A Life Turning Point
There are moments in life when everything shifts. For me, it happened the day I decided to get on a train and head to Chicago. I didn’t know it at the time, but that choice saved my life. Before that trip, my health was getting worse every month. My body felt like it was shutting down, and I didn’t understand why.
I lived with constant Symptoms that made everyday tasks difficult. I had Arm swelling, pressure in my chest, and a deep Pain / heaviness of arm that I couldn’t ignore anymore.
Another major turning point came when she learned that the swelling and pressure in her arm were related to blood clot formation linked to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
The veins in the thoracic outlet can become narrowed or compressed, especially during activity, which may slow blood flow and contribute to clot development.
This explained why her symptoms would spike after exercise and why the arm sometimes changed color or felt heavy. Understanding this connection helped her see that the problem wasn’t random—it was mechanical, positional, and needed proper imaging to identify what was happening inside the outlet.
Some days I worried about the Risk of pulmonary embolism, because the swelling and discomfort came on fast.
That trip brought me to Dr Stoxen, and everything started to change.
Understanding What Was Happening
Before Chicago, I had seen many doctors, but no one could explain why my arm would suddenly swell or why the discomfort spread from my neck to my fingers. It got worse after physical activity, especially when I had Sudden arm swelling after exertion.
What I did not know was that I needed proper testing. Not just a quick X-ray or a simple scan, but detailed Thoracic outlet syndrome imaging that could look at the nerves, arteries, and veins in motion.
That level of testing changed everything.
The Diagnostic Journey
When I finally got evaluated, the imaging was unlike anything I had experienced before. I learned how important the right tests are, especially when dealing with complex compression problems.
Here’s what made the difference:
Specialized Protocols
What the Images Showed
These Thoracic outlet images finally gave us answers. They showed how tight muscles and narrow spaces were affecting my circulation and causing symptoms I had been fighting for years.
Blood clots!
Seeing those images was the first step in turning my life around.
A Path Back to Health
Once we understood what was happening, we created a plan. It wasn’t quick or easy, but it was clear. With careful guidance, deep massage techniques, movement corrections, and a long-term plan, my body slowly began to recover.
Over time, I went from losing hope to reclaiming my life. I dropped weight, reduced medications, and rebuilt my strength. Today I take only one prescription and rely mostly on vitamins, nutrition, better movement, and consistent self-care.
My journey was not just about getting better—it was about learning how to live again.
Why This Story Matters
If you’re reading this and you feel hopeless, or you’ve been told “everything looks normal” even though your symptoms keep getting worse, I want you to know this:
You’re not imagining it.
You just need the right evaluation.
You need the right tests and the right eyes on your case.
My life changed when I found someone who understood TOS and had the tools to diagnose it correctly. That is why I share this story. If it helps even one person avoid years of suffering, it’s worth telling.
Your Next Step
If this feels familiar… if your arm swells, feels heavy, or changes color… or if you are stuck without answers, there is a path forward. The right tests and the right guidance can open the door to healing—just like they did for me.
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
