Monday, November 29, 2010

Keep Your Toolbox Full: Alternative Health Care

Alternative Heath Care is a growing field of interest and it can get confusing to navigate who does what and how it’s supposed to benefit you.  Alternative Health Care in itself can also be referred to as “Integrative Health Care” or “Complementary Medicine,” in the efforts of making it more friendly and supplementary to Modern or Western medicine.

Today we’re going to give you a quick look at some of the different Alternative fields so that you have an idea of what they do and if they might benefit you.

  • Acupuncture: The insertion of needles into various points in the body to relieve pain, promote healing and/or combat chronic illness.
  • Ayurveda: A holistic practice native to India that focuses on promoting health in a holistic (entire self) sense.
  • Chiropractic: Manipulation of the musculoskeletal system using a hands-on approach.  Fixes subluxations (small dislocations, usually in the spine.)
  • Herbalism: The use of plants or plant extracts to relieve pain, promote healing and/or combat chronic illness.
  • Homeopathy: The use of highly diluted preparations of various substances to combat specific ailments.
  • Naturopathy: Based on the healing power of nature, uses a variety of modalities to focus on the healing of the mind, body and spirit.
  • Osteopathy: A drug-free form of medicine that focuses on full body health through treatment and strengthening of the musculoskeletal system.


All of these systems have their merits and all of them have miraculous stories associated with them.  The real key to feeling your best is finding what works for you.  For more information on Alternative Medicine please visit this website.

*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Friday, October 29, 2010

Getting the Most out of Your Massage

As we’ve discussed previously here on the Sore No More! Blog, massage can be a great way to help reduce pain.  Be it from an intense work out or a chronic condition, pain can really get in the way of your day-to-day life.   However, have you ever come out of a massage feeling like you didn’t get the most out of it?   Here are five steps that YOU can take to ensure that you get the most out of your massage.

1.  Shower Before You Go.  Not only will your therapist thank you, but a hot shower can relax your muscles, which means the therapist has to spend less time warming up the muscles and can spend more time working on the real issues.

2.  Tell Your Therapist What You Need.  Most massage therapists have a massage routine based on the amount of time that you’ve paid for.  If you need more work on your shoulders, tell the therapist, but keep in mind that they’ll need to cut time somewhere else.  Let your therapist know that you’d be happy to skip the front of your legs, or some other area that is not bothering you in favor of spending more time on your shoulders.   You’ll get more out of your massage and your therapist will feel like s/he is doing their best to help you.  

3.  Be clear on what pressure you want.  A firm Swedish massage is not the same as a Deep Tissue massage.  Let your therapist know if you need deep pressure to relieve tension.  On the other hand, those who suffer from conditions such as Fibromyalgia generally benefit from a lighter touch.   Let your therapist know what you need beforehand and during the massage.   

4.  Visit a Specialized Massage Therapist.  If you have chronic problems, ask your physician if they can recommend a therapist to you. Many massage therapists work with chiropractors, physical therapists, or even in conjunction with regular physicians.  They may be able to provide a massage more suited to your needs than your local day spa.

5.  Take your Sore No More with you.  Asking your therapist to apply Sore No More! at the end of the massage or even to use it during massaging can allow you to gain the benefits of a great massage and a great topical pain relieving gel!

Being mindful of what you want to get out of a massage can allow you to get the most for your money and will leave you feeling much more satisfied with the end result. 



*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Thursday, October 14, 2010

October News from Sore No More! via #constantcontact

Check out our October customer e-Newsletter here!

October News from Sore No More! via #constantcontact

*If you think this is about you, it probably is, but do you really want to bring it up? Because it's going to be super embarrassing when you cause a ruckus about it and I'm like 'Well if you're going to be that way...but that post was really about Sven... god you're narcissistic.' Yeah, you don't want to be THAT person... *

Monday, October 4, 2010

Ouch! Don't Put it There! - Sore No More! Cautions

Sore No More! has some excellent ingredients to help fight muscle pain.  Ingredients such as Capsacin, Menthol and Camphor.  While all of these are wonderful for their intended use, they can be uncomfortable or even down right unpleasant when used without caution.   The following are some handy hints to keep in mind when using Sore No More!

