Experience In practice since 1990. Two years on staff at a hospital Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.
Publications Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, American Journal of Pain Management, Somatics: Magazine-Journal of the Mind-Body Arts and Sciences. More complete listing at somatics.com/gold.htm
Education/Credentials Certifications: Hanna Somatic Education, the Dr. Ida P. Rolf method of Structural Integration (partial list)
Question Hi, I was told that my sciatic pain is caused by very tight piriformis muscles. My doctor now prescribe Baclofen to help with the pain relief. I was wondering what you would suggest I do for pain control. I am also on Flexerilbut I can only take it at night as it maes me very drowsy. I do stretches daily and nightly. I am finally being referred to a neurosurgeon. What do you think he can do for me? DO you recommend injections or surgery for pain control? I have had this condition and chronic pain for about 7 years now. Please help me get rid of this chronic pain.
Answer Hello, Donella.
You ask for pain control and I offer something better -- relief from the condition that creates the pain: tight piriformis muscles.
No drug can correct that problem, neither can surgery, nor can stretching. You need this approach:
Free yourself from the grip of the postural reflex that keeps your piriformis muscle tight and squeezing upon your sciatic nerve; relax the muscle.
You can get the problem cleared up in one or two visits with a clinical somatic educator or do it yourself (more slowly) by means of somatic exercises, which retrain muscular control and allow you to relax tight muscles. Time is not a factor.
Please see the article at somatics.com/page4b.htm, on sciatica, for answers and instruction in getting relief, or see somatics.com/practitioners.htm for access to clinical somatic educators.
