Almost every day, we receive testimonials of gratitude from our patients and their families whose lives have been touched by RECOUP. We thank them for taking the time to praise our staff for the extraordinary care they received, for telling us about their recovery, which we in turn share with you here.
 
We appreciate the continued support of all our patients and hope that these success stories will inspire others who may be suffering needlessly or receiving suboptimal medical care, to seek effective treatment. Perhaps one day your success story will be published on this page.
   
Please This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it   your recovery stories if you wish to share it with others.
 

• The success stories have kept steadily mounting up over the years and the dominant theme is that of RECOUP’s consistently high treatment standards till date. A significant number of success stories are from patients who have received treatment in 2008 and 2009, indicating that RECOUP’s success rate has kept getting better and better with time because of ongoing research, development of new treatment methods and protocols, and training of its staff.
• The success stories are not confined to or dependent on a handful of therapists. Most of RECOUP’s therapists have obtained excellent results over the years. This is a reflection of RECOUP’s intensive training and professional development programme, since 2002. Therapists who fail to meet RECOUP’s academic and clinical standards in spite of the intensive training opportunities do not continue working at RECOUP.
•  Since its inception in 2002, RECOUP has never spent a single paisa on marketing and publicity and over 90% of its patients reach it from word of mouth publicity and the remainder after seeing the web site or reading an independent article about it. The number of patients being treated at RECOUP has been growing at a steady rate of over 100% per year, since 2002.
• Prospective patients are welcome to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it   if they wish to communicate with the recovered patients whose success stories are posted here.
  

All these Overseas Patients had chronic and the most advanced form of RSI (stage 3) possible. Most also had severe complications like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and were unable to use their hands for periods ranging from several months to years. Most had previously received no specific diagnosis and had failed treatment in their respective countries.

Sunil, Washington DC, USA, October 21, 2009

I visited your clinic in Hyderabad last week and was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I underwent two sessions of myotherapy  while I was there. The therapist was really good and thorough both with the treatment and in explaining the intricacies of various muscles involved. I hope to come back for a longer treatment session next time.

 Saanya M, Singapore, August 12, 2009

Thank you for the treatment for RSI. I was on a long break from my work and I am indebted to you for my recovery without any surgery (surgery was advised by doctors abroad). I am back to my normal full time work since 1.5 months. I have recovered almost 90%.

I also wish to express my gratitude to all those who aided my recovery at RECOUP. My special thanks to Kalimullah who has treated me of late. I appreciate the myotherapy treatment given by him, which helped in my recovery from RSI which had flared up couple of months back.
 
I wish all the best for RECOUP. I hope RECOUP shall continue to make difference in the lives of RSI prone people.

Guillaume Marceau, Canada and USA, August 4, 2009                                                                Top

(Guillaume was unable to use the computer for several years before receiving treatment at RECOUP in January-February 2009. He intends to return to RECOUP later to continue his treatment)

I pushed through the pain for a deadline, abused the cortisone injections, had to abandon coding, and then visited dozens of doctors until I found an effective therapeutic methodology. I still cannot code professionally, but with the help of Dr. Deepak in Bangalore, and his team of dedicated therapists, and their expertise of Trigger Point Therapy, most of the pain has gone and I have been able to return to some amount of computer work.

I have little or no pain most of the time. To be free from pain is a wonderful feeling. Thank you so very much for the work you have done for me.

I am continuing the routine of home treatments that I have learned at RECOUP, including yoga and stretches, hot-water baths, application of wax, and meditation.  I feel that all of these are helping.

Guillaume's Blog

Purnima Verma, Muscat, Oman, June 23, 2009                                                                          Top

After the two months of medication, physiotherapy and yoga, I am now completely rid of all the issues. The only pending issue now is the minor infrequent pain in knees which I believe would have been cured if I could have stayed on for another week or so as advised by you. However, I believe that in due time it will improve with the medication and exercises, as prescribed by you.
 
I would also like to take this opportunity to specifically mention Aiman and Divya. They did the various physiotherapy sessions for me. I would like to say that my situation today could not have been accomplished, but for their sincerity, perseverance, care and concern for the patient.
 
Once again, thank you very much all three of you. After seeing my and my daughter’s treatment and the results I can confidently say that it will be very rare for someone to turn back from your door without getting cured.

Nicola, London, UK, April 30, 2009                                                                                                     Top
(Visited RECOUP from January 2008 to April 2008 and was unable to work for several months prior to visiting RECOUP)
 

I remain relatively pain free and can go about my day to day activities with ease without thinking about what may cause me pain. The muscle spasm in my neck does flare up from time to time but I do not have the referred pain in my shoulders and arm. I do my stretches and exercises just about every morning and they set me up for the day.