-There are places that Sore No More should not be applied.   The eyes, mouth and genitals to name a few.  

-Always test Sore No More before you apply it liberally.  While Sore No More! can help relieve arthritis pain or calm those post-work out calves, it can also be irritating for some.  Test on a small area first, just to be safe.  

-Sore No More can increase temperature sensitivity.  The active ingredients in Sore No More can respond to temperature changes.  Do not apply Sore No More before using a heating pad or taking a hot shower.  Likewise, icing or going out in the cold after having just applied Sore No More can result in a cold, tingling sensation.

-Sore No More is not edible!  Despite the fact that we use natural, plant-based ingredients, please do not consume Sore No More! We suspect that it would not do pleasant things for your digestive system.

-Wash Your Hands!   Always remember to wash your hands after applying Sore No More!  It only takes one innocent eye rub to send you running for the sink to rinse with cold water for the next five minutes.

We encourage our clients to use Sore No More to its fullest capacity.   Apply it to areas of chronic pain, or to sooth the pain of new aches.   We’ve even had positive reports from clients about using it on their pets for arthritis pain!  However, always use cautiously to avoid any unpleasant reactions!  

Keep in mind that our client and distributor newsletters are coming out on Monday.  If you’re interesting in being added to our contact list, please email karen@sorenomore.com

Thank you, and have a wonderful day! 


*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Thursday, September 2, 2010

The Mind-Body Connection and Managing Pain

There are natural remedies, medications, and exercises that can help you manage your pain.  In fact, we’ve discussed a lot of pain management options here on the Sore No More blog.  One that we have not explored however is the mind-body connection and how meditation or guided imagery can help you with your pain.

Many people veer away from the use of mental techniques to diminish physical pain. They feel that the implication is that they’re creating their own pain, or that it’s ‘all in their head.’  This is not the case.  The truth is that mental stress can cause physical responses, which in turn can cause pain or irritate problems that already exist.

These days we live in a high-stress, fast paced world.  Stress activates your sympathetic nervous system or your ‘fight or flight’ system.   This is great if you’re defending your home from an intruder, or avoiding rear-ending the car in front of you.  The following are some physiological changes that occur when you are in a sympathetic state:

  • Your heart speeds up
  • Blood flow to your brain and muscles increases up to 400 percent
  • Your digestion stops (so it doesn't use up energy that's needed elsewhere)
  • Your muscle tension increases
  • You breathe faster, to bring more oxygen to your muscles (via)
As you can imagine, your body is not made to uphold these kinds of reactions for extended periods.  So, how can managing this response help you to manage your pain?

Let’s say, for example, that you have a herniated disk in your spine.  You travel through heavy traffic every day to get to work.  By the time you arrive, your back is aching.  You assume it’s from sitting in the car for the past hour, but what if it’s because your muscles tightened in response to events on the stressful drive to work. Thus creating more pressure in your spine and subsequently on that disc?   If you could mentally relax your muscles, you might be able to decrease the pain you experience through the rest of the work day.

This example involves stress in response to a particular situation.  However, many people who live in chronic pain live in a constant state of stress thanks to their pain.  If you can put yourself in a calm place, mentally, then you might just be pleasantly surprised by a how your pain is affected.

Please view the following links to learn more about meditation and guided imagery to manage your pain.


Sources and Further Information:
Meditation a Hit for Pain Management  << This will guide you through the ‘body scan’ process of meditation.

Meditation Techniques and Pain Management

Guided Imagery and Pain Relief

Integrative Pain Medicine << Provides an example of guided imagery

In Chronic Pain? You Might Need Psychotherapy

Also, a Youtube search of ‘Mind-Body Connection,’  ‘Guided Imagry,’ or ‘Meditation’’ will yield many more options.

*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Thursday, August 19, 2010

August News from Sore No More! via @constantcontact

Check out our August Customer Newsletter!

