Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

"I am a 81 year old woman with osteoarthritis for years in my hands, neck, lumbar spine and both hips. In order to avoid medication of NSAD to upset my stomach, raise my blood pressure and the concern of damaging my kidney, I decided to try acupuncture. After about 5 treatments, I feel I have almost no pain at all, the spasm of by trapezius muscle also much reduced. I am glad I could maintain this health condition without side effects."
~Elva Lower

"On March 15,2000, I was hit at a red light and pushed me on the passenger side to the red light which fall on my car. I was found my car floor and admitted overnight by the Trauma service at Lehigh valley Hospital. I was then referred by my family Doctor to see physical therapy three times a week for seven weeks which was not helpful. Then I referred by my family Doctor again to see a pain specialist who ordered an MRI, which revealed a fracture at the 9th thoracic veterbra. I was given two epidural injections and told that I would have to live with this pain. In addition this, I also have pain in my right side of my back and thorax in the muscle with a reconstructed foot required for my fractured foot. In the past, I have to wear a back, neck, and foot brace and unable to be upright for more than two hours or I have to lie down to reduce the pain. After I treated by Dr. Tao with acupuncture, magnetic cupping and Chinese herbs, my pain level from 8 of 10 down to wear off for 4-5 days which let me could deal with pain without pain medication and zoloft , Xanax as well. I do appreciate Dr. Tao's help."
~Merjorie Genicola

"I am a 51 year old former medical secretary. I am being treated for my pain secondary to a left distal acromial fracture sustained while at work. I was reaching for a chair and the chair rolled and struck my outstretched hand, causing the fracture of the left acromion. Over the years I tried numerous medications, however, most of these could only be taken transiently because of side effects. An MRI shows I have a full thickness defect involving the
supraspinatus tendon and a partial thickness tear of the infraspinatus tendon and left shoulder confirmed the full thickness rotator cuff tear. I received surgery on Feb 14, 2000 at Sacred Heart Hospital. Unfortunately, my shoulder pain even gets better like 50% from constant pain to intermediate pain, however, some additional pain
radiates up to the base of my neck and down to my elbow with weakness when I used my hand for my work. My course has been difficult because of failure to respond to physical therapy, or even worsening. I also had intolerance to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with severe GI symptoms after only two to three days, or no relief at all. Due to I have M.S. for years and unacceptable for nerve blocks due to arthritic damage in my spine.

I had been treated by Dr. Tao through my orthopedic Doctor's referral from a three times a week for a couple months now. I am glad to say the acupuncture treatment with Chinese herbal patch/ointment is very effective. I could tolerate more of my pain and work longer even sometimes without taken any of my medication. I hope people like my condition could try this alternative medicine for it is very helpful and not need to worry about any further surgery and the side effect of medication."

~Eileen Doublet