I have set up my own company now. I design and deliver bespoke learning/ team development interventions which equip individuals and teams with skills to solve complex issues facing business today. I have a couple of blue chip clients and things are going well. I'm now setting the business up on an International footing.

I continue to recommend RECOUP and have good health and consider my time with you all in India a turning point in my life. Thank you.

Ross, London, UK, April 28, 2009                                                                                                    Top
(Ross had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: one of the most severe cases of RSI known. He was completely unable to work prior to visiting RECOUP)
 

In terms of RSI recovery, I would say I am at 95%. I still get pain in the problem muscle on the inside of my right shoulder blade, near the spine. That can give me some trouble, but thankfully the constant pain is gone and it is only an occasional mild flare up. I also get occasional pain in the inside of my right wrist if I have over done things such as DIY or playing sport. However, again the pain is not constant and flare ups only last a few days if I have been over exerting my wrist.

I have been rock climbing again and was in Egypt last March when I was able to climb far harder than ever before. I did a lot of training and my body held up really well. I'm most happy about this because I think climbing is one of the most punishing activities for tendons and back muscles.

Since RECOUP, I have returned to work full time (as a software developer) and have been able to manage my symptoms so that they cause me no problems at all. Main changes were to get a very nice seat with head rest, and a laptop style keyboard with minimal key travel.

So I really feel like life is back on track! I am grateful to you and all your staff for helping me to reach this state.

Nandini N, USA, February 18, 2009                                                                                               Top

I have a good improvement after taking the therapy for CRPS, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Multidirectional Shoulder Instability, compared to the constant, intense pain I suffered earlier. The therapists are kind, friendly and informative.
 

Ashutosh Naik, USA, November 14, 2008 

I've your patient for Myofascial Syndrome (RSI) since Oct 2006. I've been in the USA since last 2 years and came back for a short visit to Bangalore for 1 week official visit. Through the website I was able to find the contact no. of Jeena, who is one of the lead therapists in RECOUP.
 
Jeena has helped taking few therapy sessions trying to address the TrPs in my muscles. She was very knowledgeable and her subject expertise really helped me. For the past 4 days, I've been under treatment with her and it has really alleviated my muscular pain in many areas. She has also taught me the ergonomics, sitting posture, and other strengthening exercises.
 
I really appreciate RECOUP's team's efforts and subject knowledge in this area esp. Jeena. She is great!!
 
Thanks!

Ingela T Flatin, Norway, July 8, 2008                                                                                          Top

(Visited April to June 2008 for RSI treatment and November to December 2008 for Alexander Lessons. She was unable to work prior to visiting RECOUP)

I had been having problems with my arms and hands for nearly four years when I found out about RECOUP and Dr. Sharan via articles I found on the internet. Up until then I had gone to several physical therapists, an osteopath, a naprapath and an acupuncturist. Everybody seemed to find one piece of the puzzle, but it was only when I came to RECOUP that the whole picture (TOS) was put together and thus could be treated in a holistic manner. I spent a little more than two months in Bangalore (April to June 2008) and during that time I went from having constant, diffuse pain in my arms to being nearly pain free and quite a bit stronger than when I arrived. The programme at RECOUP has several strengths: Firstly, the intensive nature of the treatment program with several treatments per day (on the longest days I had 8 therapy sessions). Secondly, the interdisciplinary approach to the treatment. The massage therapy (trigger point and myofascial release) makes up the major part of the treatment, but a vital additional part is the yoga therapy (with stress management which includes an emphasis on the importance of proper breathing), the cognitive-behavioral therapy and the fitness sessions. There are also sessions on ergonomics and nutrition. As musculoskeletal problems often are complex, this approach can help the patients deal with the underlying causes in a sustainable manner. And lastly; the therapists and staff are exceptionally skilled, warm and enthusiastic. It was a joy to be there. I have never before been in contact with an organization filled with so much positive energy. It was a fantastic experience, and I recommend anybody with similar problems to go to Bangalore and experience for themselves.

I am doing quite well and doing my exercises every day. I am now doing 3x10 push-ups from my toes. Not bad, uh? My parents were so happy to see me strong and happy again.

I really enjoyed my stay at RECOUP and was even sad to leave! I wish I could have stayed for half a year - just to soak up the positive atmosphere. I think you have managed to create an organisation where people work very well together. I am impressed. If I were a physical therapist I would surely join you and even help expand the network to Europe. I think your work is so important and I don't think we have anything similar in Europe. We really need a center like yours.

Devin, Thailand, February 20, 2008                                                                                            Top

Regarding Myofascial Pain, I have very, very little pain left. Just a few isolated spots sir. Regardless of this, I have to keep a strict regimen of stretching and exercise to prevent it from flaring up.
 
