Return to the Health Care Providers
These are providers suggested by patients, either directly to me by e-mail or to the public on Internet newsgroups and mailing lists. Your favorable recommendations, and any other hints about finding good RSI care, can be e-mailed (names, city, office phone numbers) to me .
ONLY THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER'S INFORMATION will be added to this list; each contributors' name and e-mail address will be stripped out and permanently discarded to maintain privacy.
NOTE: I've received a very few complaints that one or more of the practices listed here were not helpful or made things worse. IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU PLEASE CONTACT ME SO I CAN REMOVE THE LISTING HERE. What one patient hath recommended, another can "unrecommend". But I will not be posting comments about specific bad doctors for reasons of liability.
These are practitioners who have represented to me that they are knowledgable about RSI and related ailments and experienced in their treatment. As with the Patient Recommendations, I have only the word of the contributor to go by. The people listed here have simply convinced me that they might be a better place to start than a provider picked out of the blue.
These are reproduced with permission from Appendix B of the excellent book: THE MUSICIAN'S SURVIVAL MANUAL: A Guide to Preventing and Treating Injuries in Instrumentalists. by Richard Norris, M.D. International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians, 1993. ISBN 0-918812-74-7 MMBMUSIC,INC. Many instrumentalists' injuries described therein are very similar to typing RSIs, and practitioners treating them should be able to help computer users as well. Thanks to Dr. Rob Maher for scanning this appendix, and especial thanks to Dr. Norris for his permission to reproduce it.
The preface to this appendix carries the following comments by Dr. Norris: "The following list of clinics was compiled from various journal newsletter, and conference sources. It is intended for informational use only and does not imply any endorsement by the author. The clinics are listed alphabetically by state, followed by foreign clinics Please note that some of these facilities are full-service clinics, while others are primarily referral services. For further information, please contact the specific clinic."
This is the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics. Their web site contains a list with many more details about these individual clinics. I have only reproduced the basic contact information here, and only for those clinics that list expertise in musculoskeletal problems. I cannot claim that all such clinics are competent and effective in treating RSI, but they are, at least, more likely to be aware of RSIs and experienced in addressing them, than the "average" general practitioner.
5] Hellerworker trained by Sharon Butler
Sharon Butler is the author of "Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries: A Self-Care Program ". She writes: "The Hellerwork technique for releasing soft tissue injury is the best I've seen yet - and I've seen a lot of it in my 10 years doing this work. At the same time, Hellerworkers are skilled in teaching clients about making effective changes in how the body is used, how to avoid future soft tissue injury by using the body in a structurally balanced way, etc. In addition to being the best form of myofascial release available (in my opinion), it can also be some of the most effective ergonomic education as well. . . . Not all Hellerworkers will be adept at treating patients with RSI, just as not all Physical Therapists are successful with RSI. It is up to the patient to ask the therapist beforehand if they have any experience in this area. I saw the need to create a continuing education program for Hellerworkers so they could help more people around the country with their RSI injuries . . . They would be a great place to start if you choose Hellerwork as a form of treatment for your RSI." You can learn more about Hellerwork by checking out their web page.
6] Bonnie Prudden Myotherapist
Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy is a technique of relieving trigger points, muscle spasm, and pain through localized pressure. Some RSI patients have found it effective as part of their recovery. The names here were provided to me with this statement: "This list is comprised of Certified Bonnie Prudden Myotherapists (C.B.P.M.s). The C.B.P.M.s on this list have completed an intensive 1300 hour certification course, passed board examinations and are required to complete a 45 hour update every two years to retain their Certification as a Bonnie Prudden Myotherapist." More information can be found at the Web Site of Prudden's institute, including an list of practitioners.
