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 I am a seventeen year old college student. I think I injured myself in dance last year. Last fall I had horrible neck and shoulder pain that extended into my hands so it was too painful too write. I quit dance and the pain eventually subsided. I tried dance in spring, the pain came back and I went to a physical therapist. The pain did eventually subside. However, now I have started college and the pain is back. I can't stop bending my head down from reading because reading is what I do. The pain is only getting worse. What can I do?
Answer Hi, Laura,
I don't think dance caused your injury; it would have had to be something forceful and sudden like a fall, blow -- or maybe a hard yank (dance?).
In any case, your neck muscles are being held tight by protective reflexes. The way out is to recapture control of those muscles through movement training.
I say more in my articles on whiplash injuries and on completing recovery from an injury, at somatics.com/page4.htm, including how to recover.