I would say that the persistence in all faculties of treatment brought me to this state of goodness. In this regard, I want to thank you and your team for helping me through this tough episode. I can do everything now.
 
Thanks, best regards, and god bless you

Jonathan, St Andrews, UK, February 8, 2008                                                                                     Top

Having spent many months searching for anything that would help treat my RSI which was severely limiting what I could do, I finally came across RECOUP in Bangalore.  After deliberating over whether to travel to India, I decided to give it a go and am very glad that I did.  The treatment was effective and there was a definite improvement over the 6 weeks I spent there.  I was unable to stay for as long as I liked and am not completely cured; however, I am hoping that I am now at a stage whereby things will continue to improve. If not, I will certainly be returning to RECOUP.

Saravanan, San Francisco, USA, February 6, 2008                                                                           Top
 

My hand pain is on and off depending on my workload. I am treating trigger points of my own, I am taking yoga classes 3 times a week and going to fitness center at least 2 times a week and doing the stretches several times in a day. I am sure the treatment I received from you is very, very helpful, it created more awareness and helps to keep me calm. I did follow up visit with couple of doctors in the US; they applaud your findings on the cause of the problem. I will be visiting you again for follow up treatment this March.
 

Johannes, Zurich, Switzerland, January 21, 2008                                                                            Top

Since my return from Bangalore at the end of July 2007, my RSI has continually improved for about three months. At that time I was doing stretching and strengthening exercises on a daily basis.

My symptoms have not gone away completely, but I have very good days and days which are worse. I am still doing the stretches - some stretches every day and the complete program once a week. Just hope that I'll not get worse when the workload gets heavier.

I would like to thank you again for your help and support.

Sumeet, London, UK, January 16, 2008                                                                                              Top

My recovery has been fine. I have some build up of tension/trigger points every now and then, but find that a simple massage releases that. I strongly believe your diagnosis/explanation for my RSI was correct, and that the methods/techniques you use did me a world of good. Your therapists are also excellent. I am now 90% fine - back at work typing over 10 hrs per day

Edicia, London, UK and California, USA, December 11, 2007                                                        Top

I am sending you a picture of me doing a handstand. I have continued with my exercise and I feel great. I am now able to sit on the ball for a long time!! I was going to the gym and a trainer was so impressed with my balance! I told him I was trained in India.

The therapists are very professional, helpful and friendly. It has been a pleasure meeting them. Thank you for your help

Elizabeth, London, UK, November 5, 2007                                                                                        Top
 

It is almost a week since I left Bangalore, where I have spent almost 3 months to recover from my RSI.
Although I have not recovered from my illness, because as you mentioned, my condition was severe, I would like to thank you for your dedication and effort for trying methods of treatment to improve my condition. I would also like to extend my most sincere thanks to a few therapists who took care of me.

As you well know, I was treated by different physiotherapists following your advice on the prescriptions and I can say that I had sessions with almost all of them.  However, I would like to mention that I have never met such incredible, highly professional, dedicated therapists, who really work from the heart. They have always showed to be caring, concerned, attentive and very supportive during my treatment in your clinic.

I would be most than grateful if you could pass on this information to the relevant physiotherapist as I consider they should be aware of how I think about the job they are doing.

Once again thank you for everything. 

Dominique, London, UK, October 4, 2007                                                                                         Top
 

Last Saturday I went to a presentation about this new report, there was a lot of things said about RSI and I had wish you could be present… the so called specialist knew so little about it. Anyway your name was mentioned again as one of the world specialist!

On a personal note I have left your clinic last April. My return to work was difficult and some symptoms reappeared, but after one month it started to get better and I am now symptoms free most of the time. I still see a physio time to time and I'm doing Alexander Technique. It has helped a lot.

I hope that your projects are moving on in Bangalore. 

Ritchie Macefield, Wolverhampton, UK, October 2, 2007                                                           Top 
 

I am an IT Worker, University Professor and an active sports person. I developed severe RSI in 2004 and underwent 2 shoulder operations, an operation on cervical spine, Prolotherapy and various types of physiotherapy in UK for over 2 years without the slightest relief.  I received treatment at RECOUP for 6 weeks for Grade 3 RSI (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, CRPS, multidirectional instability left shoulder and bil. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) and have become symptom free after the intensive treatment. I am able to type on the computer without discomfort.

Cathy Bonner, Wolverhampton, UK, October 2, 2007                                                                  Top

I sustained a Whiplash injury in 1995, developed a feeling of numbness down left hand side of face and arm, giddiness, tinnitus, disturbed sleep and was unable to lift arms past waist or to grip with hands or walk without collar. I have struggled with my symptoms in spite of numerous attempts at treatment in the UK (Prolotherapy, Chiropractic, ART, Physiotherapy, etc.). After receiving treatment at RECOUP I have no pain, giddiness, tinnitus, and am able to sleep normally.