August News from Sore No More! via @constantcontact

*If you think this is about you, it probably is, but do you really want to bring it up? Because it's going to be embarrassing and make you look just a little silly if you're wrong... I'm just saying... *

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Ingredient Investigation :: Green Tea Extract

“Biological additive used as an anti-irritant. Rich in vitamin 'C' and fluoride, acting as a mild antibacterial agent.”  -Sore No More! Website

Green tea is highly versatile. It’s used in beverages, for it’s internal health benefits and in cosmetics, amongst other things. Since we’re exploring it as an ingredient in Sore No More! we’re going to go ahead and explore its cosmetic usefulness today.

Most of us have heard that green tea (and thus the extract)  is a powerful antioxidant when consumed. Did you know that those same polyphenols have been shown to be absorbed through the skin? Using cosmetic lotions, gels, oils, etc containing green tea extract allows you to get a few more antioxidants into your body to neutralize those free radicals!

Green tea extract is also thought to have conditioning qualities that encourage continued firmness and elasticity in the skin while keeping it toned and healthy.

As mentioned in the Sore No More! ingredient description; there are multiple compounds found in green tea extract (including tannins and polyphenols) that have astringent qualities and provide a barrier between the skin and harmful bacteria from the outside world.

For us, green tea extract is just another one of those ingredients that we like to think makes Sore No More! just a little unique! 

*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Friday, July 16, 2010

Keeping the Toolbox Full: Resources to Help You Manage Pain


One of the best things you can do to keep your body healthy (and subsequently pain free!) is to stay informed. The following are some links that may help you manage your pain and/or live a healthier lifestyle. Remember- take everything with a grain of salt and find things that work for you. Just because it works for someone else doesn't mean it's the right thing for you, but it might still be worth trying.

Learn about Joint Health and products that may help sooth your aches and pains.

Dr. Weil is well renowned in the field of integrative medicine and his website can give you insight into managing pain and living a healthy lifestyle.

Web MD offers a variety of articles on managing various types of pain, many of which come in an easy-to-understand slide-show format.

Sometimes you just need an understanding ear (or computer screen) to bounce ideas off of. Find people with similar ailments on one of these forums and swap ideas, commiserate, or offer encouragement.

We’ve discussed before on the Sore No More! blog that what you eat can affect your pain level. Check out this website to find out how your blood type can make all the difference in how your body digests foods.

This website can teach you everything you need (or want) to know about Fibromyalgia.

Learn about Arthritis and how to manage it. Also, keep up on the latest research about Arthritis.


We leave you with these links to add to your toolbox for now, but keep checking back, here at our blog and on our facebook page for more great tools to keep you living a healthy, happy, pain-free life!

*Please Note: Sore No More! is not affiliated with any of the above websites, they are simply provided as educational tools for our fans and customers. *



*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Friday, June 25, 2010

Ingredient Investigation :: Aloe Vera


Aloe Vera is one of the ingredients in Sore No More! that most people at least have a passing knowledge of. Yep, you've got it, the stuff you put on your sunburn.

Aloe Vera is a very versatile plant. It's most renowned for being helpful with burns and skin abrasions. However it is also thought to be helpful for digestive tract issues and can work as a laxative if needed.

For the purpose of Sore No More! Though, we just appreciate that Aloe Vera works as an excellent conditioning agent for the skin. We don't just want our product to relieve your pain, we want it to feel nice when you apply it to your skin.

Would you like to learn what the Mayo Clinic has to say about Aloe Vera?

Click Here

Learn more general information about Aloe Vera here.



*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Friday, June 18, 2010

Alternative Therapies for Migraine Relief

Aside from applying a little Sore No More! to your temples, what else can you do to relieve migraine pain?

