UPDATE 6/13/13: The recovery went well and I am back at work! It’s terrific to be out of pain! Feel free to book an appointment or give me a call. :)

Most of you know I’ve been battling with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. This is a chronic inflammation of a tendon in my left wrist that controls the thumb. Actually it’s the sheath that the tendon passes though.

I have been using conservative treatments for about a year, including ice, rest, PT, bracing, lots of natural topical and systemic stuff, a cortisone shot, and of course myofascial release and acupuncture. If I were not so relentlessly active with my hands, that would have been sufficient. I’ve helped patients avoid surgery with similar conditions in the past, which made my situation that much more frustrating. In the end, though, this was a case where a quick surgical procedure to release the tendon was my best long-term option. Rest helped only while I rested… as soon as I resumed my usual crafty/weightlifting/combat/massage activities it came back. I had the double-sheath construction that pre-disposed me to the problem.

I had the procedure this morning and it went well. I’m so happy to finally have the issue resolved! I’ll be available for acupuncture starting Thursday, 5/9 (my right hand is unaffected). It will be a few weeks at least before I can do massage. During this recovery period, I am booking people manually rather than with the online system, so give me a call at 503-964-3422. :)
Sharon

Well, I was awarded “Best in Portland” by these folks. That made me feel good. :)

2012 was a great year for many reasons. I’ve seen some stupendous changes happening in my regular patients (I can’t name names, obviously, but I’m incredibly proud of all your hard work!) and it warms me up to think I might have had something to do with that. We’re making babies, running marathons, and swapping bad habits for good ones. We’re cooking more, smoking less, and generally being happier. It’s a beautiful thing. I love my job, and I thank you all for letting me continue to do it!

As for me, I am eating fewer grains and more veggies. I’m cooking a LOT and having fun with that. Continuing my workouts and learning about that insanely complex thing we call “metabolism.”

By the way – there are still a few spots left for the Feb 9th Easy Advanced Bodywork Class. It runs 10am-1pm here at the clinic – a three hour hands-on seminar on medical massage techniques that require no previous experience. $60 per person, limited to 8. More info here.

Have a glorious 2013 – I certainly plan to do so!