Terry Huff
Indiana Myotherapy Clinic
1106 Meridian St., Ste. 409
Anderson, IN 46016
317-642-0529
Rebound Sports Medicine
839 Auto Mall Rd.
Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 332-6200
Contact: Lexi Orfanos, Physical Therapy
Performing Arts Medicine Program
Indiana University School of Medicine
541 Clinical Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46223
(317) 274-4225
Director: Dr. Kenneth D. Brandt
Institute of Orthopaedic Sports and Dance Rehabiliation D. Keith Kleven, MS, RPT, ATC 3650 South Eastern, Suite 100 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Phone: (702) 731-0831 Fax: (702) 737-9697 e-mail: DKKLEVENPT@AOL.COM Available: Clinic; Screening/prevention/education; On-site Requirements: Based on experience and education
I am writing a letter regarding Terry Wright, D.C.. I have recently been
treated for my carpal tunnel syndrome with amazing success by Terry Wright,
D.C. On my first visit, he explained the anatomy pertaining to my
situation as well as preventative ergonomics.
At the time of my first visit, I was waking up 8-10 times a night with
numbness and discomfort in my hands and wrists. I rock climb, kayak and
mountain bike and was almost continuously experiencing numbness and loss of
strength during these activities. After eight treatments, combined with
home stretches which he taught me, I found that my symptoms had all but
disappeared. I was experiencing numbness in my hands maybe 2-3 times a
week instead of 8-10 times a night, and my grip strength had gone up from
90 to 120.
One of the techniques he used to work with the nerve entrapment sites is
called the Active Release Technique. This technique I learned is
relatively new, and is very effective when treating repetitive sports and
occupation injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. He is currently the
only doctor in the state of Nevada certified in this technique.
Dr. Wright is very professional, thorough, and personable. I recommend
him highly, he has helped me a great deal.
His address:
ACTIVE LIFE CHIROPRACTIC
Terry Wright
Chiropractic Physician
3650 S. Virginia, Suite K-1
Reno, NV, 89509
Phone/fax number: 702-829-7575
Angela L. Gonzaga
First Asian Myotherapy Exercise
91 San Juan St.
Bacolod City
Neg. Occ. Phil 6100
011 (6334) 25396
If you live in the United Kingdom you should be aware of the RSI-UK Mailing List. FindADoc has reposted some of the practitioner recommendations that were cross-posted to the Sorehand e-mail list. Some of these appear to be patient recommendations.
Eleanor King, Certified Hellerwork Practitioner
Dewey, AZ 520-775-3674+
Northern Arizona University Physical Therapy Clinic Lynn E. Medoff, MS, MPT P.O. Box 15046 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Phone: (520) 523-2280 Fax: (520) 523-4315 e-mail: LYNN.MEDOFF@NAU.EDU Available: Clinic; Screening/prevention/education; On-site; Research
Augustine Martinez
Northern Arizona Myotherapy
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
520-526-2093
The Pain Clinic of Northern Arizona 1355 N. Beaver St. Suite 255 Flagstaff, Az. 86004 Phone: 1-520-774-3070 Fax: 1-520-556-1576
I think that this osteopath may be a good one in
Arizona. I have read several of his papers and have received
information from his practice. He also has 1-week treatment
sessions for "out of towners". He treats TOS, CTS and other
RSI's. He is:
Dr. Benjamin Sucher
Center for Carpal Tunnel Studies
10585 N. Tatum Blvd, Suite D-135
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253-1623
(480) 483-7387
Dr. Ben Sucher is one of the finest RSI docs I know. As a disclaimer, Dr.
Sucher is my research partner, so I may be biased, but he has treated both a
close friend of mine (for thoracic outlet syndrome) and a relative of mine
(for carpal tunnel syndrome). They have had nothing but great things to say
about Dr. Sucher. What makes Dr. Sucher stand out is that he is not only a
clinician, he is an active researcher in the area of upper extremity RSI's.
He has published many research articles on the subject, and is asked to
speak around the world on the topic.
Canyon Orthopaedic Surgeons Ltd.
4615 N. 51 Avenue
Phoenix, AZ
phone 602 846-7614
Specifically their hand/arm specialist is
Richard C. Christiansen, M.D.
