Gentle Hugs T-Shirts and Pins are now available!

Many thanks to fellow TOSer, Aubrey, who designed this TOS awareness logo with the Gentle Hugs message!! You can order it on a pin, a shirt, or other items here -http://www.zazzle.ca/gentle_hugs_tos_awareness_womans_tee-235060560888694921

I don't know about you, but I will be wearing this shirt to any family gatherings from now on!

Gentle hugs~

My Physical Therapist Says...Part 6

"Your body wants to move, its good for you to move. Garden, be as active as you can - without blowing up symptoms." 

I asked why when I do this-(arm up and down, painting motion) does my ear hurt?  Response-"because the pain is not coming from your ear its coming from your neck muscles."

"They've done MRI of shoulders with torn rotator cuffs on people who have full function. Others  who've been told they have torn rotator cuff but normal MRI experience pain and limitation. Being given a medical dx can contribute mentally to pain."

"There will always be some people invested in their negativity and pain. But you can chose to focus on the positive and keep moving gradually forward."

I asked, if I lean into the pain, tilt head toward pain, fold arm up, is that a bad habit? Response," it takes the tension off the muscle and nerve, so temporarily, no thats not bad." (note-temporarily).

Gentle hugs~

A Reluctant TOS Prayer

I stopped referencing 'God' or spiritual things after my first few posts because I want everyone to feel welcome here. 
That being said, today I want to share with my fellow TOSers something that has become a great help to me in living with TOS. 

After hearing about my continuing struggle with TOS, someone challenged me to spend some time with the well-known Serenity Prayer. 
Initially, I had to approach it as more of an inspirational mantra, because the very first word of the prayer (God) tripped me up.
Getting past the idea of asking for something from a 'God' I am not so sure is A. concerned about my pain, or B. trustworthy, is hard for me. So I skipped the first word for a while and daily read the prayer, meditating on its meaning for my life.  Does it ever apply to living with TOS!

Everyone who lives with an ongoing pain issue, like TOS, faces things that are not in their control, that they cannot change. 
Your body has betrayed you and gone haywire. 
You endure sleepless nights and foggy days, restless with pain, and wonder what the heck you did to deserve this. 
You try everything you know hoping for pain relief; consult medical and alternative practitioners, tests, surgery, therapy, shots, medications, gadgets, lotions-the list could go on, and still the pain remains. 
It's frankly been infuriating to me that I can't just rip out the cause of the pain and get on with life. 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome backed me into a corner. There was nowhere to go to get away from the pain, which tapped into my stubborn streak. I pretty much unplugged from faith and life over the last few years. I've used pain as an excuse to not do or go or participate. 
The more I've withdrawn, the more the pain has intensified. I ate to stuff my feelings. Pity-parties with chocolate, donuts, cookies in-hand were happening daily. I gained a lot of weight, which exacerbated TOS symptoms. Add in some prescription medications and their unpleasant side effects and I was a depressed mess.

My daily thoughts were about how angry and resentful I was about being stuck in the grip of this insidious pain. My faith turned into questions and doubts. 
Watching TOS affect the lives of my kids has been heart breaking. Three of us dealing with TOS in one family?! It seemed to me 'God' must be cruel, unreliable, and cold. 
New symptoms on top of the usual TOS appeared; ear, head, and jaw pain. Instead of driving me toward humility and faith, the pain became a wall between me and anything that might touch my spirit. 
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome weighed down my life in every way. 
I'd become a different person, someone I didn't like. That is the state I was in when a very wise woman handed me a copy of this prayer.

After spending some time sitting with the prayer on my lap, reading and thinking, it became clear to me I was at a crossroad. I have been in desperate need of some "serenity, to accept the things I cannot change". 
Would I choose to continue on my life journey with TOS and take the path that leads to my life being taken over by this monster, or would I choose to go another direction, one that requires engaging in my life again? Would I choose "courage, to change the things that I can"? 

