LA RSI - Some Treatment Options

Dr. John Sarno's books, "The Mindbody Prescription" and "Healing Back Pain" take a very different, and highly successful, approach to RSI and other pain syndromes. Well worth the read. Check your local library for these titles!

Dr. David Schechter was a student and patient of Dr. Sarno's in New York. Dr. Schechter is now practicing in Beverly Hills, and as part of his practice he incorporates a method of diagnosis and treatment based on Sarno's work. For more information, see his website. His office can be reached at (310) 657-0366. Several members of the LARSI group have had success and improvement using Dr. Sarno's approach under the supervision of Dr. Schechter, and several people with the Harvard RSI group have recovered as well. This is a radical departure from the usual treatment for RSI, but the usual treatments have not proved uniformly successful.

For more information from patients who have recovered using this method, see the following links:
www.conquerrsi.com
podolsky.everybody.org/rsi
www.rsi.deas.harvard.edu/mb_what_is.html

The following was written for this page by Laura Stewart, Certified Hand Therapist and Registered Occupational Therapist, on the qualities you should expect to find in a good therapist:

"Not only will the therapist treat the symptoms, but she or he will look beyond those symptoms to their causes, such as work environment, work habits, and ADL (activities of daily living) habits. One cannot treat the symptoms successfully without finding out the underlying problems.

Not only will the therapist look at one part of the body, but also the entire person. Very seldom do CTD patients present one or two isolated problems.

The therapist will understand the different stages of CTD and set her or his goals and treatment plan accordingly.

She or he will not limit themselves to one approach but will have an open mind regarding treatment techniques.

The therapist will take a genuine interest in the patient and be a good listener."

The LA RSI Support Group has a few healthcare practitioners listed here but it is highly recommended that you educate yourself as much as possible before choosing a treating physician. As you may have discovered, it isn't always easy to find a doctor or a therapist knowledgeable about treating RSIs. Ultimately, many doctors aren't trained for the neuro-muscular re-education/life-style, long-term changes that may enable someone to keep working with their hands. You need to do all you can to address fundamentals so that you have a fighting chance at healing. The only thing many doctors know how to do is to make a clinical assessment of damage that has occurred. This is useful, of course, but does not change things. Often it's necessary to have a doctor refer you to an appropriate therapist and this is where they can really be helpful.

There are also somatic practices (e.g. Feldenkrais, Tai Chi/Qi Gong, Alexander Technique, etc.) to consider as well as Hellerwork, Rolfing and myotherapy, to name a few, to help you in learning about your body/neuro-muscular re-education.

Here are some therapies, etc., that may be helpful (in no particular order). Most were recommended to us by correspondents or people in the group:
Feldenkrais
Alexander Technique
Egoscue Method
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Griner Technique
Yoga
Reiki
Biofeedback
Acupressure
Acupuncture
Physical & Occupational Therapists
Water Therapy
Myofascial Release
Active Release
Qigong
Rolfing
Hellerwork
Bonnie Prudden Pain Erasure
Physiatrists
Rheumatologist
TOS Referrals
Learn More About Your Physician
Doctors
Psychologists
An Additional Resource

Low-stress Computing is a somatic education program which encourages greater self-awareness and improved body organization to reduce the stresses which lead to RSI. The program is currently being developed by Ralph Strauch, a Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner in the Los Angeles area. It will eventually include experiential movement lessons, guided self-exploration, and various forms of explanatory material.
Low-stress Computing, Part 1: Reducing Behavioral Stress, is now available in hardcopy and as an online download in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. This 86 page manual covers the basic concepts on which Low-stress Computing is based, including the nature and causes of behavioral stress (the stress you impose on yourself by the way you organize your movement and your actions) and how you can reduce that stress. A more detailed summary is available at Ralph's Feldenkrais/Somatic Options website.

He has an ongoing Awareness Through Movement class in Santa Monica on Thursday evenings from 6-7pm, at the Unitarian Church at 18th and Arizona. Cost is $15/class, first class free. More info is available at http://www.somatic.com/whatsnew.html

On-going group Feldenkrais classes, Awareness Through Movement Relaxercise, are offered Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cardenas & Associates, 11134 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, (818) 506-7821. The cost is $85 for six classes and $130 for couples.