(Board certified orthopaedic surgeon)
Very knowledgable and willing to discuss alternatives,
very good on keeping functionality where it is feasible,
and adjusting attitudes (as in telling you flatly - if
you don't rest it, it will NEVER heal!) as necessary,
(yeah, he's done it to me; and I deserved it).
Emphasizes rest, non-invasive treatments, and rehab if
at all possible, very candid about the success rates of
surgery for various conditions.
Dr. Robert Lee Wilson
Hand Surgery Associates
2610 N. 3RD ST-Phoenix,
Arizona-85004-(602) 264-3541.
He is one of the very few doctors who understand and know how to treat RSI.
Sebastian B. Ruggeri MD FAOS
Arm Shoulder & Hand Surgeons Ltd.
3104 E. Indian School Rd. #200
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
Phone 602-954-9484
Fax 602-954-6433
E-mail Benrugg@ix.netcom.com
(List manager's note: I asked this doctor to provide his info on the basis
of a good article he contributed to the SOREHAND mailing list that made it
obvious he was knowledgable about RSI. - Paul Mx)
My name is Mark Hyland. I am a certified hand therapist and
occupational therapist. I work for a local outpatient rehabiltiation
provider. I manage our work injury programs and hand therapy departments.
Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced at treating soft tissue
musculoskeletal illnesses/injuries. In addition, we provide patients with an
education, job site visits, ergonomic job site analysis and a home/work
exercise program and instruction. We are seeing more and more CTD cases and
our experienced certified hand therapists are helping to educate the rest of
our staff. I truly feel confident with our staffs competance of RSI's. I
would appreciate being added to your list of healthcare providers.
If you have any further questions please call me at 602 547-1836 or e-mail
me.
Our address is:
Strength Training, Inc.
17233 N. Holmes Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85023
telephone: 602 547-1836 fax: 602 547-0809
Ron Sacco
Arizona Myotherapy Center
1600 W. Camelback Rd., Ste. 1-W
Phoenix, AZ 85015
Serving Phoenix since 1981
602-277-6859
Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy Therapists
are trained and certified by
Bonnie Prudden Pain Erasure Clinic
7800 E. Speedway
Tucson, Arizona 85710
Telephone: 602-529-3979
E-mail: Paineras@aol.com
Upon request they furnish info and listing of certified therapists
Dave Carney
Susan B. Fleming. M.D.
Bennie Gemello
Pain Management Myotherapy Assoc.
4725 N. First Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85718
520-888-1795
Frank Hammer Tomizuka
Tucson Myotherapy
633 N. Stewart Ave
Tucson, AZ 85716
520-795-4670
Heidi Carlson
Myotherapy / Personal Training / Exercise Rehab
Tucson, Az
520-797-4875
520-291-5487
Sandy Hamilton
Myotherapy of Arizona
Mobile Myotherapy of Arizona
602-788-1924
e-mail: dham2@swlink.net
Dr. Mitch Malley - Davenport, IA. He can help you.
Michael Fleischman Diana Fleischman Midwest Myotherapy 1938 Kelp Ave. Fairfield, IA 52556 515-472-7741
University of Iowa, Occupational Medicine Clinic
T304, GH
Dept. Internal Medicine - College of Medicine
200 Hawkins Drive Clinic Founded 1981
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
AOEC Contact: David Schwartz, MD, MPH
319-356-8269 FAX 319-353-8973
Emma Rosenau, MPH
319-353-8344
There's a Workers' Health Clinic in the University of Iowa Hospitals
in Iowa City, which offers physical rehabilitation and works with
patients from agricultural & manufacturing industries in Iowa. The
contact given on the Association of Occupational and Environmental
Clinics list is David Schwartz, (319) 356-8269, fax (319) 353-6406.
The AOEC is an interesting organization, with a Patient's Bill of
Rights in every waiting room, and a pledge to help patients deal with
all the bureaucracies involved with occupational illness, such as
Workers' Comp. Even if you can't go to Dr Schwartz, you might phone
or fax & ask for advice and/or a local referral--for a WC advocate,
as well as for medical help. Also, you might check the Yellow Pages
for a chiropractor or osteopath; sometimes the listing even specifies
that the DC or DO works with work-related injuries.
