acupuncture has helped my TOS
 

After 4 months of many different linds of therapies and exercises I still could not lie on the bed...even sitting up in bed. I felt I couldn't breath and the pressure in my neck was extreme.

Acupuncture has helped so much that I can now lie down in bed to sleep. I can't lie completely flat but propped up somewhat. Its such a relief to sleep in bed and not be in the recliner all night.

That's great. Can you share where you got your acupuncture and what the experience is like? Such as how long it takes? Whether they needle the areas that hurt or areas that are distal?

Congrats on making improvement.

Loranne: I'm encouraged by your experience with acupuncture. Look forward to hearing what type you are receiving.

I'm now two months into my second attempt with acupuncture. Each appointment last 1 1/2 to 2 hours as she spends the beginning portion Korean cupping my throat, back, pecs or wherever else seems to be the problem of the day. Then she needles mostly with a distal approach, but sometimes breaks her promise and hits my throat area.

Not sure yet about the benefits of the needling, but the Korean cupping has been extremely helpful. Except for areas on my scapula, the cups no longer leave marks that last for weeks. The blood flow to the tissue seems to be improving and they'll clear in less than 24 hours. Mt PT has been able to feel more of a separation and definition of the tissues when she works on me, especially in the throat and upper T1-T2 area.

Congrats on finding something that has given you relief.

im wondering where i'd benefit most from this

im thinkin the base of my skull and arm pits

Every time I have a flare up I go to accupuncture.

I usually will go three times over the course of a week to help calm things down.

It certainly doesn't fix the problem, but the combination of endorphin rush and relaxation seems to really help me get back to normalcy.

KY

acupuncture helps
 

He is mainly treating the trigger points in the back of my neck and upper scapular, and then turns me over and does the clavicle area and front of shoulder. He does use the point in the hand which always gives a nice relaxing effect.

He also briefly and gently massages the trigger points in the scm. I've just remembered that he said for me to gently pinch up and down the scm so I will do that.

At this stage he is just working for pain relief and will begin to treat my whole system when the pain is under control. That is when he will I guess do the usual full chinese medicine thing and use the distal points.

Though I have had such a good result I do wonder if my case of TOS is much less severe than some others. For insance I don't have circulation issues in my arms or hands.

acupuncture
 

I forgot to mention that i am in Grafton NSW Australia and that it takes one hour and costs $60. For me, treating the trigger points works better than doing the wholistic systemic thing.

Lorranne

Hi Loranne,

I'm curious. What was your acupuncture schedule look like? I am going down that route too and curious how many sessions you had per week and for how long (months).

Thanks so much!

Love it-an encouraging TOS therpay report!
 

I love to read about things that actually help TOSers!!
I wish it weren't so hard to find an acupuncturist who knows triggerpoint kneedling. Still, hopeful info-thanks for sharing your experience!!