Below is my story with TMJ and how Felice helped me heal:…read more
Ten years ago I was diagnosed with TMJD since then I have seen over 30 "specialists" in the "normal" (and recognized) medical community. I have seen multiple orthodontists, chiropractors, dentists, surgeons, acupuncturists, MDs, and other doctors (across the nation) who did not know how to help me, who tried to help me, or wouldn't admit that my case was beyond their abilities. I have spent tens of thousands of dollars to find a cure or a temporary aid for my TMJD. I have worn splints, had many tests, looked into surgery, and tried a variety of so-called treatments. None cured. One helped, but only temporarily. Each new doctor I saw brought on depression and anxiety. I am a strong person, but after nearly ten years I was fed up and had nearly given up. It was especially horrific since I am only 25 years of age, yet I felt like I was 90 years old. My daily quality of life was horrendous, and I was desperate for anything to help.
I came to Felice because my appliance (splint) broke, my bite become even more off-center, and all my symptoms came back. I was in my first year teaching, working 90+ hours per week, and having my symptoms return was the last thing I needed. A friend of my family recommended Craniosacral Therapy to my parents to help my TMJ. My parents left Felice a voicemail to see if she knew of anyone to fix it. Felice called them back to make sure I was okay and to give help how to solve my broken appliance. She called back with concern for me as a person, not to convince them to have me see her. This is what was different from other doctors I had seen - she actually cared.
My first session with Felice seemed like she wasn't doing anything. I have had chiropractic treatments before where you can tell what they are doing, but Felice is barely touching your body. I remember thinking: "well this was another waste of money" (sorry Felice). I was wrong. When I stood up after the first hour, I felt better. The effects of the session lasted for nearly the next week; three times longer than any other physical therapy or chiropractor I saw. So I continued going.
I was still wearing a splint 24/7 during my first nine months of treatment. I was so dependent on it that during a 30-minute dental cleaning ALL my symptoms would return (headaches, backpain, jaw clicking, numb hands/feet, poor thinking, anxiety, foggy memory). Nine months into treatment (and two days after that dental cleaning), when my splint broke again, Felice suggested working on moving my teeth. I agreed as I was fed up. After this session, my bite had changed. I could finally touch the left side of my teeth together (I had an "open" bite on the left side before). After that session, I didn't wear my splints. I didn't need to anymore. For the next six months, she continued working on my teeth and body, helping it to heal. Currently (August 2012), my bite is stable WITHOUT A SPLINT and I no longer have headaches or any of my other symptoms (after 2.5 years of wearing it). My hips feel level, I feel more limber and flexible, I'm emotionally/mentally stable, and my overall quality of life is high.
I have since moved from Cambridge, but I would never have been in a position to make this decision without Felice's therapy. I highly recommend her to anyone who needs immediate relief from a chronic condition, as I did. She is someone I trust for my health and overall well-being, and I cannot say that about many medical professionals. Her therapy is considered alternative and may seem strange, but try it.
Felice is caring, honest, and an expert in what she does. She is passionate about her work and about helping her patients. I cannot recommend her enough; she has truly given me the gift of living pain free. I would not be where I am without her and cannot thank her enough. If you would like to speak to me regarding my story or Felice as a Craniosacral Therapist, please feel free to ask her for my number or email, and I'd be happy to chat with you.
I sincerely hope that my story helps others to not give up helps them to keep searching for the right help and deciding if Felice is the right therapist for you.
Kind regards,
Alissa