Acupressure
Acupressure is thought to relieve a variety of ailments through pressure on specific points of the body. Here are some migraine points you can try;
How to Use Acupressure Points for Migraine Headaches

Supplements
There are supplements that may be able to help prevent migraines or decrease pain when they occur. A healthy balanced diet should provide most of the vitamins and minerals you need, but if you're lacking, supplementing these ones might keep a migraine at bay.
Dietary Supplements and Botanicals for Migraine Headaches

Reflexology
Reflexology is similar to acupressure, as it uses massage or pressure on specific points of the body that are thought to associate with other parts of the body. Learn some reflexology to help with migraines here;
How To Use Reflexology to Treat Migraines

Hot and Cold Treatments
Try soaking your feet in hot water while applying a cool cloth to your forehead when you have a migraine. This encourages the blood vessels in your head to constrict and the vessels in your lower extremities to widen, allowing the balance of blood in your body to shift. Want to learn more?
Hot and Cold Treatments for Headache Relief

Learn More
Check out this article to learn more about holistic headache remedies. Remember that not all headaches are the same. Tension headaches, Cluster Headaches and Migraines have very different causes, so when you're looking for pain relief make sure to look for relief for the headache you're experiencing.

Have a wonderful, headache-free weekend!

*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Monday, June 7, 2010

What are Migraines?

She'd felt it coming on when she woke up that morning, but had hoped that after a cup of coffee and some breakfast it would go away. Now here it was, 2pm. Three hours of work left and she couldn't even look at her computer monitor without squinting. Her head pounded, her stomach achedand those awful fluorescent lights were bearing down on her. She didn't want to leave, it would cut into her pay, she'd already used all of her sick days.

A scenario like this is not unusual for the 28 million people in America who are thought to suffer from Migraines. Approximately 75% of those migraine sufferers are women.
Migraine sufferers can have a range of triggers (that can set a migraine off) and symptoms. Common migraine triggers are hunger, dehydration, light (like florescents), changes in the weather, lack of sleep, strong odors (especially if they're chemical in nature), and others. Triggers may vary between men and women. For example- women may be more prone to migraines before or during menstruation.

Per the Mayo Clinic website, the symptoms of Migraines include, “moderate to severe pain [that may be unilateral], pulsating or throbbing pain, pain that worsens with physical activity, nausea with or without vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.” These symptoms are caused by chemicals produced by the body in response to blood vessel enlargement in the head, which is the root of all migraines.


Migraines can be a challenge to live with. Some people only ever have one in their life while others have them up to 6 times a week. Fortunately there are treatments. Next week we'll continue this discussion with a look at three alternative treatments that can be used to manage your migraines. Until then, keep using your Sore No More! (some of our clients have found that applying just a bit to their temples during a migraine can help the pain. Be sure to keep it out of your eyes!)

Sources:
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/m/migraine/stats.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/DSECTION=symptoms
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148373.php

*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. *

Sore No More
150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532
Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Natural MarketPlace; June 11 & 12

On June 11 and 12,  you can find the Sore No More! booth at the Natural Marketplace Convention in the fabulous Las Vegas!




*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Keeping Your Muscles Healthy

We spend a lot of time here at the Sore No More! Blog talking about chronic pain and ailments and what you can do to manage them. Be it sore muscles after a long day of hiking or the arthritis that's been bothering your knees for the past ten years, everyone hurts sometimes. This week we'd like to deviate from the norm and talk about what makes muscles healthy. While keeping your muscles healthy won't solve all of your problems, it can keep you from developing new ones, and perhaps even help the symptoms of your current ailments. There are two key compacts to muscle health that we're going to look at today; exercise and nutrition.

Exercise
Most of us know that exercise lends itself to healthy muscles. Cardio gets your blood pumping, resistance training helps your muscles become firm and strong. While you might be inclined to get right to pumping iron to bulk up or tone up, you should keep in mind the benefits of a good brisk walk. Blood nourishes all of our systems, and our muscles need a lot of nourishing. Cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow which results in more nutrients being brought into the muscles and more waste being taken out. Both of these are very important to muscle health. So next time you hit the gym, make sure to spent 15-20 minutes taking a walk or on the treadmill beforehand.

STRETCH! Always stretch your muscles before you begin a workout session. Stretching muscles keeps them limber, and reduces your risk of tearing or otherwise damaging them while you exercise. Yoga is an excellent way to keep those muscles toned and moving.

Resistance training will encourage muscle growth and strength. You want to make sure that you're using the right weights for your goals and body type. It might be worth meeting with a personal trainer just once (or many times if you're so inclined) to learn what a good starting point for you is.

