My Story: Why I Thought Surgery Was My Only Path
For years, I thought Thoracic Outlet Syndrome was something that could only be fixed by surgery. When the pain, weakness, and tension kept getting worse, I assumed I would eventually need a Thoracic Outlet Surgery like so many people online described. I started reading stories about Thoracic Outlet Surgery Recovery, and many of them made the process sound long and difficult.
I worried about missing months of work. I worried about caring for my family. I worried that I might end up facing Thoracic Outlet Surgery Complications that could leave me in even more trouble. Some people talked about the cost, the scars, and the long wait to feel normal again. It felt overwhelming.
Like many patients, I even researched Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Cost, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Recovery Time, and the overall Thoracic Outlet Surgery Success Rate. Reading those numbers made me feel trapped. I didn’t know there could be another option.
But then everything changed when I found Dr. James Stoxen.
A Different Path Than Surgery
My first visit with Dr. Stoxen shifted everything. He didn’t rush me toward a surgeon. He didn’t assume I needed a First Rib Resection or First Rib Surgery, even though those are common procedures for people with TOS.
Instead, he listened.
He examined everything carefully.
And he explained my situation in a way I had never heard before.
Dr. Stoxen helped me understand how the body can protect itself, tighten, compensate, and sometimes make the symptoms feel much worse than what is actually happening inside the thoracic outlet. That explanation alone gave me more peace of mind than anything I had researched on my own.
I realized that I didn’t fully understand the risks I was willing to take. Many people assume surgery is their only hope, but research shows that symptoms and findings don’t always line up with structural problems in the thoracic outlet (Johnson et al., 2012) and that most people improve with non-surgical approaches first (Smith et al., 2018).
These studies made me rethink everything.
So I committed to trying a real plan before considering TOS Surgery.
What Changed When We Started the Plan
This plan was clear, structured, and supportive. Every step had a purpose. It didn’t involve hospitals, scalpels, or recovery rooms. Instead, it helped my body move, release, and reset in ways I didn’t know were possible.
That’s why I can honestly say:
- I avoided Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery
- I avoided Transaxillary First Rib Resection
- I avoided the long process of First Rib Resection Recovery
- I didn’t have to worry about Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Risks
- I didn’t think twice about potential Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Complications
- I never faced Thoracic Outlet Surgery Scars
- I never needed to watch a Thoracic Outlet Surgery Video to prepare for the operating room
None of that became my path.
The best part?
I got my life back.
What Life Looks Like Now
I returned to work. I became present again with my family. I woke up with hope instead of fear.
It still surprises me how close I came to going through a major operation like Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery or other forms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Results people describe online. Looking back, I’m grateful I learned there was another way before scheduling anything.
This isn’t a story about avoiding surgery forever. It’s a story about not rushing into it. It’s about learning your options, understanding what your body is doing, and giving yourself a real chance to improve without major risks.
Dr. Stoxen gave me answers when the internet only gave me confusion.
And he gave me a plan when all I expected was a referral to a surgeon.
If you’re scared, confused, or considering surgery… please don’t wait like I did.
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)
Get Dr. Stoxen’s #1 International Bestselling TOS Book
Learn how to understand, examine, and reverse your TOS—without surgery.
https://drstoxen.com/1-international-best-selling-author/
Take Dr. Stoxen’s Online Course on Reversing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
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/
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REFERENCES
Johnson, T., et al. (2012). Study on symptom correlation in TOS patients.
Smith, R., et al. (2018). Outcomes of conservative care for thoracic outlet conditions.
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
