Rating:  Summary: Tired of Chronic Pain? This Book is a Must-Have! Review: As a flutist and music therapy major in college, I experienced chronic wrist pain because of countless hours of practicing several instruments, typing papers, and hauling equipment for music therapy sessions. I had been to see a physical therapist during school but was not satisfied with the answer: "Quit practicing." Last year, tired of the physical and mental strain of chronic pain, I tried Kate's book in order to take control of my pain. With daily practice of the exercises illustrated in this book, I was ecstatic with the results. I could not remember the last time my hand was free of pain! Since my livelihood depends on using my hands, knowing I could stay virtually pain free with daily exercises was a huge relief. The trigger point releases and self-massage techniques in this book, help me to release the daily tightness of muscles in my hand and feel great. The range of motion exercises and stretches are quick and easy to do throughout the day. Without this book, I would still be a victim of chronic pain. I have been more than pleased to find a way to strengthen my wrists and hands to prevent further damage and pain. If you are ready to take and active role in decreasing hand and wrist pain and preventing further problems, you will not regret purchasing this book.
Rating:  Summary: Enjoying Life Again Thanks to This Book! Review: As a technical writer, I have been suffering from RSI (repetitive strain injury) for almost a year now and have been in and out of doctor's offices, physical therapy, and tried every medication out there until I ended up with an ulcer. Kate's book is the first and only thing that I have found that works! Within 15 minutes of opening her book, I was in less pain, after 2 days, I had significantly decreased my pain, and 3 weeks later, I am finally on my way to making a recovery! Before I started her program I was in so much pain that I could barely tie my shoes, let alone get on a computer to work. It seemed that everything I did caused me pain and my hands even hurt when I wasn't even using them. Now, I am back on my computer, back doing what I love, and back to enjoying life again. She has really given me my life back. Thank you, Kate. FOLLOW UP: It's been about a year since I wrote this review, and I am STILL enjoying life and have returned to working full-time as a technical writer, thanks to this book and method.
Rating:  Summary: Kate Montgomery Medicine Woman Review: I was referred by one of my friends to read Kate's book. Since I lived in San Diego, I tracked Kate down and wanted her to see me and help me. All doctors I had seen had recommended surgery for my carpal tunnel. When I saw Kate the first thing she said was "don't do the surgery, carpal tunnel can be reversed". At first, I was a little skeptical, after all I had gone to many experts and they all had recommended the same "surgery". In my desperate state and trying to find a solution, I decided to put myself in her hands. I followed everything she said in her book. After a few sessions with her and doing the exercises, my hands began recovering the strength and I was beginning to perform normal things like cooking, lifting heavy objects, and using my computer again without so much pain. I did not have to quit my job and regained all hopes to recover without surgery. Two years later, my hands have recovered. Thanks Kate for being that wonderful medicine woman you are!!!!
Rating:  Summary: Simple, effective remedy Review: I would just like to add my endorsement to the many that you have already received. I have been living with borderline carpel tunnel syndrone for almost 20 years. I have talked to a surgeon, had the test and elected to manage it myself with night time splints and Vitamin B. However, recently, heavy gardening (which I love) had driven me to the point of almost continual numbness and tingling in both hands. Since my income depends on the painting that I do and since my husband and I are about to start building a house, I had begun to consider surgery again when I ran into this book accidently at the library. Thank goodness for that bit of good luck! I started the massage immediately and miraculously have been free of the numbness and tingling ever since.....about a month now....I am ordering the sports balm and will pass along word on the book and method to any one who needs it. ...........Linda Croxson
Rating:  Summary: This book is a must if you have wrist problems Review: I've been playing drums for 10 years and using a computer intensively for the last 4 years for both study and work. About 12 months ago i decided i hadn't been practising drums enough and started to play again like i had before i started using computers - BOOM!!! Within 2 weeks i realised the occaissional pain i felt in my right wrist and hand after a long day on the computer wasn't the same as sore legs after going jogging. I've had semi-permanent pain in my right wrist and hand ever since and i've been extremely depressed and freaked out about it. I stopped playing drums all together and started to use my left hand for essential computer mouse use (ie work only). I thought eventually my left hand would get problems and i'd have lost playing music and my career as a web designer. Recently i discovered Kate Montgomery's book, and after reading it i feel there's hope i'll be able to heal myself by following her program. One day i'll be able to play drums again like i could before, and i'll still be able to use a computer to earn my living. Kate's book teaches you about how your arms, wrist and hands work, what causes wrist and hand pain, and how you can restore them after RSI related damage. The illustrations are excellent, and i feel confident i am doing the exercises correctly. Once i recover (i now believe i can) i will use Kate's preventative program to keep my wrists and hands healthy so i can play drums all my life. If you use your hands to earn your living and/or to do the things in your life that you love then Kate's book is a must. Kate is the Yoda of healthy hands!
Rating:  Summary: Consider this alternative before electing surgery Review: If you want to avoid painfull and expensive surgery, read this book first and apply its principles. These are simple routines and self therapy and are all about taking care of your body and reversing the damage already done. Besides using this book, you should also avial yourself of the internet and do some research to educate yourself. I feel that this book is an excellant starting poing.
Rating:  Summary: ended my pain Review: Suffering from wrist pain that would not allow me to pick up anything heavy and sent me wretching with pain when I simply rotated my wrist at a dance class. I suffered for about four months and it seemed to be getting worse not better. Then I researched the web and found a carpal tunnel chat line. Person after person reported surgery that didn't work at all or pain that came back after six months or a year. 3 people used Kate Montgomery's method and all reported success. I purchased the book. I started working the suggested program and had relief in about a week. I was consistant with the program for several weeks. The pain totally went away. I still occasionally do some of the exercises. I have been pain free for over 18 months, now. Please try this before surgery. It worked for me!
Rating:  Summary: Concise and to the point Review: The author brings a simple concept to light in a provocative way. She covers the basics of staying healthy and preventing upper extremity injury through a process of techniques. There is an interesting section on correct breathing - it's a concept that I hadn't thought of before, but can see how this is helping people. (I work for an insurance company, and help people with workers'compensation injuries.) I've used the techniques found in this book on many people, and have had wonderful success helping people recover from wrist and upper extremity injuries.
Rating:  Summary: The program reduced my pain significantly Review: The reason I give this book 4 stars, and not 5, is very few things are absolutely perfect to me. I am a long time computer user and had intense pain in fingers, hands, forearms, upper arms, and to shoulders. I reviewed 7 or 8 books on RSI and Carpal Tunnel. Techiques in this book include actions that are "manageable" to be and require 15-20 minutes. Other books were suggesting a complete life makeover. I used these techniques and my pain was 75% gone and I am able to work limited hours on the computer. I hope to have full recovery soon. I don't have health insurance and I didn't (have to) go to any doctor. So special thanks for this book.
Rating:  Summary: VERY INFORMATIVE Review: This book explains everything there is to know about repetitive injuries and how you can help yourself back to pain-free life. The text is clear and easy to read without eye strain, has plenty of illustrations, list of resources and a large index. I highly recommend it!
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