What's the real key here? Keep your muscles moving and you'll have a happier body. (Don't forget your Sore No More! when you start hitting the gym, you'll most likely be sore for a few days.)

For an interesting slide show visit this link.


Nutrition
It's no easy feat to learn about good nutrition for your muscles. If you google it you're going to come up with many links about how to eat and what supplements to take to bulk up and build muscle mass. But what if you just want to have healthy muscles? What nutrients are going to support that goal? Let's see if we can't lay some basic ground rules out here.

B Vitamins. They're a pretty amazing thing. Recommended by nutritionists for discontents from depression to, you got it...muscle health. B vitamins play an important role in energy conversion in the body and your muscles need that energy to keep you moving. They also keep your cells healthy and everything in your body is composed of cells. B vitamins can be taken in supplement form or via diet. Some good sources of B-vitamins include; Spinach, Broccoli, Sunflower Seeds, and Eggs.

Fish Oils. As we just mentioned, everything in your body is made up of cells, including your muscles. Fish oils contain Omega-3 fatty acids that can keep your cell membranes in good working order (which in turn regulates cellular nutrition and waste removal.) There are a variety of fish oil supplements available at most grocery stores if you're not a big sea-food fan.

Potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus play an important role in muscle contraction and generally work together. While you can get these in supplemental form at most supermarket, it's best to consult your physician first, as most of these in excess can be detrimental to your health. You should be able to get most of these nutrients by consuming a well balanced diet.

Also, keep in mind that water is important to the function of all of your body systems, so to keep those muscles healthy, consider upping your H2O consumption by a couple of glasses per day.

To really find out what type of diet and exercise regime is right for you, you're going to want to meet with a dietician, nutritionist, personal trainer, or even your regular doctor. However, getting a little bit of exercise every day and having a well balanced diet should get you well on your way to keeping your muscles happy and healthy for life.


*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. *  

Sore No More
150 East Center Street Moab,
Utah 84532 T
el: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Ingredient Investigation :: Capsaicin


You may come across Capsaicin in our list of ingredients and pass right over it, discounting it as another unknown ingredient. It might surprise you to learn that Capsaicin is a common chemical compound found in chili peppers. It's what makes them spicy and is thought to act as a protective agent, keeping animals from eating the plant.

It is this warming action that makes Capsaicin useful in topical analgesics like Sore No More! Capsaicin helps relieve pain by effecting the nervous system. It inhibits pain transmissions to the brain, and is also thought to decrease the inflammation response (which is also controlled by the nervous system.)

Capsaicin has been associated with a variety of other health benefits, making it a bit of a holistic wonder. It is thought to boost metabolism, kill bacteria in the stomach and could potentially stop heart-attacks as they occur. Here's to hoping that more solid research is done on Capsaicin in the near future. Until then, we'll just have to enjoy its benefits in Sore No More!

For more information, visit the following links


*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. *

Sore No More

150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532
Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Alternative Therapies for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Last week we explored what Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is and what causes it.  
Now the question is; what can you do about? 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can require medical treatment and often results in surgery, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other options available.  There are many alternative therapy techniques that can relieve carpal tunnel symptoms and improve over all function and mobility of the wrists and hands.These include, but are not limited to; Reflexology, Herb Treatment, and Exercise.

Reflexology is the application of pressure to specific locations on the hands and/or feet that are believed effect various other parts of the body. Performing reflexology on points relating to the arms and wrists can potentially provide some relief from CTS.

The following links can provide you with more information regarding reflexology for CTS:
http://www.aznetnews.com/story.php?storyid=316
http://ezinearticles.com/?Hand-Reflexology-and-Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome&id=2246080


There are also supplements that are thought to improve carpal tunnel syndrome. These include vitamin B6, B12, and Arnica amongst others. Consulting an herbalist, naturopath or nutritionist can help you decide what supplements may be right for you.  Be sure to consult with your physician before introducing any new supplements to your diet.

Perhaps one of the most important things you can do at home to manage your CTS is exercise. Stretching your arms and wrists (gently) and doing range of motion exercises, as well as self massage and relaxation can decrease the amount of pressure on the median nerve and subsequently relieve symptoms.



