As a chronic pain sufferer for more than 20 years, I have tried virtually every available treatment relieve the daily discomfort of temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) and fibromyalgia, both of which are inflammatory conditions affecting the joints and muscles that result in varying degrees of debilitating pain and fatigue. My search for genuine improvement has led me beyond the halls of traditional medicine (which is just now beginning to address the problem of chronic pain) to the offices of the acupuncturist, nutritionist, orthodontist and psychologist. After all, what tools are available for a patient whose pain does not resolve over time, whose symptoms vary widely from day-to-day without apparent organic cause, and whose life has been so negatively impacted by it that maintaining full-time employment is impossible? From the homeopathic to the prescription pain pill, there have been only two forms of intervention that have ever provided relief for more than a few hours at a time: massage therapy and chiropractic care. In Dr. Marla Hamilton, I have discovered a practitioner whose skills and abilities offer the very best of both worlds. Given her formal education in kinesiology and chiropractic medicine, Dr. Marla is extremely knowledgeable in the physical structures and mechanisms that cause pain, as well as the disruption it can cause the sufferer. Identifying the underlying muscle spasms and knots that initiate my most severe pain episodes, she is an expert at locating the tender points that need the greatest attention...often in areas I don't recognize as sore on my own. Dr. Marla then applies the appropriate amount of pressure required to relieve those knots through trigger point and massage techniques, always remaining sensitive to how much I can tolerate throughout the session. Her broad therapeutic approach combines a variety of modalities tailored to my individual needs at that moment in a professionally caring, personalized manner. Because tension headaches are my own specialty,the stretches Dr. Marla adds to the end of each massage time enable my muscles to release and relax in a way that other forms of treatment have never effectively rendered. These stretches have often been the key to preventing the escalation of a minor headache into a battle that can sideline me for days at a time. Though working through knotted muscles can be painful in and of itself, the relief that comes through physically manipulating the areas of soreness far outweighs the potential discomfort something no chemical intervention has ever truly provided on its own. For those like me whose pain is an everyday reality that must be managed rather than cured, the value of a healthcare professional like Dr. Marla is immeasurable. Where bedside manner may be less crucial when treating a head cold, it is a critical element in a massage therapists repertoire, and in this area Dr. Marla excels. She is quick to recognize the undeniable connection between the emotions and the body, easily adjusting her methods accordingly. Dr. Marla's kind, generous demeanor and the positive atmosphere she establishes in her treatment room make my appointments with her something I look forward to, knowing that the overall experience will leave me feeling considerably better than when I arrived even when minor residual pain remains. Chronic pain has been a powerful and constant teacher in my life one I've often wished would disappear, but one that has given me a unique perspective on what works and what doesn't for my condition. I truly believe that Dr. Marla Hamilton has played a key role in the restoration of my health through her skillful practice of massage therapy and recommend her as a vital resource to anyone in pain, whether constant or occasional. Her services are not a luxury, but rather a necessity, an investment with increasingly positive returns that offers a wealth of benefits in my overall health and well-being. -Ellen G., Yorba Linda, CA
One year ago (June 2007), I signed up for Yoga class here at Cal State Fullerton. My plan was to improve my well being. I had noticed March-April there was pain in my left arm and just figured I had strained (stretched) some muscle tissue. I ended up dropping Yoga class due to pain, ROM, focus and frustration. These symptoms increased. I had planned a trip to Minnesota for Thanksgiving and promised my husband I would see a doctor when I returned. November 28th I ended up in the Emergency at Pomona Hospital. An X-ray was taken for broken bones, which I knew I did not have. A physician assistant referred me to an Orthopedic Surgeon for an MRI. The test showed Adhesive Capsulitis known as Frozen Shoulder! Of course I asked many questions: What is that? How did I get it? Would I ever get back to normal? What is the recovery time? There are three stages and I was in the first stage: Frozen- Excruciating pain, very limited ROM: at this point I could not function much at all w/everyday life and needed help. I was very helpless and felt I would never be normal again. I remember waking up almost every night screaming because of the unbearable pain (I would feel bone rubbing on bone) you just cannot imagine the pain!
I did some checking and spoke to patients using acupuncture and heard great results. I found a place in Brea which was close to work and they had accommodating time schedules. I was referred to the Brea Canyon Pain Relief and Rehabilitation Center to begin acupuncture treatments and after the fourth visit the pain was totally gone. I was scheduled twice a week: once for rehab exercise lessons and once w/Dr. Hamilton for physical therapy being heat, electrodes, massage, and stretching. My assignment at home was to do the lessons and stretching 2-3xs daily. I was informed it takes one to three years to get back to normal and possibly not 100%. And it is very important to do these exercises at home. I can attest to that!
My therapy ended March of 2008 and was a 95%. As of today I am at 98% and continue to exercise and will get to 100%. I thank God for my faith in him, my family support, Dr. Marla Hamilton and her co-workers at Brea Canyon Pain Relief and Rehabilitation Center for helping me recover. I met new friends and feel great. I'm back doing normal activities and much more. This situation gave me an appreciation for the simple every day things that we all so take advantage of. Check out the website on Adhesive Capsulitis -K. Davis, Chino Hills,CA
