Rob Varley

Illinois, USA

My name is Rob, I’m 56 and this is my story. 8 years ago I tore a Rotator Cuff in my shoulder, I went to a Chiropractor first and decided against surgery. Man does that hurt, a couple months later I tore the other one. Shortly after that I went to see a band and a group of fire spinners performed, what struck me was the Poi. I just had to try it, made some the next day and never stopped. I found the shoulder movement was very similar to what the Chiropractor had me do when I was recovering. I have had a mild case of Psoriasis my whole life and developed Psoriasis in my finger and toe nails, every Dermatologist I ever went to told me it was incurable and may lead to Psoriatic Arthritis. They were right, I have had signs of arthritis since my early 40’s but 6 years ago my feet got worse. Early last year I had a bad episode in my right hand, couldn’t make a fist, weakness, cramping and severe pain in the mornings. I continued to spin poi and added contact staff, 3 clubs, 4 ball juggling, for 5 to 7 hours a week. Also started Tai Chi 18 months ago, the strongest pain killers I take are Naproxen and Ibuprofen for now. I find the exercise and meditation helps me cope and keeps me active. I spin to music and always try to find the Fun in what I’m working on, I suspect that the movement, concentration and state of play help me to heal myself through the Spinning. I’ve been following Kate for about 3 years, I am a strong believer and living proof in what she’s working on.