Many people who suffer from CTS wear wrist braces while performing repetitive wrist movements such as typing.  Our customers have reported that applying Sore No More! to their wrists, especially while wearing the braces improves the over all feeling of their wrists and hands. 

As with all exercises and alternative therapies, make sure to stay in your comfort zone. Do not over stretch or apply too much pressure, start small and work your way up to more intensive exercises. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome should be managed under your health care provider's supervision.


*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. *  
Sore No More
150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532
Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Give your mother the gift of a pain free Mother's Day!

Check out our Facebook Page for a special Mother's Day discount!


*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. * Sore No More 150 East Center Street Moab, Utah 84532 Tel: (435) 259-5931 Toll Free: (800) 842-6622 www.sorenomore.com

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the supporting fibrous tissue in the wrist swells, applying stress and pressure to the median nerve. It can result in tingling, pain or lack of sensation in the hand and fingers on the affected side.

Carpal Tunnel is common in those who use repetitive wrist movements in their daily lives. Some vocations that lend themselves to the development of carpal tunnel are; massage therapy, hair styling, data entry (or any job where one spends a lot of time typing), etc.

There are some conditions that can encourage or aggravate carpal tunnel. Some of these conditions include pregnancy, hypothyroidism and arthritis.

Check back next week to learn some alternative treatments for carpal tunnel. Until then, try applying some Sore No More! to the wrist that is bothering you; many of our customers have told us that Sore No More! has decreased the pain and irritation that they experience due to carpal tunnel.



*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. *
 
Sore No More
150 East Center Street Moab,
Utah 84532 T
el: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Ingredient Investigation:: Camphor


A few weeks ago we took a closer look at Menthol. This week we'll take a look at Camphor, which is the second of the two active ingredients in Sore No More!

Camphor is a solid, white crystalline substance derived from the Cinnamonum camphora tree, which is found predominantly in Asia.

It is quite common to find camphor used medicinally as a topical analgesic, as it is absorbed readily through the skin. It is also used in some anti-itch products. It is also used in fireworks, moth repellent and as embalming fluid in a non-medicinal sense.
For a more in depth look and to learn some interesting information on camphor, feel free to visit this article.

 *Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. *

Sore No More
150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532
Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Friday, April 16, 2010

Alternative Therapies for Fibromyalgia Releif

Earlier in the week we learned what Fibromyalgia is. With between 3 and 5 million people suffering from FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome) in the United States alone, there is a huge demand for relief from its symptoms.

While FMS is often managed via pain medication, there are alternative therapies that have proven to be effective in relieving FMS pain and providing sufferers with a more diverse and active lifestyle than they would otherwise be able to lead.

One alternative method that may have a positive affect on FMS sufferers is acupuncture. Acupuncture is the Traditional Chinese practice of inserting needles into skin to release energy flow along the body's meridians. In more Western terms, it is said to increase endorphin release, and as we discussed when learning about using exercise to decrease pain- endorphins are the body's natural pain killers. Go here to read an excellent article on Acupuncture treatment of FMS.

Myofascial Release is the release of trigger points formed when there is stress or ingury to the muscle tissue and/or the connective tissue around it. . Read this article from the UK to learn about Myofascial Release work specifically geared toward FMS patients. You can learn more about Myofascial Release and find a practitioner near you here.

In the spirit of veering away from our usual line up, let's consider Hypnosis as a pain relief technique for FMS. Studies have shown that simple suggestions can increase or decrease the amount of pain that FMS sufferers experience. Check out this great article to learn more!

FMS is a difficult and poorly understood condition. There is such a large number of people suffering from it, yet it can be very hard for these people to find relief. Keep your alternative therapies in mind when looking for treatment options; Chiropractics, Massage, Myofascial Release, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Hypnosis, Reiki, Accupuncture, and Accupressure, just to name a few.

When it comes down to that moment when you need relief fast, consider turning to your trusty Sore No More! Remember; Sore No More! has a patented Fibromyalgia Treatment. Two tablespoons of Sore No More! in a warm bath has been proven to decrease Fibromyalgia pain for up to twelve hours. So grab a good book and head to the tub to soak your pains away!



