Nolee

I pulled a hamstring Saturday and went to the chiro last night and am so much better this morning. I went to three doctors over the years and they all poo-pooed chiros. Now I go to the chiro and hardly ever go to a doctor. My co-pay for my chiro is $20 and $40 for my doctor, so it works out well for me. I think doctors and surgeons are very necessary in certain situations but I'd opt for my chiro over them for anything bone or muscle related. And I don't need drugs!!

coloradosky

I use this also. A few days before beginning to hand quilt I start exercising my hands using two rubber balls made for this practice. If you feel any pain while quilting, stop and limber up the hand and joints with the exercise. It does help to keep my hands free of pain.

chamby

I give a big ditto here. However not all chiros are created equal. Just like a medical doctor, be sure to research before picking one. If all they do is per say crack your bones then beware. I have a great one but have not needed him lately, thank God.

Nolee

You are so right; they are not created equal. I love mine because he uses the "activator" and I'm not hearing those awful cracking sounds and don't have to move off the table or lay to the side and have them crack you. Few use the activator but it reminds me of the old cherry pitters with a doorstop rubber tip on it that he adjusts the bones with. NO pain, NONE!!!

Also, I took someone else's advice on this thread and got some Cobroxin. MAN, that stuff is great. Thank you to whoever sent that. Walgreen's had two left and I got them. Online they were 2/$19.99 and I called the store and they gave the same price. When my husband went to get it, the girl charged him $19.99 apiece. He did his little, "Uh uh uh, we won't be doing that," as he wagged his finger back and forth on her. We got them for 2/$19.99. :) :) :)

MarySews

I havae had the same problem and I had it when I was in my 20's as well, soit was not arthritus.
In between quilts (if there is such a time) I found excercise works. I go to the gym regularly and they have aNautilus machine that I call the quilter's machine. It is not a comon gym item, but it really works. It excercises the small muscles in yur hand and wrist.
As you may not be able to find one, you might try:
1. a small weight (2# -5#), hold it in your hand and wist your wrist about 12 X both hands. (like turning a door knob)
2. a squeeze weight (pick up at a sporting goods store -- I think they come different strentgths) squeeze 6 X to start, both hands, and work up to 12 X.
You need to strengthen your thumb muscles, ligaments, etc
My discomfort is gone, baby gone.