I don't really think Dr. Rhodes is a voodoo doc, but I've also seen his treatment really work. I will say though that I don't think he has his treatment conceptualized yet to the point where other doctors can use the STS machine and achieve the same results. I would be afraid to try the machine without the direct supervision of Dr. Rhodes. The way the machine works is very complex and I don't even begin to understand it, but he has it all working together in his mind and I think has a hard time communicating to others exactly how and why it works.

Abbie, I had the same initial reaction to the machine. Actually, my pain got worse for the first couple of months before getting better. There was a point in time when I couldn't even tolerate the machine. However, once it reached the point where it started getting better, it got better fast and I've continued to get stronger.

I've actually met several of the people in the videos and have seen their journeys firsthand and it really has had an affect on other diseases like diabetes and parkinson's. Dr. Rhodes has actually done some studies with both of these diseases and seen good effects.

I personally was more willing to bear the pain and stick with the treatments because I saw others around me getting better and I considered the STS my last option because I was not willing to try anymore invasive procedures and I couldn't take medications because I needed to make it through high school. I am younger, but my RSD was in multiple areas. I've seen it work on older adults as well so I don't think it's effects have to do with age.

That being said, I think it's kind of like physical therapy in that it won't help unless you give it 100% effort and persevere even when it hurts. This is not necessarily a quick fix or magic treatment, but it definitely has good long term results.