Cupping, Gua Sha, and Acupuncture: Can They Help with Arthritis and Chronic Pain?

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

Most of you know that I am a big fan of integrative medicine: a mix of natural or alternative methodologies and traditional pharmaceutical treatments. In fact, one of the first “real” published articles I wrote was in a local magazine (called South Fayette & Neighbors, now known as IN South Fayette,) in 2006, and it … Continue reading →

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Spryngs by Brevani: Elegant Arthritis-Friendly Rings for Swollen Fingers

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Spryngs by Brevani’s tagline is “elegance that fits comfortably for a lifetime.” I love that, because it encapsulates what this brand is all about. This upscale high-end fine jewelry line has finally come out with rings that have the arthritis patient in mind. Actually — their beautiful jewelry is well-suited to anyone whose ring size … Continue reading →

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Feeling Adult-ish After My Total Knee Replacement

Posted on October 26, 2017 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

There was a song that was popular when I was in high school called “What’s My Age Again?” by Blink 182. I’ve always related to that question: what IS my age? It’s mostly because of my rheumatoid arthritis. First off, there’s always been an issue with my actual diagnosis: yes, it WAS “juvenile” rheumatoid arthritis, … Continue reading →

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#HAWMC – Day 10: An RA Q&A

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

Questions and answers about life with rheumatoid arthritis and invisible illness. Continue reading →

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Limping Through the Magic Kingdom

Posted on November 13, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I will never willingly choose to “miss out” on life because of my conditions. I’ll go down with a fight before I let these illnesses prevent me from living my life: and that includes travel. But that doesn’t mean that it is always easy. Read on … While I’m still sick fairly often with frequent … Continue reading →

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This Old Lady Has Arthritis

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

World Arthritis Day is coming up and what better time than now to erase negative stigmas and myths associated with arthritis and rheumatic disease! This image, created by Mariah’s Movers, is meant to showcase that people of ALL ages get arthritis — even kids! It is often associated with the elderly, but that isn’t always … Continue reading →

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Spring Cleaning with Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

Spring cleaning can be a huge undertaking for most of us, but can especially be a challenge when you’re living with arthritis or chronic pain. A stiff or painful neck, back, shoulder, wrists, knees, or hands can make even the simplest daily activities difficult for people with various forms of arthritis. It may be a … Continue reading →

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The Hot and Cold of Arthritis: The Heat vs. Ice Debate – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

Some people swear by heat for arthritis; others will only use ice. With weather, too, responses vary: some people enjoy a warmer climate, others prefer cooler weather. So, what’s the deal: is “hot” or “cold” better for arthritis patients? The truth is, as with anything, it varies from person-to-person and case-to-case. Some of it has … Continue reading →

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All About Inflammation – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

Inflammation plays a huge role in rheumatic ailments such as arthritis…but what, exactly, is inflammation? According to Medical News today, “Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response. Inflammation is the body’s attempt at self-protection; the aim being to remove harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens – and begin the healing process. When something … Continue reading →

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Music Therapy for Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

With the Grammy awards upon us and Whitney Houston’s recent passing, it seems appropriate to discuss the physiological effects of music on our bodies. Can music positively affect our perception of pain? Sure, we all love to sing our favorite song in the shower, rock out in the car or as we work out, or … Continue reading →