*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. *

Sore No More
150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532
Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Sore No More! Sponsors Golf Tournament!

Sore No More! will be sponsoring the 10th annual Utah Association of REALTORS® Legislative Golf Tournament on Friday, April 30. Sore No More! Samples will be provided in participants' bags and jars will be given away at random intervals throughout the day.

In addition to great prizes (like jars of Sore No More!), your registration fee includes a full breakfast and lunch. For more information on the event and to register, visit http://www.utahrealtors.com . We're sure it will be a fun filled day for all who partake!



Sore No More
150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532

Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Sore No More Sponsors Olympic Telemark Skier Lorin Paley

Sore No More! proudly sponsors Olympic Telemark Skier Lorin Paley of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Lorin competed in the 2009 World Cup Circuit and took home two gold medals. She also plans to participate in the 2011 World Cup Circuit, as it is the last year she'll be able to compete in the 'junior' category.

She says: “Next year I am hoping to earn three gold medals and the overall award.” Proving that her motivation remains strong.

Lorin has also been accepted to Dartmouth, which was her top choice for college. Sore No More! is very impressed by Lorin's accomplishments and looks forward to continuing to sponsor her for next year's World Cup Circuit.








Sore No More
150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532

Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Monday, April 12, 2010

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by wide spread chronic pain in the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, etc.) It can coincide with other unpleasant maladies such as depression, insomnia, fatigue, headaches, and numbness or tingling.

Many people who suffer from Fibromyalgia live in a nearly constant state of discomfort. It can become incapacitating some days and barely noticeable on others. It can affect sleep habits, cognitive function and libido amongst other things.

There is not currently a known cause for Fibromyalgia although studies suggest that it may be genetically affiliated, caused by emotional or physical trauma or even a disorder of the Central Nervous System.

While Fibromyalgia is not 'curable,' it can be managed. Check back on Friday to learn some ways to manage your Fibromyalgia. In the mean time, put your Sore No More! to good use. Did you know that Sore No More! has a patented Fibromyalgia treatment? Two tablespoons of Sore No More! in a warm bath has been proven to decrease Fibromyalgia pain for up to twelve hours, and it's always worth having an excuse to take a long, relaxing bath!


*Sore No More! is not a licensed physician. All information on this blog is researched by our staff and is subject to inaccuracies. No information found here should be used in the place of advice from your doctor. *

Sore No More
150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532

Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Friday, April 2, 2010

Ingredient Investigation :: Menthol

Here at Sore No More! we are very open about our ingredients. When we say that our product is an all natural pain reliever, we want you to know that we mean it. See our list of ingredients with some basic descriptions here.

Every now and again here on the Sore No More! blog we'd like to take a deeper look at some of our ingredients, thus keeping our consumers and distributors informed about the product they are using. Today's ingredient is Menthol.

Menthol is a relatively well-known substance. We find it in our chewing gum and our toothpaste, our cough drops and our candies. It's cooling effect is found desirable in many substances both for ingesting and for topical application.

Menthol is a substance that is naturally derived from peppermint or other mint oils., however it can also be synthetically created. It was first 'discovered' as an isolated compound in 1771, but was used in Asia long before.

It is a multi-faceted substance, suitable for many uses in our day-to-day lives. Menthol is used topically in creams and gels such as Sore No More! As a coolant that can have a positive affect on sore muscles. It can also be used to sooth irritated skin, sore throats and nasal congestion (although care must be taken as some people are sensitive to menthol and it may cause irritation in such cases.) It has also proven useful in relieving indigestion and headaches.

Menthol is widely used as a flavoring for things like mouthwash, toothpaste, cough drops, chapsticks and candies.

We feel that such a well-loved substance certainly deserves a place in the ingredient list of our muscle-soothing product and hope that you enjoy it too!