A thought occurred to me, that just maybe that bit of scripture that says"...the kingdom of God is within you..." is true concerning the things in this prayer. Serenity, courage, and wisdom are already inside me and I simply need to summon them.

Lately, I've been including the first word of the prayer. That word comes with a lot of questions, and honesty about my disappointments. Over time, my faith is being renewed.  It's looking a lot different than it used to back when I thought my requests would be fulfilled in my favor (according to 'Gods' will) as long as I asked fervently enough.

I'm learning to be ok with the mystery of 'God', and with admitting I can't fix my broken self with myself. However, I can tap into the reservoir of courage and be better, change the things that I'm able to change.

I only see and understand this life in part, and I need discernment to know when to relax and not try so hard..."wisdom, to know the difference".
It's all a work in progress, a journey. But the view on this part of the path is improving, hopeful, even healing.

I hope this well-known prayer may be a source of encouragement for my fellow TOSers as you each choose, bit by bit, one day at a time, how you will live with this TOS companion.
You all inspire courage in me. 
I wish I could take the pain and fix it, for all of us. 
But just maybe this struggle is making us into people with resilience and fortitude that this world desperately needs.

Gentle hugs~

Mindfulness to Reduce Pain

Interesting article...
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/04/08/135146672/even-beginners-can-curb-pain-with-meditation

Things that are difficult with TOS

Carrying a bag or purse-in fact, I do not ever sling any bag or purse on my shoulders anymore.

Backing up out of parking spots-wrenching neck around.

Pulling open doors-I use my foot alot to help get doors open.

Clothes shopping-pushing clothes on racks at shoulder level fatigues my arms super fast.

Planning-the unpredictability of symptom flareup.

Chopping, cutting, stirring when cooking.

Figuring out a good, ergonomic way to sit, (to avoid slouching) or what to sit on, that does not aggravate symptoms.

Traveling, going through xray scanner with arms up, and pulling a suitcase.

Waking the dog

Folding laundry

Vacuuming

Turning radio station in the car-arm extension-zappers.

Looking down to read...book, computer screen.

Wearing anything on my neck-scarves, necklaces, heavy clothing.

Pulling house windows up or down.

Scooping ice cream.

Fixing the back of my hair.

Pulling open doors.



*I'm sure my fellow TOSers can relate.

Gentle hugs to all of you for your courage in living with TOS.

The Biggest Hurdle

http://saveyourself.ca/articles/personal-growth.php

"... the real challenges faced by someone with chronic pain are mental. Mental state is the biggest modulator of physical pain. Things hurt more when you’re stressed or sad, and the increased pain makes you both stressed and sad. The way out of this vicious circle is a wholesale change to how you perceive fear, suffering and setbacks."

I can't

I was thinking the other day about when my kids were very small, learning how to do things. As they tried something new they would sometimes say (whine) "I can't".
I would immediately respond with- "Don't say "I can't" because you can! You may say, "This is hard" or "I need help", but do NOT say "I can't."  Something about any hint of a defeated attitude grates my Irish stubbornness.
Flash forward to 2009, I'm sitting on the surgeons exam table for a post-op checkup. I ask him if I will ever be able to return to work. He tells me I should be mindful lifelong to avoid: repetitive arm movement, arms extended out or overhead, heavy lifting, pulling down. He might as well have said as long as you don't use your arms *at all*, sure you can go back to work.
In remembering my kids' pre-determined defeatist attitude, it dawns on me now that attitude I hated so much to see in my kids has crept over me. I've been blaming the pain. The doctor's words about restricting my arm use rattle around in my mind and have turned into the belief- "It's TOS' fault that I can't ...(insert any number of pain trigger activities here)."  Over time I have accepted that "I can't" mindset.
In an effort to be able to keep doing things, I've searched for gadgets to help adapt to living with TOS. That's why I post here about the tips and tricks that help me manage TOS symptoms, because I do not want TOS pain issues to take living away from me.