Jane Sawyer
Myotherapy of Monadnock
Rt. 124 at Silver Ranch
Jaffrey, NH 03452
Extended stay myotherapy available
1 to 5 days in caring, comfortable country surroundings.
603-532-7318
WorkRite Medical Associates
427-3 Amherst St. Suite 265
Nashua, NH 03063
Phone/FAX (603) 672-2214
They have both Physical Therpists and Occupational
Therapists (with Hand Therapy certification) on staff. The
company has a superb reputation for successful management of
repetitive stress injuries.
Have received excellent care for Carpal Tunnel from:
Dr. Malek
Christina Tebo
Occupational Health Solutions of New England
26 Manchester Square
Pease Tradeport
601 Spaulding Turnpike, Unit #19
Portsmouth NH 03801
Phone (603)430-9675
Fax (603) 334-6088
My doctor is fantastic. He is considered a "insurance doctor", but he has
helped me when others had written me off.
Steven Brown, MD 18 Constitution Drive Bedford, NH 03110 telephone 603-471-1634.
He is patient, understanding of the pain of these injuries, and a very good
surgeon. He
has done two surgeries on my right wrist and elbow. I would highly recommend
anyone who suffers from RSI. He is a plastic surgeon and hand specialist.
Also, for hand therapy, my therapist is the best. She is compassionate,
caring, and willing to try whatever is necessary to ease your pain.
Monica Labrie
Dover Rehab.
Plaza Drive
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 749-9000
This is a rehab center/nursing home, but they take outpatients and have all
the equipment necessary for these types of injuries.
. . . mI have multiple crust
neuropathies of both upper extremities. Dr Brown has been most patient, compassionate and
understanding in the 2 years he has been treating me. Suzanne Boisclair, OT CHT at
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center at 18 Constitution Drive, Bedford, NH 03110
telephone 603-472-3673 has been my occupational therapist for the
last two years helping me to regain strength, mobility and keep my spirits up as well. Suzanne
and Dr. Brown work together very closely
and together are a fantastic team for people with RSI injuries.
Dr. John T. Wolf 30 Canton St. Manchester, NH (603) 623-5434 Dr. Wolf is the best doctor I've ever had. He is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Hand Specialist. I had carpal tunnel, epicondylitis, tendinitis and a neck problem. Dr. Wolf tried several therapies before deciding on carpal tunnel surgery. He sent me for tests and referred me to a physiatrist for my neck problem. (In other words: he isn't knife happy!) He was very helpful with dealing with my employer (worker's comp). He didn't send me back to work until he knew I was ready. He's the most compassionate doctor I've ever had and he really cares about his patients. I had my surgery in 1994 and the carpal tunnel hasn't returned. I have had occasional flare ups of the epicondylitis but with physical therapy, exercises and stretches have managed to keep my job as a secretary manageable. I wouldn't hesitate at all to recommend him to anyone with RSI's. I also would like to recommend my Occupational Hand Therapist, Lynn Heller. Lynn Heller HealthSouth Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Center 505 W. Hollis St. Nashua, NH 03062 (603) 886-2710
Leslie Larson, Certified Hellerwork Practitioner Montreal, Quebec 514-483-1962
During our discussions and bodywork I found Leslie to be both knowledgable
and articulate. His understanding of anatomy and his ability to explain it in
simple terms helped me to visualize how various muscles, tendons and nerves
affect one another. Consequently I am better able to release tension from the
soft tissue.
I am also impressed by Leslie's commitment to his clients. He calls a day or
two after each session to ensure that everything is 'ok'. He makes sure I'm not
pushing myself and if necessary we make modifications to the stretches I am
doing.
During our work Leslie stresses that I am in control of what is happening - if
at any time I experience too much pain just let him know. This theme that I
am in control and that I have to take responsibility for my healing (because
no one else will do it for me) is what impresses me most about Hellerwork.
