SOMATICS: Learning how to alleviate patterns of pain and trauma

Part 20 of Martha’s Healing Journey

In my last blog about pain, I addressed how, for most people with scoliosis, pain is a constant companion. And although it may seem obvious that a compressed spine that curves and twists the body into a crooked position will cause some discomfort, it is not quite that simple.

In fact, it is well documented that a person's response to pain is heavily influenced by many individual traits, as well as the particular psychological, emotional and social factors affecting their life.

STORIES & SUCCESSESMartha CarterDecember 4, 2018Pain, Idiopathic Scoliosis, Spine, Feldenkrais, Somatics

Current Scoliosis Research

Part 17 of Martha’s Healing Journey

Summary of a recorded Skype discussion between Martha Carter and Kristen Fay Gorman

In my last blog, I detailed the most common surgical procedures used to correct scoliosis. Although advanced technology allows for successful spinal corrections with fusions and rods, I believe that most people would agree that it would be much better if we could stop scoliosis from developing at all!

STORIES & SUCCESSESMartha CarterAugust 7, 2018Scoliosis, Idiopathic Scoliosis, research

Taking the Leap into Emotional Counselling

Part 7 of Martha’s Healing Journey

Shortly after my Harrington rods were removed, I was talking to a friend about my rehabilitation regime combination of massage and gym training. As a dancer himself, he recognized the obvious benefits of these activities, but he also suggested I consider doing some emotional counselling to support my physical healing.

Harrington Rods Removed — The Healing Journey Begins

Part 5 of Martha’s Healing Journey

As I mentioned in Part 3 of this serial blog post, after the removal of my Harrington rods, I was eager to experience movement in a new way—without the restriction of metal implants. But because I still felt stiff and had muscle spasms, I decided to work with a massage therapist, Dawn, to help break up the scar tissue that had built up over the years.

Harrington Rod Surgery Then (1974) and Now

Part 4 of Martha’s Healing Journey

Before I go further in this serial blog post about my journey through Harrington rod removal surgery, the long term effects, and the after care and supportive treatments I discovered, I would like to reiterate to all readers that every person’s surgery experience is unique.

Finding a Surgeon; Proceeding With Rod Removal

Part 3 of Martha’s Healing Journey

It was not easy convincing the new surgeon to remove my Harrington rods. He was unsympathetic to most of my initial reasoning — that I didn’t “like” the foreign object in my body; that the rods “felt weird”, and like they were “vibrating”.

How the Decision to Remove her Harrington Rods Pushed Martha Carter to Deal with Buried Emotions.

Part 2 of Martha’s Healing Journey

After I made the decision to have my Harrington rods removed, I experienced a huge flood of emotions. I had a flashback to my first surgery. The doctors and my family commenting how “strong” and “brave” I was. How I never cried.

Harrington Rods Removed — How a Reiki Treatment Lead TOPS Founder Martha Carter to a New Path of Healing

Part 1 of Martha’s Healing Journey

When I was told that I had scoliosis and needed to have Harrington rod surgery at age 13, I was also told that I wouldn’t be allowed to dance anymore and that I shouldn’t do any rigorous exercise or yoga. It was 1974, and the relatively new surgical procedure was in its early years.

STORIES & SUCCESSESMartha CarterApril 3, 2017Idiopathic Scoliosis, Teens, Exercise, Back Pain, Healing

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