That's what has been on my mind lately.

Gentle hugs~

So true...

Another TOS story in the news...

Guitarist has a bone to pick, and a survival story behind it
Read the full story here...


http://herald-review.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/guitarist-has-a-bone-to-pick-and-a-survival-story/article_a47a14ba-a222-11e2-bdcd-001a4bcf887a.html
 

Is this our fate - scar tissue and repeated symptoms post decompression surgery?

http://www.nervemed.com/thoracic-outlet-syndrome-treatment/adhesions-causing-recurrence-after-1st-rib-resection

I wanted to shared some information for all you TOSers out there who've had rib resection surgery.
I believe knowledge is power. If you don't know about these things, you cant stick up for yourself or ask the right questions.

When my daughter and son each had resection surgery in 2004 - 2005, our surgeon told us it was possible they may have recurring symptoms in the future because they were having resection at such a young age (13 & 15).

I think the link provided shows clearly why-regrowth of scar tissue and/or muscle.

Very interesting indeed, for those of us who have had surgery, especially if you have had decompression surgery in your younger years, you need to pay attention to this information.

Flareup's are so inconvenient

I recently returned home from traveling over a thousand miles to see my grandsons, sixteen months and newborn. It wound up being an extended trip with lots to do. Unfortunately, I did not listen to the TOS advice I give to others, nor to the signals my own body was giving me.

I over did it.
There was so much to do, much that I do not normally attempt.
Lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, playing.
I just couldn't resist. It was all such fun!

Until that darn pokey, pinchey, pulling, needley, burning, jabbing, searing pain from my ear and neck down through my traps and into my arm. It got really bad.

A doggone flare up.

Just when I needed to be able to make the most of what little time I get with my precious little guys who are growing up so far away, that dreaded irritation and pain surged intolerably.

I had to employ every trick and tool I've learned to fend off a plunging depression.
I admit, the pain pushed me to an emotional edge. I vented a bit, with tears.
Pain has a way of purging the truth out of you like nothing else can.

I was sad, knowing I needed to take it down a notch and slow down, even though I didn't want to.
But I also knew I would be no good at all for anyone if I didn't take care of myself and pay attention to what my body was telling me.
I heated up my microwave rice pack, dropped in a few drops of lavender essential oil, took muscle relaxer and pain pills, got out my mp3 player and listened to some Ease Pain sessions, then some light piano music.
I had to make myself rest.
I proposed my problem to the facebook TOS group. The responses were wonderfully warm, supportive and helpful. Exactly what I needed, a word from people who understand because they've been there.
"Get down on the floor. Let the kids crawl in your lap, no lifting, do the best you can and let the rest go."

That was wise advise indeed for this TOSer.  I tried to heed the advice, though it was really hard for this new grandma to always comply.

A Day in MY Life With Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

It is 6:48 am. My dog is staring up at me over the edge of the bed, whining and doing her potty dance. I roll to get up off my chiropractic mattress and realize I should not have slept with that pillow last night.

My feet land on the floor and I reach back to rub my neck as I head toward the door to let the dog out. I attempt a 'systems check', turning my head slowly, left and then right, and back to the left, bending my arm and rotating slowly at the shoulder.

Feeling pretty good this morning, I think to myself.

Mind you, this is compaired to having constant ear, neck, jaw, back, and arm throbbing for several years due to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome before my right first rib was surgically removed through my armpit. Yes, compared to that- I think I'm feeling pretty good this morning.

While the dog does her morning business outside, I get the coffee started; half-caff...or decaf, depending on the morning. Too much caffiene would surely tweak my already strained nerves and tip off a cascade of effects that cannot be turned back once they begin.

I recently decided I had no choice but to chop off my long hair. The weight of it all was just too much for my weak and grumpy neck muscles that have to compensate postop from having been partially removed.