Her website is
http://pages.infi.nit.net/bowencan
She is a great practitioner and I personally recommend her. I have known
her for about 3 years.
Check www.bowtech.com
to look at the work and there is a page for referrals for Canada.
After 9 or 10 different doctors (you have to be aggressive, keep going
to different ones if you're not satisfied, or if they tell you outright
they don't know anything more to do), my last referral seems to have
struck gold. My plastic surgeon recommended I see Dr. Fitzcharles
(Rheumatologist). She's quick, innovative, and manages to diagnose the
most mysterious ailments.
After 5 minutes she spotted an abnormality no other doctor had noticed -
it's very rare, and x-rays the next day confirmed she was right, in my
case. I have an extra rib, which compresses circulation and promotes
tendonitis and carpal tunnel.
If you want to give her a try, she's moving to the Montreal General
Hospital in January, and I recommend her highly.
... thought i'd give you info about a couple of hcp in
montreal who have REALLY helped me in recovering from rsi.
Dr. Monique Isler 520 Verdun Ave. Verdun, PQ 514-766-1696
The health and safety officer at mcgill univ recommends her to univ
employees with rsi problems. she's great. she takes the time and
she knows her stuff. she's also bilingual - very important in this
province. she, and hence her recommendations, are very highly
regarded by the workers' comp board in the province (CSST).
thankfully in my situation, she was the first md i saw about my
problem and so i did not have to run around trying to find a doctor
who knew about rsi injuries. i was lucky.
Lorraine Casavant-Gagne acupuncturist McGill Sports Medicine Clinic 475 Pine Ave West Montreal, PQ H2W 1S4 514-398-7007
Lorraine is amazing. she practices japanese acupuncture (as opposed
to chinese). i'd try to explain the difference but too much typing
involved. anyway, she's excellent. she really understands chronic
pain and what it's like to live with it (she was in a horrible car
accident years ago, eventually had acupuncture, it helped with the
pain and so she decided to become trained. she really cares about
her patients. she too is bilingual. she works at the sports med
clinic on mondays only from sept to april. she has her own clinic in
Sorel, QC which is open all year round but i don't have the address
or phone #. i would definitely recommend her to ANYONE with any kind
of chronic pain.
Im not sure who specialises in RSI, but while I was on holidays in Brisbane, I had terrible neck/back pain from 3 years of RSI.
I visited Kirsten Chapman from Dive Chiropractic Centre, who releived all my pain in just 1 visit! I was then able to visit 'Warner Bros Movie World' and 'Wet N' Wild' Theme parks without any problems.
Unfortunately my pain came back when I returned to Singapore, and have yet to find anyone who can help me here.
Im really hoping to be able to visit her for a 2nd time in a few months from now.
Kirsten Chapman Dive Chiropractic Centre 2353 Gold Coast H'way Mermaid Beach QLD 4218 PH: 07 5527-7500
a specialist in RSI is:
Dr Milton Cohen
Phone: (02) 9361 - 5900
Director Darlinghurst Arthritis and Pain Research Clinic
St Vincent's Medical Centre
376 Victoria Street
Darlinghurst 2010
You will need a referral from your GP to see him. He is classed as one the
top pain specialist in Australia.
He is very professional, and seems to advocate a 'big picture' approach
(though I haven't seen other specialists, so I can't judge).
Unfortunately, I wasn't happy with the diagnosis (basically,
if I can't work w/out pain, get another job). He did suggest I
investigate Feldenkrais & Alexander Tech.
I went to the Crows Nest Chiropractic, in Sydney. The Chiropractor is Dr.
Craig Moore, and he has been really helpful, he listens to me and is ready
to try different things with me to help me get cured. He is the only person
who has really helped so far.
After ten years of R.S.I. and multiple treatments, the following massage
therapist has cured me about 90%. Ordinary remedial massage helped but
never cured.
