Swelling/Fluid

[Anonymous]

I broke my tibia/fibula about a month and a half ago, and I’m walking around sort of ok since I got a rod inserted just below my knee right down to just above my ankle. The issue is not the break but the swelling and mobility.

The swelling is getting better but really slowly. My ankle looks really fat and right up my tibia I have a hard-ish swelling which I can push and it leaves an indent since it’s hard to move. On top of that my leg is now quite weak.

The doctor said that it could take up to a year for the swelling to FULLY go down, which is not something I really want to hear considering I just bought the bagua mastery program and want to get straight into it when it arrives.

Does anyone know what the best thing to do in this situation in terms of internal healing arts? I’ve tried a few things like the dragon and tiger exercise where you trace up and down from your feet to chest, yang style cloud hands (not 100% on the internals of cloud hands but intuition tells me it may be good in this case), opening/closing my ankle (couldn’t get that to work).

I guess it’s a 2 part process. I need for firstly break up the swelling since it’s semi-hard, then get it moving.

Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Hi Cameron,

I’m am instructor from Brookline Tai Chi, also a long-time bodyworker – just saw your post. What you describe in terms of your injury sounds like a significant medical issue. The 2 part process you describe is likely best addressed through your doctor, PT, orthopedist, etc. It’s important to know that even simple chi gung exercises can have deep effects, and it is essential to discuss them with your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers who can advise/supervise you before you head into a routine.

This is a medical disclaimer from the site, good to note:
“The practice of Taoist energy arts and the meditative arts may carry risks. All materials provided on this website are offered for informational or educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for the advice of your physician, psychotherapist or other healthcare professional.

If you have any physical or other symptoms, or any emotional, mental or medical condition, please consult your healthcare provider regarding whether or not the exercises on this website are appropriate for you.

You should consult a professional before undertaking any martial arts, movement, meditation, health or exercise program to reduce the chance of injury or any other harm that may result from pursuing or trying any techniques such as those discussed on this site. Any physical or other distress experienced during or after any exercise should not be ignored and should be brought to the attention of a healthcare professional.”

If/when you receive approval to practice, in addition to medical supervision, it’s advisable to work with a certified instructor in person.

Good luck in your healing process!

Katie

[Anonymous]

Thanks.

The doc said that it’s all normal and nothing out of the ordinary. He suggested bike riding or swimming for rehab, but i’m not really interesting in either of those things. In terms of overdoing it he said that pain is a good indication.

So basically I think I’m right to do any practice that I could do under normal circumstances.

Do you know of anything that would possibly work well? I won’t hold you accountable for anything, unless it works really well in which case I will . Even though I’ve been trying various things I don’t have the sensitivity to know if it’s working yet. It would be good to not waste time on things that aren’t very beneficial for my situation.

[Anonymous]

Cameron,
I just noticed your posting about swelling.
I have had some success in dealing with issues of swelling by using a Chinese patent medicine called Yunnan Bai
Yao. (Yunnan Paiyao) I would suggest that you get a copy of the the book “Asian Health Secrets by Letha Hadady and read her chapter on the the subject, it is chapter 18.

I have used the product in capsule form which I find the easiest to work with. It is available over the counter at most Chinese herb shops.

Best of luck with your healing process.

Art Rochlin

[Anonymous]

Hi Cameron,

Have been off this list for awhile, so I’m just getting back to the conversation.

Good to have the ok from your doc. As far as suggesting what would be helpful, that is unfortunately a bit tough without seeing you in person. I’d recommend finding an instructor in your area to work with (there’s an instructor list on this website) . Dragon and Tiger is likely a good place to start, and an instructor can help guide you, especially where you are new to the practice and not feeling things too clearly yet.

Katie

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys. I’m at a stage where I can do most things ok, so at least it’s not getting in the way anymore.

Since I didn’t really know what to do I just did a bit of everything. First a bit of standing, then some dragon and tiger and energy gates stuff, then a bit of tai chi to get it moving. It helped to loosen up my leg, but not so much to get rid of the swelling. The swelling has just taken time to subside, and isn’t bad anymore but is still hanging around.

[Anonymous]

Dear Cameron
Swelling is by definition stagnant Qi and blood. In the world of chinese medecine, stagnation is the absence of proper flow. even if you are moving a bit better and the injury feels more mobile I believe that many methods used to a goal can yield better results than putting all you’re money in one thing i.e.: Qi Gong. While I am a lover of practice and do train everyday, when I get hurt i do more than just use that.
Massage is really good ( I think good tuina, is important with mobilisation’s(someone who move you’re body through it’s normal range of motion), bone adjustment’s like in Zheng Gu and also poultice and plaster work. Ad to that some acupuncture and herbs and you’re good to go. I am sure you see that as a lot but it can all be done in 2 or 3 treatment’s by someone who is competent in chinese orthopedics.
The goal is not only to heal but to try and keep as little trace as possible of the injury so to prevent re-injury.
Good luck and have fun on you’re path.
Pascal

[Anonymous]

You might try elevating your legs on a 7 inch wedge pillow (they are sold in surgical supply stores) for 20 minutes a few times a day, and also pick up some knee high support stockings at the same store, or you can order ones from Travelsmith.com or Magellan.com.

[Author]

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