I apply deodorant, and cringe as I rub the stick over my rib-resected armpit, enduring the now familiar prickly numbness from nerves that did not fully rebound postop. Turns out that having a large mans hand in that small space stretching out your nerves complicates things a bit.
Did I get it on? I wonder.  I have to actually watch myself smear it on to be sure.

Before I head out the door I take a deep breath and wash down some pills, stuff my cell phone in one pocket, my little pocketbook and keys in the other pocket, and head out the door. I miss being able to carry a purse and feel prepared for any emergency. It wasn't a tough choice though really; cute purse or throbbing arms? Enough said.

As I head down the driveway, I instinctively pull my seatbelt out and hold it away from me as I drive. The pressure of the belt against my neck and shoulder causes that pinchy pokey nerve pain that eventually escalates into throbbing constant aching- and I cannot bear that. So I compensate, and pray as I drive with my seatbelt sortof on that God might protect me and any police officers will be understanding. (Update: I have since received a letter from my doctor-per state law- stating that I need to adjust my seat belt for medical reasons, and have begun using a belt clip that holds the belt away from my neck.)

I get a text from my daughter, who is away at college. She wants to followup with the surgeon soon because she is having recurring symptoms since her resection in 2005. Both our kids also have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome due to cervical ribs (an extra set of ribs in the neck) and have had a rib removed through their armpits too. We have comiserated about our numb armpits. I sigh as I read her text, breathe a little prayer and make a note to call the doctor when I get back home.

After my apointment, I stop at the grocery store. I've gotten used to parking far away from the store, out where I can pull through two parking spaces so I don't have to wrench my neck around to look behind me to back out of a parking space. A couple seconds too long in that position and the pain in my arm coupled with the very real possibility of a blood clot in my non-resected TOS side prompts me to not care about having to walk a little further into the store.

I only need a few things from the store today, but one of them is milk. I know from experience that the weight of several pounds of milk hanging from my arm would definitely pull down on my neck and shoulder, squish nerve,s and set off that darn chain reaction that does not stop once it starts up. It also makes my hand turn a nice shade of blue; and blue doesn't match my outfit today -so I'll just grab a cart.

I run into a friend I have not seen in a while. She wants to hug me, and being the people pleaser I am, I oblige; even though my experience has taught me that I am always just one too tight hug away from a flare up of nerve pain misery.

The day winds down and it's been a good one, productive, with lots of adjustments along the way to avoid flaring up. My physical therapist would remind me that awareness is key in managing my symptoms.  I must always be aware of what my body is telling me. Listen. Pay attention. I have to do regular mental systems checks. Is my posture off? Is my head turned slightly to one side?  It is definitely a juggling act to live with TOS.

Always having to pay attention to these little things in order to avoid incapacitating pain is a skill one hones over time out of necessity. Why that throb in my arm, but only to the elbow this time? I notice my bra straps are a bit tight, so I push them out to the edge of my shoulders, away from the tender nerves and arteries that cannot take the pressure.

The dog is back. She is looking pittifully up at me with those sad eyes asking to go for a walk. I clip her leash onto my belt loop, and bend my arms up at the elbow as we walk to avoid any arm and hand throbbing by letting them hang down.

It's time for bed now. As I drift off to sleep, flat on my back without a pillow, I wonder about what tomorrow will bring? What adjustments will need to be made?

Whatever it brings, I'm just thankful I've gotten this far along on the journey, even with TOS.

Invisible Illness Week - September 10-16, 2012

TOSers know how frustrating it is that people can't tell you are in pain just by looking at you.
We know all about that pat on the back, or the too tight hug from a well meaning friend, or the awkwardness in having to go through the long explanation of what your physical problem is, knowing they will not understand.
That is why I believe in the cause of the site - www.invisibleillnessweek.com - You can search there for articles relating to your experience and find support. I submitted an article under the My Story section about my own experience. Please go there and support the great work they are doing bringing awareness and education to the issues we face with the invisible illness of TOS.

