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Alex Bloom MSW said: ↑

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Hi Stephen,

I'm glad to hear you're feeling confident in your diagnosis as this is a crucial component to overcoming you pain. Let me begin by addressing your stretching question. This is something I run into a lot and many people ask a variation of this question, basically "even if I know it's not physical, can I partake in physical activities that can let me feel better?" People have different approaches to this issue and I don't want to claim that I have the ultimate answer, but my sense is that if you coming from the right place, you can stretch etc., if it makes you feel good. By the "right place" I mean that you truly understand that your symptoms are not structural, that you aren't basing your recovery on the "physical solutions" (stretching) or becoming dependent on them, and that you aren't punishing yourself by withholding something you want to do. In other words. If you start feeling like stretching is the only thing that will make you feel better, then it's time to evaluate your relationship to the structural component. If you're stretching as part of an overall physical fitness regimen that lets you feel good, go for it.

The timeline question of "how long will this take" is a very tough one. Honestly, it's different for everyone and depends on their process. What I will say is that you are in a good position to begin to see shifts in your symptoms based on your opening up to the TMS concepts and engaging with your symptoms from a non-structural perspective. Furthermore, working with a councilor or coach can be a really effective step to take. I would recommend working with someone who is familiar with TMS and the recovery process so that the emotional work you engage in can be done in the context of working through your physical symptoms.

Any advice or information provided here does not and is not intended to be and should not be taken to constitute specific professional or psychological advice given to any group or individual. This general advice is provided with the guidance that any person who believes that they may be suffering from any medical, psychological, or mindbody condition should seek professional advice from a qualified, registered/licensed physician and/or psychotherapist who has the opportunity to meet with the patient, take a history, possibly examine the patient, review medical and/or mental health records, and provide specific advice and/or treatment based on their experience diagnosing and treating that condition or range of conditions. No general advice provided here should be taken to replace or in any way contradict advice provided by a qualified, registered/licensed physician and/or psychotherapist who has the opportunity to meet with the patient, take a history, possibly examine the patient, review medical and/or mental health records, and provide specific advice and/or treatment based on their experience diagnosing and treating that condition or range of conditions.

The general advice and information provided in this format is for informational purposes only and cannot serve as a way to screen for, identify, or diagnose depression, anxiety, or other psychological conditions. If you feel you may be suffering from any of these conditions please contact a licensed mental health practitioner for an in-person consultation.

Questions may be edited for brevity and/or readability.

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Thanks Alex, Fred and Walt that's great advice

Stephen

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