Kevin Mason
11 Kirkwood Ave
Epping,NSW ph 02 868 2904
[ Sydney Australia]
I would recommend Dr. Bernard Lake in Sydney, who is both a physician and a
Feldenkrais Practitioner. I don't have his phone number, but his email
address is BJLAKE@magna.com.au, and he has a website at
http://www.magna.com.au/~bjlake
Also, the Australian Feldenkrais Guild can provide information about
Australian practitioners. They can be reached at
Australian Feldenkrais Guild Inc. Locked Bag No. 19 Glebe, NSW 2037 ph/fax (61) 2/597 6561
From: "Bronwen and Karl Ackermann"Subject: Musician practitioners I've just seen your internet site on providers of health care for RSI, and thought I'd give you my details if they're of interest to your page. I'm an Australian physiotherapist working in Canberra in a private practice, and studying part-time my PhD (in physiotherapy) on injury prevention and management in musicians. I have worked with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as their tour physiotherapist on 4 international tours, and see many musicians for treatment in my Canberra Practice. The details of the practice are: Capital Clinic Manipulative and Sports Physiotherapy, Canberra City Phone number is (02) 62578900 I have a few contacts in Sydney who are interested in treating musicians. They are Dr Dwight Dowda, who is an occupational health physician in Glebe in Sydney, and Susan Coulson, a physiotherapist at "Link" physiotherapy in Rozelle (ph:98742432) Hope this may be of interest Bronwen Ackermann
Here in Adelaide I attend the Physiotherapy Clinic at University of
Adelaide. As I am on a disability-pension I get a full treatment for $15
which is quite a saving of the usual 35 to 50 out on the private world,
fully employed people only pay $25 I think. I get top class physios, either
physios employed by the Uni to provide treatment or at present I get
postgrads working for higher qualifications. I have been getting much
better over the weeks I have been seeing them, trigger point work on most
of the visits.
Yesterday I started some very light Pilates work to improve my trunk
strength and my posture. They have several pieces of equipment and are
being very patient and careful with me. I really have a positive outlook on
all this thanks to their care.
If anybody needs to have physiotherapy I suggest the ask around for any
local University teaching the subject, they nearly always have a program
where they will treat the public for reduced rates.
My name is Brendon Chivers and I am a Myotherapy practitioner in Victoria Australia.I beleive that R.S.I is similar in causes and treatments to other conditions such as carpal tunnel,Thoracic outlet syndrome and several others. I have recently become aware that Myotherapy exists in America,although it is not surprising with the contributions J. Travelle and Simmons made to the profession. Our training is an Advanced Diploma of Applied Science at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.We are represented by the Institute of registered Myohterpaists of Ausralia and receive rebates for treatment from participating private health insurers and the government work cover. Our treatment is primarily hands on and includes deep tissue work,myofascial release and strecthing,myofascial acupuncture,action potential therapy,p.n.f strecthing, corrective excercise,nutritional advice and importantly patient education. If you would like to . . . ask any questions please e-mail me at brendonchivers@optusnet.com.au
My name is Jodi Keating and I am an Australian Chiropractor.
I cured my mum of RSI in approx. 6 months (she had had the problem for 15 years) and am anxious to see if I can do the same for others.
I live in Thornbury, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and my contact No. is 0409 437 338 and I would love to be included on your list.
I have seen this Rheumy once and he seemed good. He is specialises in work
related injuries. He recommended me to go to a rehabilitation hospital that
he is the head of: and I am currently waiting for the insurance co. to
approve it (2 months later am still waiting) :-) His name is Dr. D.Lewis
441 Bay st Brighton
Sports and spinal Clinic
9596 7211
another reader responded: I used to work @ the clinic in Brighton referred to by Helen.
Whilst I left just as Dr Lewis was starting, I have heard from friends and
patients that he is very good - I think the rehab hospital to which H
referred is Cedar Court.
The clinic I now work at - Metropolitan Spinal Clinic - has a number of
doctors involved in the musculo-skeletal areas, including RSI - or whatever
it is known by! (I 'live with' Dequervains myself).