So interesting-TOS Timeline

http://www.tosmri.com/history.html

**Thanks to TOS Awareness on Facebook for posting this! Thanks to Dr. Scott Werden for providing this information!

A day in my life with TOS.

It is 6:48 am.
My dog is at the edge of the bed, whining and doing her potty dance.
I roll to get up off my chiropractic mattress and realise I should not have slept on that pillow last night because now an ache travels down my neck into my back and all the way down my arm with just the lightest little throb.
My feet land on the floor and I reach back to rub my neck as I head toward the door to let the dog out.
A few attempts at turning my head slowly, left and then right, and back to the left, bending my arm and rotating at the shoulder. A systems check if you will. "Feeling pretty good this morning", I think to myself.
Mind you, this is compaired to the constant ear, neck, back, and arm throbbing I had before my first rib was surgically removed through my armpit two years ago because I'd been living with constant arm pain due to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Yes, compared to that I think I'm feeling pretty good this morning.
While the dog does her morning business outside I get the coffee started, half-caff...or decaf, depending on the morning. Too much caffiene would surely tweak my already strained nerves and tip off a cascade of effects that cannot be turned back once they begin.

I will be driving today, a good half-hour from home, so as I get myself around for the day I know I must wear my hair down. Putting it up would force my neck into a position while I'm driving that would cause my neck to cramp, nerves to pinch and arm to ache. So today I will brush it back and reconsider chopping it all off.

I apply deodorant, and cringe as I rub the stick over my rib-resected armpit, enduring the now familiar prickly numbness from nerves that did not grow back postop.
"Did I get it on?" I wonder. I have to actually watch myself smear it on to be sure.

Before I head out the door I wash down some pills, stuff my cell phone in one pocket and my little pocketbook and keys in the other pocket, and head out the door. Sigh. I miss being able to carry a purse and feel prepared for any emergency. It wasn't a tough choice though really, cute purse or throbbing arms? Enough said.

As I head down the driveway, I instinctively pull my seatbelt out and hold it away from me with one of my thumbs as I drive. The pressure of the belt against my neck and shoulder causes that pinchy pokey nerve pain that eventually escalates into throbbing constant aching- and that I cannot bear. So I compensate, and pray as I drive with my seatbelt sortof on that God will protect me and any police officers will be understanding. (Update: I have since received a letter from my doctor stating that I need to adjust my seat belt for medical reasons, and I also ordered a belt clip that holds it away from my neck.)

After my apointment I stop at the store. I've gotten used to parking far far away from the store, out where I can pull through so I don't have to wrench my neck around to look behind me to back out of a parking space.  A couple seconds too long in that position and the pain in my arm coupled with the very real possibility of a blood clot in my non resected TOS arm prompts me to not care about having to walk a little further into the store.

I only need a few things from the store today, but one of them is milk.  I know from experience that the weight of several pounds of milk hanging from my arm, pulling down on the cervical rib bones in my neck will cause spasms, possibly pinch off blood flow, which makes my hand a nice shade of blue. Carrying milk would definitely squish nerves and set off that darn chain reaction that does not stop once it starts up. Besides, blue doesn't match my outfit today -so I'll just grab a cart.
I run into a friend I have not seen in a while. She wants to hug me, and being the people pleaser I am, I oblige; even though my experience is that I am always just one too tight hug away from misery.
Later in the day I hop online to check a few things, propping the laptop up on pillows or books so I don't have to look down.
The day winds down and it's been a good one, productive, with lots of adjustments along the way to avoid flaring up. Awareness, as my physical therapist would remind me, I must always be aware of what my body is telling me. Why is that pinch in my neck there? Listen. Pay attention. I do a mental systems check. Is my posture off? I notice my head is turned slightly to the left as I'm watching tv.
I need to change where I sit so I am directly in front of it.
Always having to pay attention to these little things in order to avoid incapacitating pain is a skill one hones over time out of necessity. Why that throb in my arm, but only to the elbow this time? I notice my bra straps are a bit tight, so I push them out to the edge of my shoulders, away from the tender nerves and arteries that cannot take the pressure.
The dog is back. She is looking pittifully up at me with those sad eyes asking to go for a walk. I clip her leash onto my belt loop, and bend my arms up at the elbow as we walk to avoid any arm and hand throbbing my letting them hang down.