The Alexander Technique is "a unique, century old way of changing habits, and thus changing how we 'use ourselves' in all our activities."

Frances Marsden is an Alexander Technique teacher who has treated several LA RSI members. Ms. Marsden is in North Hollywood and may be reached at (818)760-6454.

Several members say they have really enjoyed the Alexander Technique classes given by Babette Markus. "Babette is an excellent teacher -- really explains things well." See Babette's site, Bio-Ergonomics /Alexander Technique (BEAT) for more info. Babette can be reached at 310-446-0648 or write beat@beat.cc.

We talked to a person in San Diego who was treated with the Egoscue Method for a few months and found it effective in addressing postural issues and their attendant problems.

Gloria Kamler, MA, teaches Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Relaxation modeled after the Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, as featured in Bill Moyer's PBS television series, "Healing and the Mind."
"Learn to access your own powerful inner resources for coping effectively with illness, pain and stress. Gain practical tools to achieve a much greater degree of physical comfort and emotional peace, no matter what challenges you are facing. The benefits, supported by medical research, are abundant.
Since 1979, the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, provider of the most renowned stress reduction program worldwide, has employed a mindfulness-based approach to work with people experiencing stress and pain. The Center says that,after completing the eight week program the majority of people report lasting decreases in both physical and psychological symptoms, improvement in pain levels, an increased ability to relax, and an increased ability to cope effectively with both short & long-term stressful situations, including chronic pain."
Ms. Kamler has been a holistic educator and practitioner for the past 25 years and also teaches Polarity Therapy and Cranio-sacral Balancing. She offers holistic studies at the Santa Monica Center of Integrated Therapy and conducts seminars throughout the U.S. You can reach her at (310) 450-4541 or by e-mail.

The Griner Technique is a hands-on therapy that employs a specialized type of soft-tissue manipulation to facilitate relaxation of the muscles and tendons that have become pathologically hypertonic as a result of the RSI. By releasing the tight muscles, the nerve entrapment is removed and circulation is returned to normal. Jean Wells, D.C., is at 1562 Barry Ave., Ste. 11 in West Los Angeles and can be reached at (310) 478-6830.

Yoga, if appropriately modified for those with injuries, is excellent for stress reduction and promotes a stronger, more flexible body. Lupi Mayock of Neighborhood Yoga has experience with adapting postures for those with RSI. She teaches at Neighborhood Church, 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd. in Pasadena and can be reached at (626) 441-3572 or (626) 799-3591.

Reiki is an ancient practice wherein healing energy is transmitted through the hands. Follow the link to find a practitioner in your area.

Katharine B. Thompson, RN, MN, MFCC, has been a Certified Biofeedback Practitioner since 1980. She's located at 8540 S. Sepulvedva Blvd, Ste. 1117, Los Angeles (off the 405 Freeway) at (310) 417-8481. Ms. Thompson is also trained in EMG Muscular Re-education techniques. Biofeedback can graphically demonstrate, to both patient and physical therapist, which stretches and exercises are helpful to a patient and which are beyond their current capabilities and can actually be harmful. With biofeedback, a patient can learn to gain voluntary control over excessive and inappropriate muscular responses. Ms. Thompson also works with patients with TMJ Dysfunction.

A support group member recieved acupressure at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine (310/206-1895) and says she feels that it helped her hands.

Another group member is being treated by Hratch Missakian, who has practiced acupressure for 16 years. He can be reached at 818/247-8845. Mr. Missakian's office is at 1030 S. Glendale Ave. #303 in Glendale.

Dr. Yu, of Westwood Acupuncture, is successfully treating a member of LA RSI and she highly recommends him for acupressure treatments. Westwood Acupuncture is at Westwood and Olympic. Call (310) 474-3089.

David Bresler, a licensed acupuncture therapist, is recommended by a group member. He's at 10780 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 290, in Los Angeles and also has a location in Topanga called The Bresler Center. He can be reached at (310) 274-6889.

An LA RSI member recommends acupuncturist Shangyou Zhong. Ms. Zhong is in Beverly Hills at (310) 275-8887.

Irina Gershman, Acupuncture, 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 203, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, (310) 271-5111.

