As a breast cancer survivor, my mastectomy scar runs across my chest and ends in my underarm. Since the surgery in 2012, I have noticed that at the end of each day, the region around this lengthly scar feels irritated, fatigued, painful and just plain uncomfortable.
After an initial consult with Sae Smyrl, he worked on my scar to find places where the underlying tissue (I don't know the medical terminology) was tight, bunched up, etc. and most likely causing my pain. He also gave me a lesson on how I can treat myself. The nerve damage in that area prevents me from being able to identify what sort of "touch" I'm receiving . With the help of a hand mirror I was able to watch exactly what he was doing and learn how to help myself to help make this area more supple and flexible.
S. Smyrl also demonstrated, (and had me practice) various sleeping positions. I didn't expect this! It was an enormous help, since I didn't opt for reconstructive surgery, I am, essentially breast-less on my left side, at night, when not wearing my prosthesis. This imbalance has really wrecked my lower back and sleeping patterns.
The reason why I'm writing this review is because I have been to doctors about this post surgery issue and received pain pills, anti-inflammatory drugs plus sleeping pills. The side effects have not been fun and just added to my stress. I was also advised (again) by the doctors to get reconstructive surgery, which I really don't want (it's never a done deal, you have to keep going back every few years to have it redone/ more surgery, to match your healthy breast, or lop off your healthy one to match the reconstructed one). All this to just manage a scar that has left me significantly uncomfortable. By contrast; The body work, tips, instruction and insight that I received from this physical therapist has made an enormous difference with just one session.
The icing on the cake is his bedside manner. He is kind, patient and has a wealth of information and techniques. I felt very comfortable with him. I haven't had to reach for the pills since. I think I'll be able to ditch them soon, thanks to him.
Oh yea, best of all: he does house calls. read more