should blade and it can be great for reaching helping to release those muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis.

Trigger point therapy massage is my first line of defense to relieve sore and tight muscles. It uses your own body weight to help relive muscle knots and tension. My massage therapist recommended i get a lacrosse ball to use at home in between sessions. Using lacrosse balls to do myofascial release is a great method to help eliminate muscle knots and tension. And because they are small they are easy to cary anywhere I travel with one. I have used one on a plane to help bring some circulation back into my legs and to help relieve pain.

The peanut”shaped ball of the roller is great for applying pressure along the spine as it targets both sides of the spine while avoiding direct pressure on the spine itself. Plus, its unique shape makes it effective in relieving neck  tension and headaches.

This set comes with with both. Plus a spiky ball which can really help with plantar fasciitis.

I have used a Gua Sha massage tool on a plane to help bring some circulation back into my legs and to help relieve pain. This one can deliver some portable pain relief for less than $15.

Magnesium can help muscles to relax.  So it can be a great tool to help combat spasticity. I typically make my own, but when it cones to Magnesium I recommend you get started with what ever you can get your hands on the quickest.  

What i like about Mo’ Maggie’s Magnesium Lotion is that is CERTIFIED ORGANIC Shea butter & extremely beneficial luxury oils including Argan Seed, Prickly Pear Seed, Hemp Seed, and more as a base! HIGH POTENCY – Approx. 250 mg. per tsp! Transdermal magnesium provides the most optimum absorption which is far superior to oral intake! Magnesium applied to the skin goes directly to the cells where it’s needed! Mo’ Maggie contains many naturally occurring trace minerals for optimum benefits! Magnesium Chloride. 

TENS therapy is a natural and effective form of pain relief. And it comes with little or no known side effects.  The TENS unit gives electro pulses to your body which create endorphins which help to provide some pain relief.  TENS units can also decrease the pain sensations that are sent and interpreted by the brain. There is some evidence that they may be helpful in reducing inflammation, but there is still more research to be done in that area.

This TENS unit is inexpensive and effective.

Foam rolling promotes myofascial release to decrease muscle tension. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, blood vessels and nerves. Fascia can get tight and inflamed.The pressure from a foam roller can help tight areas of the body relax or release. WARNING: This thing can hurt when you first start using it because it gives you a deep massage and really works on the facia.  But I find it can be super effective.

I often get muscle spasms on the bottom of my feet   A will use a spiky massage balls to help release the the tension.  This set has 3 balls of varying hardness: One with hard, medium and soft spikes.

Penetrates deep into muscles to release knots, increase blood flow, stimulate nerves & reinvigorate your entire body.

Compression boots provide compression to boost circulation, improve lymphatic function, release muscle tension, increase mobility and eliminate soreness .It is harder for your heart to pump waste from your legs using the lymph system.  I first tried compression boots at a local wellness center and found my body began craving it. These are frequently used by athletes, but I find they just feel good. Multiple Sclerosis affects my legs quite often and I feel like it helps me.  This set has great reviews and it not quite as expensive as a popular brand used in my physical therapy offices and wellness centers.

Epson Salt Bath

Throw some epson salt (another source of magnesium) in some warm bath water and relax for a bit.

You can get scented epson salt, but I find it too perfumy.  I prefer to drop a few drops of pain ease essential oil in the bath water.

The arnica montana plant is a natural pain reliever. This popular homeopathic medicine temporarily relieves muscle pain & stiffness without unwanted drowsiness. This one is a topic solution can help relieve muscle pain and stiffness.  Homeopathic works with your body without the risk of contraindications, or known drug interactions.

Red light therapy has shown to be versatile for treating many pain types, including chronic, joint, osteoarthritis, and more.  One study found red and infrared light therapy cut osteoarthritis-related pain by more than 50%.  Red light therapy can reach deep into the body without damaging the skin. Many spas and healing centers have a red light therapy treatments available. Our you can create your own using red light bulbs and a housing for the bulb.  Then clamp them onto some type of rack.

CBD Cream and Gummies

CBD has been shown to be:

  • anti-inflammatory, meaning it has potential to reduce joint pain associated with arthritis
  • anti-oxidative, so it may reduce systematic inflammation by fighting oxidative stress and decrease symptoms of autoimmune conditions like lupus
  • anti-emetic, meaning it can decrease vomiting and nausea associated with cancer treatments
  • anti-psychotic, so it can ease symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • neuroprotective, meaning it may help to slow the progression of neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS).2

We like this brand.  Use the keyword Brie for a discount.

Essential Oils

I reach for soothing essential oils and ones that assist with muscle pain following exercise. I find oils that provide a cooling sensation or a feeling of warmth can be very effective. I use essential oils from doTerra.

MEDITATION

 Some studies show meditation lessens chronic pain and stress for some people. I have found there are days where it really helps me. 

MOVEMENT

 Some studies show meditation lessens chronic pain and stress for some people. I have found there are days where it really helps me. 

GET OUTDOORS

 Some studies show meditation lessens chronic pain and stress for some people. I have found there are days where it really helps me. 

Some studies show meditation lessens chronic pain and stress for some people. I have found there are days where it really helps me. We own a few of this one.

MASSAGE

 Some studies show meditation lessens chronic pain and stress for some people. I have found there are days where it really helps me. 

STRETCH

Stretching is usually not a great pain reliever.  However, for those dealing with spasticity, like I often do, due to multiple sclerosis, stretching can help deal with the pain caused by spasticity. 

ICE

 Some studies show meditation lessens chronic pain and stress for some people. I have found there are days where it really helps me. 

TRY LAUGHTER

 Some studies show meditation lessens chronic pain and stress for some people. I have found there are days where it really helps me. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leisa Watkins is the founder of Cultivate An Exceptional Life. She believes life is meant to be enjoyed and experienced in abundance. She is on a mission to help people break through barriers, build resilience, and avoid roadblocks in life while creating a life they love - despite chronic illness, trauma, and other life challenges. She also shares tips on getting more out of life, despite its challenges, on our Instagram channel. Please follow us.

 

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