Carol Cox, MS

“ In my 62 years, pain has been an unwelcome companion through the removal of a blood tumor by radiation as an infant; through polio at age six; through two spinal fusions for scoliosis as a teenager; through the removal of a pituitary tumor; carpal tunnel surgery; and a total hip replacement as an adult.  Over the past fifteen years, I have tried exercise, traditional physical therapy, chiropractic services, acupuncture, vitamin therapy and structural integration massage, much of which wasn’t covered by health insurance.

Last fall, I experienced increasing pain in my left hip and leg.   Assuming that this was connected with my hip replacement ten years ago, I consulted my orthopedic surgeon.  X-rays indicated no problems there and my doctor said that my pain was coming from my back stating, “…it was just going to be like that”, and prescribed anti-inflammatory medicine.  Having a history of gastrointestinal problems the year before, I did not want to take this strong medicine that would aggravate my stomach and large hiatal hernia. 
Experiencing even more difficulty standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods of time, my body felt like it was freezing up on me, and I began to think that I’d soon end up in a wheelchair. I decided to revisit a suggestion, made by my pastor’s wife, to try Myofascial Release. I sought my primary physician’s referral, and he agreed, yet he supplied another prescription for another anti-inflammatory drug that he thought I would need during the initial treatment.

After my first treatment, I discovered that my posture and breathing had significantly improved. After years of trying to ignore and medicate pain without success, I am now trying to “listen” to the pain and treat those areas with the help of the myofascial stretching home exercise program.  It is so liberating to know that there is actually something that I can actively do on my own about my pain.  I do not have to depend on just the office visits.  I have not had to take anti-inflammatory prescription drugs.  In just a month’s time, my energy level and attitude have improved tremendously.  I look forward to my tomorrows of a more active lifestyle!”          

Carol Cox, MS