Why I Nearly Moved Forward With Surgery
For months, I searched for answers.
Test after test… scan after scan… appointment after appointment.
Everyone kept telling me the same thing—“Surgery is the next step.”
I was tired.
I was frustrated.
And honestly, I was scared.
I thought going through with Thoracic Outlet Surgery was my only option.
But something inside me whispered, “Wait.”
I didn’t know why, but I listened.
The Moment I Realized Something Didn’t Add Up
Later, I learned the surgery plan. They were preparing to remove a couple of muscles and part of my rib. Many people think that’s enough to fix the problem.
But here’s what I didn’t know:
There are many muscles inside the outlet that can press on nerves and vessels.
Only removing a few of them doesn’t mean the pressure is gone.
That’s when I realized that TOS Surgery wouldn’t guarantee the relief I was hoping for.
It wouldn’t release all the tight structures.
It wouldn’t solve the real reason the compression kept coming back.
And if the compression wasn’t fully addressed, then Thoracic Outlet Surgery Recovery would lead me right back to the same problems.
I was on the verge of making the biggest mistake of my life.
Why I Hit Pause Before Agreeing to Surgery
Most people never get this information.
They hear “rib removal,” “decompression,” or “opening the space,” and they assume that means everything is fixed.
But no one explained the possible challenges.
No one talked about the deeper layers of tension.
No one mentioned patterns of tightness that don’t magically disappear when you remove a rib.
I started reading real patient experiences. I saw how some people struggled after Thoracic Outlet Surgery Complications.
Others were shocked by the long and difficult Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Recovery Time.
Some were dealing with issues related to First Rib Resection, and it made me pause.
I finally asked myself:
“Is this really the right path for me?”
The Turning Point: Finding a Different Approach
That’s when I found Dr. James Stoxen.
For the first time, someone talked about this condition in a way that truly made sense.
Instead of cutting muscles out, he showed me that the body has a natural spring system.
When this system tightens, collapses, or loses its flexibility, pressure builds in the outlet.
The goal wasn’t to remove structures—it was to restore movement.
He focused on releasing deep tension, restoring the spring mechanism, and rebuilding function.
He showed me how to treat myself at home and how to understand each part of my own pattern.
Suddenly, I felt hope.
It wasn’t magic.
It wasn’t quick.
But it made sense.
And for the first time, I finally had a plan that didn’t involve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Risks or worrying about First Rib Resection Recovery.
Looking Back… I’m So Glad I Waited
When I think about how close I was to saying yes to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery, it scares me.
Not because surgery is wrong—but because I almost chose it without truly understanding my condition.
If you’re where I was—confused, stuck, and unsure—please know this:
You are not alone.
You don’t have to rush.
You don’t have to make a life-changing decision without fully understanding your options.
There are ways to reduce tension.
There are ways to restore the natural spring system.
There are ways to feel better without racing toward Thoracic Outlet Surgery Success Rate statistics or fearing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Complications.
You deserve clarity.
You deserve answers.
You deserve a plan that actually makes sense.
If You Need Help, Here’s Where to Start
If you’re overwhelmed, confused, or close to giving up—don’t.
There is a path forward, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Dr. Stoxen has helped people from all over the world understand and address this condition.
If you need support, guidance, or someone to help you look at your case with fresh eyes, reach out.
You deserve relief.
You deserve answers.
And you deserve to feel hope again.
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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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
