Hand Or Wrist Pain From Milking? Book Review: “It’s Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!”

 

 

I am no longer a fitness professional and have never been a physical therapist or doctor.  Any opinions offered are meant to share something that I have found to be helpful to me.  They should not be taken as medical advice.  Consult your health care practitioner to determine if any of this information can be applied to you.  This post may contain affiliate links.  We only recommend products and services that we whole heartedly endorse.  Our family thanks you for supporting Orange Grove Road.

Seriously

It’s discouraging to think about how many people end up giving up on their homesteading dreams due to pain.  From milking goats to carrying 100+lb bales of hay, there are no shortages of opportunities for injuries to occur.  As a former personal trainer with experience in post physical therapy, I can tell you that with the right support, our bodies are amazing at healing themselves.

When Weaknesses Surface

This is going to make me sound like a real wimp.  Milking just ONE of my goats, I developed a lot of pain in both of my wrists and hands.  I was confident that I did NOT have to suffer if I just changed a few things.  As I reached out to find some kind of protocol, several people recommended the book “It’s Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! RSI Theory and Therapy for Computer Professionals” by Suparna Damany, MSPT & Jack Bellis.  I quickly purchased a copy and got reading.  This book is so in line with what I believe that it didn’t take long to embrace the concepts see results.

Whole-istic Movement

Just as I consider myself a relentless believer in holistic health and nutrition, I feel just the same about healthy movement.  The author address the body as a whole, rather than just blaming the area closest to the pain.  I love that this book it is written by a physical therapist AND one of her PATIENTS.  The perspective is very relatable and understandable!

What Is RSI Pain

RSI is repetitive strain injury.  There ya go.

Computer Professionals?  I Thought This Was About Hand Milking

Yes, yes it is.  The movements of milking and computer use are not exactly the same, however due the holistic nature of this book, it is my humble opinion that the methods described can be effective for milkers too.  Because of the accountability for the whole kinetic chain, you may find aches and pains in other areas of the body subside as you try out some of the methods taught.

A Peek Inside

• “It’s Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome” lays out some great information on what to expect from traditional doctors and explains how their methods differ from the methods in the book.  The authors explain who may be predisposed to RSI pain and how it comes about.  Their explanation of the anatomy, especially the thoracic outlet and the nerves involved is very clear and easy to understand.
• They offer explanations for many syndromes that are often associated with RSI.
  • THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME
  • TENDINITIS
  • TENOSYNOVITI
  • DEQUERVAIN’S DISEASE
  • TRIGGER FINGER
  • GANGLION CYCTS
  • TUNNEL SYNDROMES INCLUDING CARPAL TUNNEL, CUBITAL TUNNEL, GUYON’S CANAL, RADIAL TUNNEL
  • CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY
  • REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY (RSD),
  • and for the grand finally, suprise surprise, FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME (FMS)!

• Suparna Damany, MSPT explains the lab tests and some simple clinical tests that help to diagnose RSI, and then generously shares several other resources for more information.
• Many techniques that have clinically shown results are freely shared.
• Towards the end they illustrate the best ergonomics for a desk work station, which I’m sure you can apply to milking as I have.

I hope this review will help you avoid having to let go of your farming dreams!  (or being forced to buy an expensive milking machine!)


Please let me know what you think.  I’m considering doing a video on my personal milking ergonomics.  Is that something that would be helpful to you?

Thanks for stopping by.   I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

 

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