[jaldridge6]

Hi, Ive got a few good names so far. I'm actually in Santa Ana but I thought the title was cool cuz it rhymed... erm. Anyways. I'm already taking Alexander technique classes and I want to find something in the realm of PT that meshes well with Alexander....

Ive been doing Bikram Yoga. I must say, after learning more about Alexander, doing the two seem like they'd nullify each others benefits. Bikram classes put incredibly strain on the neck and require you to hold postures involivng your arms above your head for 2 minutes at a time. The tempo seems much too fast for me after learning about Alexander. The thing is, in Alexander you learn about the neck as being one of the primary points that goes out of whack, and you learn to do things easily and gently. Bikram focuses on neither of these two and I can't recommend it for people with TOS symptoms.

Instead, I'm hoping they'll give me a refund so I can start taking some Qi-Gong classes. On paper, it at least seems to sit well with Alexander [which ive found to be helpful for dealing with pain]. That's to say they'll give me a refund =/

On a side note, the point of this thread is to find a PT to spend some time with. Primarily, I think CRANIO SACRAL therapy is the most logical therapy I could partake in based on how I have felt my symptoms correlate to my general health. I have immense tension in my neck and skull and massaging those areas produces a diminished effect in my arm and back symptoms. So, that is what I want to pursue. Does anyone know of a reliable craniosacral therapist in the Orange County/Santa Ana area?

I also have a few names I wanted to run by. In the advent I didn't find a craniosacral, myofascial release might be something to try.. has anyone heard of Bryan Hoppe or Steven Lovell for myofascial release?

I also have the name... robert scherzinger, recommened by someone on hte list for hellerwork. Any other hellerwork people maybe to add to this list? I'd like to talk to as many people as possible.

[olecyn]

SERIOUSLY, Jal
Dr. Salinas does it ALL for me.
Taken me 7 years to find the right therapist.
I have tried a handful of therapists and no one compares to him.
You have to do your own thing and what makes you happy.

Someday maybe I'll see you there beaming with joy that ur body is stronger, the pain pills aren't poppin every 20 min, the posture and musculoskeletal system is rebuilding. the blood is a-circulating and your TOS sanity, pain and anger can actually be controlled on days.
Good luck...

[LinJane]

I'm with Olecyn. trying to find a therapy is difficult to do. I'm just finding the hot tub helps. Good luck. Linda

[jaldridge6]

I'm actually not on pain meds. I mean, sometimes I think that sounds like a good idea, but, other times... well, I dunno, I think its manageable, even when its not I know 50% of the time it will be okay enough to do most of the things I need to do in a day to get by.

I'll try ocelyns PT I guess. I'm really sold on the idea of this cranio sacral medicine though. my head feels like a complete knot, and sometimes when I massage my neck I can reduce my symptoms dramatically.

[fern]

Jal, is there anyone in your area doing Peter Edgelow's PT? That might be a good regimine to investigate. It's not hands on but exercises that you do.

Just wondering--does the temperature of the room in Bikram Yoga help your TOS? Some people find that exercising in very warm temps are helpful. I have enjoyed exercising in a warm pool--chigong, yoga, tai-chi type movements.

[bkpt]

Jal have you found any releif for your TOS yet
Myofascial release can be a valuable tool

[jaldridge6]

still looking for a PT... not too sure what to do. Most want $100. I have one guy who was recom. to me for $70 in fountain valley I believe. It's in my email. I'll probably start with him next week. I gotta rap stuff up with my endocrinolgist first before I start PT. I really really need it though, my arm and back and neck is killing me. Ive been getting really depressed about the whole thing. At work today I felt like running out of the store because I was in so much pain. I just started there too and it already feels like the work is too strenuous and hard to cope with....

sigh, how did THIS become my life? What the heck happened to just being a pain free child, running around and enjoying things? I don't even feel like I can get through most days and the days seem like an endless agony of physical pain and mental stress.