It's time for bed now. As I drift off to sleep, flat on my back without a pillow, I wonder about what tomorrow will bring?What adjustments will need to be made?
Whatever it brings, I'm just thankful I've gotten this far along the journey, even with TOS.(Thoracic Outlet Syndrome)

Juggling TOS 103

Come to think of it, juggling would be near impossible for most TOS folks I know.
But we do have things to figure out and need a plan of action, to be prepared in advance-more than most folks.
So more tips I have found helpful in managing my TOS...

Magnesium is a great natural muscle relaxer!
I have taken it nightly for years and find it very helpful.
250-1000 mg of a combination Magnesium in capsule or powder form(not tablet).
Vitamin C helps aide the absorption of Magnesium, and Calcium is another recommended supplement to calm tense muscles.



When watching tv, a movie, at a lecture, sit in the middle and look head-on.
Having to turn your head/neck even slightly to the right or left for an extended period may trigger TOS pain symptoms for some people (like myself).
Also, don't feel wierd about bringing a little pillow with you to support your head, neck, back.

Sit on a large exersize ball at your computer desk or even at the dinner table.
Your spine is connected, and what helps your core and lower back strengthen will travel up to your neck and shoulders as well.

If you have a dog, clip the leash onto your belt loop when going on walks. You and your dog will get your needed exercise, without stressing your arm or shoulders.

-

If more tips come to mind I will be sure to post a Juggling TOS 104.
Take care.

Juggling TOS 102

More tips I have learned that may be helpful to the fellow TOS traveler...

Whenever possbile, when parking your car, even if you have to park farther away, find a place you can pull through so you do not have to wrench your neck around to back out of a parking space.



The furniture you relax in like living room couch or chair, should fit 'your seat'. When you sit, your feet should be on the floor, your back, head and neck supported and not pushed forward.
If the fit is not right, prop yourself with pillows, even using a large bed pillow to get the fit right.

Learn ways to de-stress. Deep breathing techniques can be very helpful.

A Therea-cane or S-hook can be helpful for massage.
I have found The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook to be a helpful resource.

You may enjoy loud, fast-paced music; however, softer, calming music may be a refreshing tension reliever.

Educate yourself on your health condition. Knowledge can help take the fear and stress from the situation. Libraries, internet searches, youtube videos, forums of TOS patients can all be very informative and helpful.

Learn to break down some jobs into smaller more manageable tasks. Such as carrying groceries-ask for bags to be loaded very lightly, and carry less. Many stores will load your groceries for you as a free service if you request.

Take care to get enough sleep, the lack of which greatly affects stress and tension levels, and therefore can trigger TOS pain symptoms.
Melatonin tablets can be helpful. A small snack at bedtime may be advised to avoid middle of the night drop in blood sugar from waking you.

Find and utilize the support systems you need to cope with TOS.
Online support groups and forums can be a great encouragement and resource.
Local hospitals, community centers, churches and libraries all can be places for meetings that might benefit you and help you meet others with similar concerns.

Stay tuned for Juggling TOS 103....comming soon!

Juggling Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) 101

Even with stretches of relatively symptom free days, I have learned the hard way I must stay on top of managing any symptoms that do begin to show up, and juggle several things to help keep symptoms at bay.
Here are a few tips I'd like to share that may get you thinking about what you might incorporate into your routine to help alleviate your TOS symptoms.



Do not wear heavy winter wool coat, especially for several hours at a time.
Go for a thermal but lighter winter coat.