A couple of group members are very pleased with Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica at 1807-B Wilshire Blvd. and feel they are helping tremendously. Interns work under the supervision of a licensed acupuncturist and prices are reasonable at $25 with morning visits only $15. Emporer's can be reached at (310) 453-8383.

Laura Stewart - (818) 637-2127
Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and Registered Occupational Therapist
Wellspring Therapy, Inc.
500 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202
Ms. Stewart specializes in treating hand injuries, and is very familiar with treating RSI and thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). She recognizes the many facets of repetitive strain injuries and treats each accordingly. She has had great success with many of her patients. There is also a knowledgeable PT on staff, Gilbert Pon.

Bruce Hymanson, physical therapist, is the therapist to whom Dr. Pascarelli referred his local patients. He is the inventor of the Body Blade. He's at 11600 Wilshire in the LA Federal Bldg., Ste. 222, Los Angeles, CA 90025.. His number is (310) 477-8622.

Genevieve Ferland a physical therapist who is treating a member of LA RSI, writes the following about the clinic where she work: "The clinic's name is Pro-Health Rehab and Sports Medicine. We are a clinic that specializes in soft tissue therapy. We have 2 Physical Therapists, 2 Chiropractors and 2 Massage Therapists. All of us are specialized in Myofascial Release and other soft tissue techniques. Even the chiropractors!!! who have for philosophy that adjustments are not always needed, that is only when more gentle and more conservative soft tissue techniques fail to restore the joint's normal function.
The physical therapists (including myself) will use several soft tissue techniques and joint mobilization techniques to restore proper joint mobility. It is after that only that a more rigorous exercise program can be implemented. Therapeutic exercises will however be included as soon as possible to improve the posture and better joint stabilization.We also are very aware that most patients with repetitive strain injuries will only find permanent relief when they learn how to modify their daily or work activities. We very often will implement work hardening programs to duplicate the patients physical demands. We can therefore see if the mechanics of any activity needs to be corrected, and then gradually strengthen the patients in a very task specific and controlled manner.
Finally I will mention to you that, according to the patients' and their treating physicians's preference, any patient can come for physical therapy OR chiropractic treatments only. However some of our patients choose to see both at the same time. It is our opinion that most patients can benefit form both therapeutic approaches (PT and Chiro). Having both under the same roof allows us to coordinate the treatments. Both the Physical Therapists and Chiorpractors spend one 1/2 hour hands-on with each patient, followed by another 1/2 hour or so of exercises and modalities such as ultrasound, ice or electrical stimulation. We see patients with private insurance, or cash basis and with workers compensation benefits.
We are located in Redondo Beach, 4727 Artesia Boulevard, suite 105-B, Phone: (310) 371-4774, Fax: (310) 371-3453. Opening Hours: Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 7pm, Saturday from 8am to 3pm"

David Dallmyer - (805) 565-1472 in Santa Barbara. This physical therapist was recommended by a correspondent.

Lyn Paul Taylor, R.P.T., has "saved many a person from having CT surgery, including lots of studio musicians and journalists," according to a correspondent, who also says that he cured her Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Mr. Taylor's office is on Wilshire Blvd., near Larchmont. The phone number is 213-938-0478.

This Peter Edgelow-trained physical therapist (especially good for someone with TOS) in Ventura is said to be really great: Paul Feuerborn, Pacific Therapy Services, 2895 Loma Vista Rd., Suite H, Ventura, CA 93003

Christine Davis-Roth, a PT at UCLA, says they have a good treatment program there and offer half-hour one-on-one treatments. Ms. Davis-Roth can be reached at 310-825-5470.

Lamar Bush, Licensed Massage Therapist, P.O. Box 572
Santa Barbara, CA 93102, (805) 331-1616

A couple of people in LA RSI are having good results with Marina Therapy in Marina Del Rey at (310) 306-1478.

Rehab Plus, Placentia, CA, (714) 961-8288. They also have two other offices in California. Call their number for more information. This is a recommendation from one of our correspondents. She was very satisfied with treatment received from an occupational therapist there.

A correspondent benefited from a combination of water therapy and a walking regime, after unsuccessfully trying other treatment methods. You can order free brochures for Water Therapy products from the following suppliers:

Sprint 1-800-235-2156
Hydro-Fit 1-800-346-7295
Water Gear, Inc. 1-800-794-6432
AquaJogger & videos from Excel Sports Science, Inc.
1-503-484-2454

A group member recommends water therapy at Robert Forster Physical Therapy on 427 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica - (310) 446-1717.

