Patient Success Stories

Physiotherapy

It is no coincidence that my first appointment with Neil was the day I started to heal. After ten years of chronic pain my body and mind were frozen with pain, fear created roadblocks every way I turned, my future appeared so pointless that I had given up.

Neil gave me back my life. He taught me what the continuous pain was doing to my body and gave me the tools to begin changing the pain process. In the true sense of treating the whole person (body, mind and spirit) Neil approached each step with clarity and compassion.

I have a long way to go but my dreams have become possibilities, my "I wishes" have become "I cans".

How does one say enough "Thank You" when you have been given back your life and hope for the future.
Wendy, Summerland BC. 2008

Hi Neil
I thought I should send you an update.

I am back in the saddle again!  Of course I mean this quite literally.
AND, I have not heard from the ‘screaming pain’ for a while now. 
AND it did not raise a peep when I have been riding. 
I do have some sore spots still from my acute on chronic SI injury, but the therapy seems to be working well. I cannot ride for long and still only at a walking pace, but that is more from deconditioning and the SI injury. I continue on with my home program consistently, 30-45 minutes per day.  I cannot even conceive that I will ever stop it.
If you recall, with our first few sessions my pain reduced to a level I had not experienced since I was 10 years of age. Now,everyday I have a pain level so low that it is brand new to me.
In my entire life, that is, as far back as I have memory, I have not known this little pain.  I have been given a changed body and a changed life, but one that is more comfortable to be in then my favorite pair of blue jeans, or those well worn boots over by door stoop.    
But, what I really wanted to share with you is the amount of joy I have in being able to pursue my life’s biggest passion, which is riding, yet it is more than I can express.

Whoopi-ty-aye-oh
Rockin' to and fro
C. L. Cairns

Workshops

 I wanted to take the time to say how grateful I feel for your seminar last night. It was awesome; the knowledge and skills gained are so needed and I really appreciate the way you presented it with a sense of humor, interesting stories, but most importantly with a compassionate heart.

I’m only sorry you’re not in Vancouver. You have such an amazing understanding of pain. Too often doctors are quick to say “it’s all in your head, go home and get on with your life, you have psychosocial issues.” The only thing people in pain want is to be understood and have a sense of direction on how to cope and move forward; your seminar has given us that and more.

I have been practicing a couple of the techniques today and feel empowered.
Kathy, Vancouver, BC. 2007

 The knowledge we obtained from watching Neil's webcasts has changed our lives.We were finally able to understand the reason for the ongoing pain and setbacks. The techniques we learned, which are based on solid scientific research are clearly explained and simple to follow. Neil has given us confidence to practice in earnest and hope for a future without pain and suffering. Words cannot express our heartfelt gratitude.
Mercedes and Brian Bourgaize, North Vancouver, B.C. 2010
 

 Therapeutic Yoga 

 

My multidisciplinary team of health professionals has taught me that the more you understand your pain the better you are able to manage it, and that treatment cannot replace what you must learn to do for yourself.  I left the DVD “Overcome Pain with Gentle Yoga” on the bookshelf, where it sat within my view for several months, until I felt ready to add something new to my current repertoire of pain management strategies.  Beginning yoga felt like the next step, but it was intimidating since my friends who practiced yoga were already fit and flexible. I could not envision a place for me in any of their programs or classes. 

When I watched the DVD “Overcome Pain with Gentle Yoga” I noticed the gentle, matter-of-fact calm that pervades the introductory explanation and the three highlighted yoga routines.  Listening to the introduction was key to “taking the plunge” and having the confidence to try something new.  Having a supersensitive neuromatrix  I could relate to Neil’s explanations about what happens in the nervous system when pain persists, and visualize how adopting and developing my yoga practice could have an impact on making my nervous system less reactive and less sensitive, thereby decreasing my chronic pain.  

I started by watching the sessions several times and just worked at breathing in sync with the DVD.  I have worked extensively with my two physiotherapists and massage therapist on developing breath awareness in lying, sitting and standing, so I was confident incorporating what I had learned from my experience into the three routines featured on the DVD.  Next I zeroed in on the positions and the rhythmic pacing of each series of movements.  I tried practising some movement patterns from each section.  I knew I had to add towels and pillows to hold a position and be comfortable.  I recognized from my previous guided core exercise routines and 1:1 rehab aquafit that I can easily recruit the wrong muscles to make the movements, and have difficulty deciding when to keep going and when to pull back.  Muscle tension is a HUGE hurdle for me.

So after familiarizing myself with the DVD I became determined to incorporate yoga practice into my pain management treatment plan, but realized that I would need individual lessons. What I appreciate the most about my practical introduction to yoga through the DVD “Overcome Pain with Gentle Yoga” is learning firsthand that yoga is not just another exercise routine, but a whole mind-body experience.

 I researched yoga classes in my area.  I found an inspiring yoga teacher and have started one-to-one yoga therapy sessions aimed at moving my body in its optimal range without pain, and to develop better balance, stability and flexibility with the intent to move into a therapeutic group class down the line.  As Neil summarized in the DVD, “repetition, persistence and patience” are keys to creating positive changes in the body and mind. Incorporating yoga has widened my perspective and facilitated my moving forward physically and emotionally along my chronic pain journey.

Cathryn Morgan is the author of GrrrOUCH!  Pain is like a grouchy bear, a children’s non-fiction book about coping with physical and emotional pain.  The book encourages children to express their emotions and describe their feelings, impacting positively on mental health and physical well-being.  GrrrOUCH!  Pain is like a grouchy bear is a great discussion tool for adults with pain in explaining to their children and grandchildren about the adult’s pain.  The book has won two awards, Pain Awareness Award 2011 from the Canadian Pain Society and Canadian Pain Coalition, and the Children’s Literature Award 2011 from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario.  It is available for $12.95 from her website at www.cathrynmorgan.com.

 

Neil is a gifted teacher, able to explain challenging concepts with a combination of humour and compassion. He is a role model for so many all over the world.

Chronic pain is such a complex and difficult problem yet people leave Neil’s classes with a sense of optimism and hope. He truly inspires people to the possibility of less pain through changing their  beliefs and changing their behaviours. To know that we can change what happens to us by attitude is a gift and he gives all who meet him that gift in an empathetic manner.

Neil provides a unique experience for his students. I would highly recommend that anyone with chronic pain and anyone teaching Yoga to people with chronic pain learn from him. It will be a life changing opportunity for sure.

Having been a witness to Neil’s wonderful work and crystal clear method of teaching and motivation, I highly recommend him as a truly humane being.

Yours in yoga
Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, May 2009