Do not hang purses, bags, computer bags off your shoulders - ever.
Opt for hand held, and limit use of those to only when necessary.
Some women would never belive it, but it IS possible, and very freeing, to carry necessities only in your pockets.
I have sewn a small patch of velcro onto the inside of one coat pocket to keep my small card, money wallet from falling out.

Do not wear heavy beaded necklaces or scarves made of heavy material.

Do not wear your hair in a pony-tail, at any length, but especially if it is long and heavy. It forces you to carry your head in slightly a different position, taxing your already stressed neck and shoulder muscles, especially when sitting or riding in a car.

Do not wear very heavy winter sweaters. Opt for light layers.

For the Laides-Do not wear Bra straps tight, and avoid racer-back style bras as the straps push in toward neck/brachial plexus area.
Push straps to outer edge of shoulder, or invest in a good strapless bra.

Do not force yourself to do the many upper body exercises you see suggested for health and weightloss.
Focus on what you can do. Walking and cardio is good for people on a TOS journey. Per my own doctor's recommendation, for the rest of my life I should avoid pull-ups, push-ups, and gym machines that repetitively strain the neck and shoulder area...or risk a flare-up. Even Thera-bands cause flare up for me.
No excuse to avoid the sit ups though;)

Do not look down at laptop or computer screen. Get it up at eye-level! Use couch pillows, books. Don't block the computer air vent, but get it up at eye level for better head neck upper body posture.

Do not drink excessive caffiene; exacerbates any condition dealing with nerves.
Cut back, go decaf, find a new beverage- it does help.

Sleep with the right pillow for you, which may be no pillow at all.
A too-fluffy pillow is terrible for the TOS juggler.
A small towel rolled up under your neck, a small travel pillow, any of the fancy cervical pillows sold at bed stores, find what works for you.

Learn how to politely inform people that it is painful to hug when greeting.
Also, the friend who likes to drape an arm over your shoulder, no no.
Maybe become known for your cheery handshake or high-five, fist bump, whatever.

Do not drive with your head forward, pull back. This tip has SAVED me.
I did not realise I was driving like that, with my head sticking forward, stressing my poor neck.

Look for more tips in Juggling TOS 102...and Juggling TOS 103...and 104!

Alternative to traditional Therapy for people diagnosed with TOS

I found these videos to be remarkable!
Two TOS patient testimonials with very hopeful outcomes.
I hear so much of my own struggles in what each of them shares.

I find such hope in the closely related Feldenkrais and Anat Baniel Methods.
This is worth a look if you want to help yourself or someone you love who is struggling with TOS.



I continue to do Feldenkrais lessons at home via MP3 player, finding it very helpful, relaxing. I am learning so much about my body, learning new ways to move, feeling more graceful and capable.
Those are two words I didn't think I would say about myself ever again.

Hope for the fellow TOS traveler

In my research for something to help my own continuing TOS symptoms,
I have seen recommendations for Feldenkrais, a method of gentle mental/physical therapy.
After much online research, I decided to purchase the book Awareness Through Movement by Moshe Feldenkrais, the man who developed the method.



I am impressed by the structural knowledge this man had, as a physicist, into the human body and how it can function optimally.
I located the nearest Awareness Through Movement group class and attended recently. It was a relaxing, plesant, informative experience.

In the matter of an hour, I learned a few things about myself and how I move and use my body that I had not realised. Simple, gentle, helpful.
The nearest class is an hours drive away, so for convenience purposes, I decided to purchase a cd of 48 Feldenkrais lessons I can listen to and do daily at home.

I find with each session, I learn more about my body's patterns and I see small yet noticeable changes in the way I move and think about my body and its ability to overcome habits developed from TOS.

I have had difficulty with some of the shoulder circles due to the Cervical ribs I have, so I simply imagine myself doing them, and relax.
I have found this method to be quite helpful so far...I'm only 10 days into it.

If you are a fellow TOS traveler I hope you will consider looking into this simple, gentle, helpful method.

Be well.