Call Myofascial Release Treatment Center @ 1-800-fascial for listings of physical therapists who have received this training, considered to be useful in the treatment of TOS (thoracic outlet syndrome). A call to the center yielded the following information: While many people take the myofascial release courses, the center's referral criteria are extremely stringent. The sole Southern California practitioner in the listings is:
Kim Lawler, RPT, in Santa Ana Heights - (714) 859-8121

A group member recommends Santa Monica Hand Therapy at 2222 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 307 in Santa Monica. He's receiving Active Release treatments there from therapist Maria Zecchetto and also notes that a new type of TENS unit they have seems to have helped him a lot. Santa Monica Hand Therapy can be reached at (310) 829-3320.

Dr. Paul Turley, D.C., is a certified Active Release practitioner. Active Release Technique is a new and promising soft tissue intervention for RSI sufferers and has been the focus of a recently published longitudinal study at UC San Diego Medical School. The technique addresses the underlying physiological causes of RSI and has produced thousands of succesful clinical outcomes over the last ten years. Some of us are finding it very helpful.
Dr. Turley is medical director of the Millenium Health Clinic at 309 S. Maclay St. in San Fernando. He can be reached at (818)365-6931.

Joe Maloof, D.C., is certified in the Active Release Technique and his philosophy of healing emphasizes an holistic approach. Dr. Maloof is at 3816 Ocean View Blvd. in Montrose and can be reached at (818) 248-2225 or 249-3100.

The National Qigong (Chi Kung) Association * USA site includes a list of teachers. The NQA is the umbrella organization for instructors, healers and students of qigong in North America.

The Rolf Institute. Rolfing is "a holistic system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organizes the whole body in gravity" and is seen as "a way to ease pain and chronic stress." If you're interested in this myofascial work call the Rolf Institute in Colorado at 800-530-8875 for the name and phone number of the Rolfer nearest you, as well as for information packets. Note: Some people feel Rolfing is too vigorous for RSI patients.

Mary Bond is a Rolfer in the Pasadena area: (213) 254-0963.

Hellerwork Web Site "Hellerwork is a series of one-hour sessions of deep tissue bodywork and movement education designed to realign the body and release chronic tension and stress." To find a Certified Hellerwork Practitioner in your area contact:
Hellerwork International
406 Berry Street, Mount Shasta, CA 96067
1-800-392-3900 or FAX: 1-916-926-6839

These Hellerworkers, PT's and OT's have completed Sharon Butler's training "for the treatment of all RSI's of the upper body." Ms. Butler notes that, "Since many of them are alternative practitioners, you might find it necessary to pay for their treatments out of pocket." These therapists are "specifically trained in RSI treatment, following the myofascial release/body mechanics/stretching protocol I have developed." "If someone is near you, call them and talk with them. You will find them very receptive to discussing treatment options with you and they will be happy to share with you the level of their experience." Contact Ms. Butler for a list of practitioners in other areas of the country.

The following abbreviations are used here:
CHP: Certified Hellerwork Practitioner
LMT: Licensed Massage Therapist
RN: Registered Nurse

Lavina Jones, CHP, LMT, Avalon, 310-510-0949
Claire Melde, CHP, RN, Carmel Valley, 408-659-1451
Jake Schultz, CHP, Eureka, 707-444-3949
Robert Scherzinger, CHP, Long Beach, 310-326-8625
or 310-427-8610
Yvette Cobb, CHP, Los Angeles, 310-670-1604 or 310-729-1466
Milton Ruth, CHP, Los Angeles Healing Arts Center, 310-477-8151
Margaret Child, CHP, Mill Valley, 415-257-5337
Carol Martin, CHP, LMT, Montague, 916-459-5634
Milton Ruth, CHP, Monterey, 408-372-3562
Luz Ugalde-Fortner, CHP, Newhall, 805-254-7659
Calvin George, CHP, Newport Beach, 714-642-1088 or 714-960-0700
Catherine LeFevre, CHP, San Francisco, 888-400-8155.
Tom Merrill, CHP, 415-380-8237
Esther Golan, CHP, San Jose, 408-267-5101
Mike McFarland, CHP, San Rafael, 415-454-7804
Elizabeth Ward, CHP, Santa Rosa, 707-542-2408
Colleen Ostergren, CHP, Sonoma, 707-939-9156
Merry Nell Colborn, CHP, Thousand Oaks, 805-379-4747
Linda Tennant, CHP, Valley Center, 619-749-2907

