Finding Hope After Years of Pain
Living with pain every single day can slowly break you down.
Many people who’ve been through Thoracic Outlet Surgery, struggled with failed pain treatments, or battled complex conditions like effort thrombosis or Paget-Schroetter Syndrome know exactly what this feels like.
For years, I listened to patients tell me the same story: nothing had given them real relief.
Not physical therapy. Not injections. And for some, not even TOS decompression surgery.
This patient’s journey began just like so many others.
She lived with severe chronic pain for years.
Sleep became a nightly challenge.
Daily tasks felt overwhelming. And she wondered whether she would ever feel like herself again.
When Surgery Isn’t the Final Answer
Many people assume that rib resection or thoracic outlet decompression will solve everything.
But even when surgery is necessary and helpful, healing can be complicated. Research shows that many patients continue to experience symptoms afterward—especially those with neurogenic compression, post-thrombotic changes, or scarring around sensitive tissues.
Other patients deal with concerns like:
- Thoracic Outlet Surgery Recovery
- Thoracic Outlet Surgery Complications
- Thoracic Outlet Surgery Outcomes
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Recovery
This patient had walked that long road. She tried everything she knew, yet nothing brought lasting relief.
A Completely New Direction
Eventually, she came to see me for a detailed evaluation.
I explained a truth many patients never hear: even after first rib surgery, the body must relearn how to move without bracing, guarding, and compensating.
The spring-like suspension system of the body must be restored.
If joints, tendons, and fascia can’t absorb impact correctly, irritation continues in the neck, shoulder, and chest—even after successful surgery.
During treatment, we worked through the layers of tension one at a time. Restoring motion takes patience, precision, and the right strategy.
But something remarkable happened after just her fifth visit.
The Morning Everything Shifted
She returned to her hotel that night completely exhausted. She expected another restless, painful night.
Instead, she fell asleep.
Deeply.
Comfortably.
Hours later, she woke up and realized something she hadn’t felt in years:
“My pain is less today.”
For her, this was the turning point. It wasn’t a miracle.
It was the result of restoring natural motion, reducing guarded tension, and helping her body function the way it was meant to — even after years of strain and the challenges many people face following thoracic outlet surgery risks, first rib resection recovery, thoracic outlet surgery cost, and thoracic outlet surgery complications.
Why Self-Care Became the Breakthrough
Once she started improving, I explained something important: her progress didn’t have to rely solely on clinic treatments.
After procedures such as neurogenic thoracic outlet surgery, many people believe they no longer have control over their own healing.
But they do.
I taught her how to safely release tight tissues at home, so she could maintain and build on her progress.
For many patients — especially those recovering from transaxillary rib resection, scar tissue, or long thoracic outlet surgery recovery time — this is the missing piece.
With the right tools, she was able to:
- Release tension that surgery didn’t address
- Improve blood flow
- Reduce protective muscle guarding
- Regain confidence in her body
- Learn how to influence her own healing daily
That empowerment mattered. For many, it’s the key that unlocks lasting change.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
Surgery is sometimes absolutely necessary, especially when dealing with blood-flow issues like Paget-Schroetter Syndrome.
But even after the clot is treated or the rib is removed, patients still need guidance to restore healthy movement patterns.
Many people also want help understanding:
- Thoracic Outlet Surgery Scars
- First Rib Resection Complications
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Surgery Results
- What to expect from a Thoracic Outlet Surgery Video
This patient discovered that healing isn’t a single event — it’s a process.
And with the right support, that process can finally move in a positive direction.
If You’re Still in Pain, You’re Not Alone
Maybe you’ve already had surgery.
Maybe you’re trying to avoid it.
Or maybe you’re dealing with a clot-related condition like effort thrombosis and don’t know your next step.
Whatever your path has been, feeling stuck does not mean the journey is over.
There is always another option.
There is always a way forward.
And just one morning of waking with less pain — like this patient experienced — can be the moment everything begins to change.
If you’re suffering now, don’t lose hope. Help exists. Support exists.
And with the right approach, your body can change.
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