Sources:
http://www.3dchem.com/molecules.asp?ID=202
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-menthol.htm



Sore No More
150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532

Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Managing Your Pain Through Exercise Part II

So you've decided that you want to try to manage your pain naturally. You've got your trusty tub of Sore No More! on hand and you know what inflammation is and how it can cause you pain. You've looked into an anti-inflammatory diet and now you're ready to start an exercise program!

The following websites will provide you with some great resources to manage your pain via exercise.

Back
Exercises to Help Back Pain
Back Strengthening Stretches
Upper Back Exercises

Legs
Five Stretches for Knee Pain
Stretches for the Legs
11 Exercises to Decrease Knee Pain

Head Neck & Shoulders
Neck Exercises for Pain Reduction
Five Stretches to Relieve Neck Pain

It is generally considered a wise idea to start a basic cardio regimen. If you find that walking for an extended period of time is too hard on your body, consider joining a water aerobics class or just hanging out at the pool a few times a week, swimming or wading laps. One of the best things you can do to manage your pain is to just keep moving!

Pretty soon you'll be applying your Sore No More! to relieve sore muscles left over from your great exercise routine instead of from your chronic pain!

*Please check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen. Sore No More! is not a licensed physician and is not qualified to give medical advice.*

Sore No More
150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532

Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Managing Pain Through Exercise

Sore No More! is designed to help relieve many types of pain, but being based out of an outdoor recreation mecca like we are, often it gets used specifically for exercise-related pain. Rock-climbers, mountain bikers, marathon runners, and many others use Sore No More! to manage their post exercise aches and to keep their muscles feeling limber.

On the other hand, exercise can also be used to help you manage your chronic pains or day to day muscle tension. While we don't advise that you go out tomorrow and run a marathon without training first, beginning some light weekly exercise can improve your quality of life.

How Does Exercise Help You Manage Your Pain?
Most of us know that exercise can loosen up tense muscles and help balance our bodies, which can decrease pain and make us feel better all around. There are exercises that target specific areas (i.e. shoulders) that can keep the pain in those areas manageable by keeping the muscles toned (as in resistance training) or loosened (as in stretching.)

However, exercise also releases endorphins, serotonin, and is thought to help balance hormones.

Endorphins produce a similar affect to opiates in the body and are often what people inadvertently refer to when they say they get a 'natural high.' They are credited with being pain-relieving, feel-good chemicals produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Endorphin release is increased while exercising, giving you a much-needed break from your pain and providing a valuable tool in your pain-management arsenal.

Serotonin is found in the Central Nervous System. It's a 'feel-good' chemical, the lack of which is often associated with depression. It's been found to regulate mood, appetite, sleep patterns and even muscle contraction! Exercise increases Serotonin production which can help you feel better all around!

All in all, exercise can be a valuable asset when trying to manage your pain, so why not get out of the house today and go for a walk around the block? Apply a bit of Sore No More to your problem areas before you go and by the time you're back home you'll have the boost you need to finish your day!

We suggest you speak with your doctor before starting any strenuous exercise program.

Check back next week to get recommendations on basic stretches, cardio, and resistance training that may help you manage your pain!

For More Information Check Out:
For More Info On Managing Pain with Exercise
http://www.mamashealth.com/exercise/expain.asp
http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/articles-submit/tanja-gardner/natural-pain-management.htm
For More information on Endorphins
http://www.mens-total-fitness.com/endorphins.html
http://hubpages.com/hub/ExerciseandTheEndorphinRush
http://www.ehow.com/how_5082222_release-endorphins-pain-relief.html
For More Information on Seratonin
http://www.angelfire.com/hi/TheSeer/seratonin.html
http://www.fitcommerce.com/BLUEPRINT/WebControls/Announcements/ViewAnnouncement.aspx?ItemID=787&mid=112&portalId=2&cid=112
http://www.ehow.com/about_5066420_effects-exercise-serotonin-levels.html
For More Information on Hormones and Exercise
http://www.liftforlife.com/HormonesAndExercise.htm
http://www.faqs.org/sports-science/Ha-Ja/Hormonal-Response-to-Exercise.html

Sore No More
150 East Center Street
Moab, Utah 84532

Tel: (435) 259-5931
Toll Free: (800) 842-6622
www.sorenomore.com