Call Bonnie Prudden Pain Erasure at 800-221-4634 for information and to receive regular mailings. The closest California-based therapists are:

Diane Carroll, Myotherapy and Fitness of California
2001 Tevis Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815

Lori Drummond, Master Myotherapist, South Coast Myotherapy
321 Third St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651, (714) 497-4243

For a a free list of Board Certified Physiatrists by state contact:
American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
One IBM Plaza, Suite 2500
Chicago, Illinois 60611-3604
(312) 464-9700 - Fax: (312) 464-0227
A physiatrist can be a good choice of treating physician for soft tissue injuries (though workers' comp usually sends patients to orthos).

Dr. Allen Weinberger, a rheumatologist at Cedars Sinai, has been given an excellent recommendation. He is said to be very good at treating TOS and an excellent diagnostician.

The following recommendations for healthcare providers in the West LA area were recently submitted by a member. These doctors and therapists have been helpful in the treatment of TOS.

"Dr Samuel Ahn at UCLA is a vascular surgeon who is a TOS expert (the most senior of the 3 in the vascular dept). He took over Herbert Machleder's patients (Dr Machleder is retired and is a well-known TOS expert). Dr Ahn also treats reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and knows how to recognize it, so this is an added bonus. 310-206-6294.

Dr Ernestina Saxton at UCLA is a neurologist who specializes in TOS and migraines. She performs a very thorough neurological exam. She does not take Workers Comp. 310-794-9551.

Dr James Collins at UCLA does the 3D brachial plexus MRI (a highly specialized MRI for TOS). If you have only one test, this is the one to have - Collins spends an additional 1 1/2 hours (after the 1 1/2 hour MRI) to walk you through what he sees in the films. Referral from doctor is needed. 310-794-1450.

Dr Sheldon Jordan (affiliated with UCLA) is excellent at giving nerve and muscle blocks. Trust this man with a needle! For TOS, he gives scalene blocks; for RSD, he gives stellate ganglion (SG) blocks. He also does BoTox. He is popular and has a long wait. His assistant can be reached at 310-829-5968.

UCLA physical therapists for TOS: Diane Maeda and Joyce Wilkinson are two of their senior physical therapists. 310-794-1323."

Should you want to learn more about your treating physician, under CA state law you now have access to information on doctors' histories that was formerly kept private. If a doctor has had a disciplinary action by a hospital or has had a court or private judgement against them, that information is now publicly available, even if the Medical Board of California has not acted against the doctor. Go to http://www.medbd.ca.gov for more information. You can also check your doctor's credentials and complaints against her/him (info for many states available) at the Association of State Medical Board Executive Directors.

A member of one of the Northern California support groups passed the two following names along to us:

Dr. Phil Harber (UCLA Occupational & Environmental Medicine) supposedly good for treating CTS: (310) 794-8144; COEH 204-8144

Dr. Anthony Alter at Cedars Sinai (310) 659-2910

Dr. JienSup Kim, Doctor of Physiatry in Loma Linda, (909) 478-6277.

Dr. William Mealer at (310) 546-3461. We are told that Dr. Mealer really listens to you. He's treating a member of LA RSI who has TOS. Dr. Mealer is in Manhatten Beach.

Dr. Auerbach at (818) 901-6600, ext. 3890 in Van Nuys.

Dr. Joan F. Wright is now at 2300 S. Flower #200, Los Angeles 90007, 213/747-6581.

Psychologist Carolyn Cunningham was recommended by a group member. "... she's very caring and good at helping you deal with issues. She doesn't take Workers Comp, but her rates are reasonable." Email is playshrink@prodigy.net and phone is 818-569-4506 in Sherman Oaks (Van Nuys & Ventura Blvd).

See also Paul Marxhausen's FindADoc listings for "Health Care Providers for RSI Patients"

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The LA RSI Support Group can be contacted at asklarsi@yahoo.com.