My Story: How I Almost Chose Surgery Before I Knew Better
For a long time, I truly believed that Thoracic Outlet Syndrome could only be fixed with surgery.
As the pain, weakness, and tension kept getting worse, it felt like I was being pushed toward the operating room.
Every article I read, every video I watched, and every forum I opened made it seem like Thoracic Outlet Surgery was the inevitable next step.
I started looking into what life would look like afterward.
People talked about the long Thoracic Outlet Surgery Recovery process, the difficulty lifting their arm for months, and the struggles with daily tasks.
Some shared their fears about Thoracic Outlet Surgery Complications, including nerve irritation and extended pain.
Others mentioned the financial burden, the scars, and the emotional stress of trying to get back to normal.
I even researched things like Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Cost, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Recovery Time, and the Thoracic Outlet Surgery Success Rate. The more I read, the more anxious I became. It felt like surgery was the only path—and a risky one at that.
Then I met Dr. James Stoxen, and everything I believed started to shift.
A Completely Different Way of Looking at TOS
From the first appointment, Dr. Stoxen challenged the idea that surgery was my only option. He didn’t rush me. He didn’t push me toward a First Rib Resection, First Rib Surgery, or Transaxillary First Rib Resection. Instead, he sat down, listened, and examined every detail of how my body moved.
For the first time, someone explained why my symptoms behaved the way they did — how protective muscle tightening, compensation patterns, and subtle postural collapse can create symptoms that feel far worse than the actual underlying compression.
That alone gave me more peace than anything I had found online.
I also discovered something I didn’t know: research shows that symptoms don’t always match up perfectly with structural findings in the thoracic outlet (Johnson et al., 2012).
And most people improve significantly with the right non-surgical approach before they even consider an operation (Smith et al., 2018).
That information changed my entire perspective.
So instead of rushing into TOS Surgery, I decided to follow a structured plan.
The Plan That Helped Me Avoid Surgery
The plan Dr. Stoxen created was clear and step-by-step. It didn’t involve hospitals or operating rooms.
It involved restoring movement, releasing tension, improving stability, and letting the body unwind the patterns causing my symptoms.
Because of this plan:
- I avoided Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery
- I avoided Transaxillary First Rib Resection
- I avoided months of First Rib Resection Recovery
- I didn’t have to worry about Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Risks
- I never faced Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Complications
- I never developed Thoracic Outlet Surgery Scars
- I never needed to watch a single Thoracic Outlet Surgery Video to prepare myself
None of that became my story.
Instead… I started to get my life back. Slowly, consistently, and without major risks.
The Life I Have Now
I returned to work.
I was present again with my family.
I woke up with relief instead of dread.
Sometimes I think about how close I came to scheduling Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery or one of the other procedures people often talk about online. And honestly, it still shocks me.
This isn’t a message telling anyone to avoid surgery forever. Surgery has its place.
But it is a message about slowing down long enough to understand your options, your patterns, your body, and what the real cause of your symptoms might be.
The internet gave me confusion.
Dr. Stoxen gave me direction.
If you’re scared, unsure, or thinking about surgery, don’t wait as long as I did to explore your options.
Team Doctors treats patients worldwide — and yes, they even do house calls for severe cases.
If you want to speak with them directly:
312-858-0800 (text or call worldwide)
Team Doctors Resources
✓ Check out the Team Doctors Recovery Tools
The Vibeassage Sport and the Vibeassage Pro featuring the TDX3 soft-as-the-hand Biomimetic Applicator Pad
https://www.teamdoctors.com
✓ Get Dr. Stoxen’s #1 International Bestselling Books
Learn how to understand, examine, and reverse your TOS—without surgery.
https://drstoxen.com/1-international-best-selling-author
✓ Check out Team Doctors Online Courses
Step-by-step video lessons, demonstrations, and self-treatment strategies.
https://teamdoctorsacademy.com
✓ Schedule a Free Phone Consultation With Dr. Stoxen
Speak directly with him so he can review your case and guide you on your next steps.
https://drstoxen.com/appointment
#ThoracicOutletSyndrome #TOS #ThoracicOutletSurgery #FirstRibResection #TOSSurgery #NeurogenicTOS #DrStoxen #TeamDoctors #ChronicPain #NerveCompression #ShoulderPain #ArmNumbness #NeckPain #PostureCorrection #MyTOSStory #TOSRelief #TOSAwareness #TOSRecovery #TOSHelp #PainSolutions
Dr James Stoxen DC., FSSEMM (hon) He is the president of Team Doctors®, Treatment and Training Center Chicago, one of the most recognized treatment centers in the world.
Dr Stoxen is a #1 International Bestselling Author of the book, The Human Spring Approach to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. He has lectured at more than 20 medical conferences on his Human Spring Approach to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and asked to publish his research on this approach to treating thoracic outlet syndrome in over 30 peer review medical journals.
He has been asked to submit his other research on the human spring approach to treatment, training and prevention in over 150 peer review medical journals. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Orthopedic Science and Research, Executive Editor or the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care, Chief Editor, Advances in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Journal and editorial board for over 35 peer review medical journals.
He is a much sought-after speaker. He has given over 1000 live presentations and lectured at over 70 medical conferences to over 50,000 doctors in more than 20 countries. He has been invited to speak at over 300 medical conferences which includes invitations as the keynote speaker at over 50 medical conferences.
After his groundbreaking lecture on the Integrated Spring-Mass Model at the World Congress of Sports and Exercise Medicine he was presented with an Honorary Fellowship Award by a member of the royal family, the Sultan of Pahang, for his distinguished research and contributions to the advancement of Sports and Exercise Medicine on an International level. He was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Personal Trainers Hall of Fame in 2012.
Dr Stoxen has a big reputation in the entertainment industry working as a doctor for over 150 tours of elite entertainers, caring for over 1000 top celebrity entertainers and their handlers. Anthony Field or the popular children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles, wrote a book, How I Got My Wiggle Back detailing his struggles with chronic pain and clinical depression he struggled with for years. Dr Stoxen is proud to be able to assist him.
Full Bio) Dr Stoxen can be reached directly at teamdoctors@aol.com