Bennur, Zurich, Switzerland, July 12, 2007                                                                                  Top

I am now back in Switzerland. I wanted to thank you and your team for a great job. My neck pain is reduced greatly and I think, with the recommended follow up exercises, I should be pain free.
I was very impressed by the professional approach and competence of your team. The therapy sessions and ergonomics session have been awesome. All in all, I think coming to you for advice was probably the best think I did in this visit.

 The WSJ article is impressive, but then my own experience is very similar and I can very well identify with what the article says.
Thank you again.

Janna, USA, June 30, 2007                                                                                                             Top
 

I am a foreigner who was working at Microsoft, at the end of January I came to your Indiranagar office and had two consultations, then took therapy for a few months, which was like a godsend, the difference between how my body felt then and how it feels now is incredible to me.

 So I am very grateful for your help and have referred your centre to anyone who's in need. My understanding is I had some lower back pain which seemed to be from constantly sitting in the same position (after a period of inactivity) so when the therapy released the tension in those trigger points, I was fine.  I had about 11 sessions with the therapist (amazing!) and she gave me some exercises also to do.
I am still fine, no pain, no issues. I will continue to recommend RECOUP whenever possible. I even told a man on the plane coming over about it. 
    
Thanks very much 

Suzanne, London, UK, February 21, 2007                                                                                     Top
 

I wanted to send an e-mail to say thank you to yourself and your staff for helping me with my RSI. I have been back at work a month now part time, and ready to start back full time from next Monday.  So far I have mainly had pain free days, and am amazed that I have improved this quickly.  I have been very committed and go to the gym every morning before work which really helps.  I never would have got to this stage of managing my RSI though had I not been to India and been looked after by your amazing physios.
Being a woman and traveling on my own to Bangalore it was quite daunting, but they immediately made me feel at ease and gave me hope that my symptoms could be fixed!  Now that I understand the condition, I feel I can manage it and hopefully keep it at bay.   

During my stay in Bangalore, I learnt that the English have a habit of saying thank you a few too many times.  I do really mean it on this occasion though as my health is so much better and I am no longer as the physios would say: 'paining'.  Please do convey my thanks to them.  

Ross, London, UK, November 2, 2006                                                                                            Top

 I'm working on a website of my own to share my story... I think it is important to show that recovery is possible, even from a serious case as I consider mine to have been. I am now up to 15 hours a week of work.

Jonathan Pither, London, UK, October 10, 2006                                                                          Top

 About a year ago, around September-October time 2005, I was doing a weekly drive, from Milton Keynes to Derbyshire. It was weekly because we lived in Derbyshire at the weekends, and around the London area during the week. Part of a weekly commute thing. Whilst rambling on to my partner, I began to notice a curious sensation in my right hand, a couple of the fingers to be more precise. It’s difficult to explain, but was kind of a tingling feeling, verging on a very dull throb. It’s important, I believe, to note that there was no sharp pain involved, and I as said, at the time I deemed it curious, nothing more. This was possibly my first mistake since having the condition.

This sensation came and went, but never went away totally. It began to appear in both hands, somewhat randomly afflicting various parts (fingers, bursa, knucles). Starting to worry about what it could be, I decided to consult a doctor. The doctor did an examination of the hands, and saw no physcial symptoms (swelling, discolouration etc). Also my hands were physically strong, in good shape. Suspecting something like a form of arthritis, the doctor gave a me blood test. Of course the blood test came back negative on the various things looked for. Going back to doctor (a different one) a month later, this particular doctor mentioned something could be up with my neck, in the way of impacting the nerves around this area sending pain down to my hands and fingers. Looking back now, I am in agreement to some extent with this tentative diagnosis. In this particular consultation, the doctor suggested that since Christmas was approaching, I should use my 2 1/2 week planned holiday to relax. When the new year was in, if the pain was still present, I should return to the doctor.

As it happens I had a stressful Christmas. In a typical Pithering About fashion, I overcommitted to my workload, and cooked various meals such as Turkey, Goose etc. I also invited various family round for the big day, and produced an abundance of food. By the end of the festive period I was exhausted. I’d probably exercised my hands through cooking and using the computer more so than I would at work. My partner was nervously anticipating a new job, which did not give a positive contribution to the kind relaxing holiday ambience I had in mind. My ‘aches and pains’, as I had come to call them, had not dissipated. Actually, the last 3-4 days of the break I did put my feet up and veg out on the sofa. By the fourth day of this relaxing climax, I noticed I had a pain free day. I guess, looking back, this was my first strong indicator that my condition was stress/work related.

Well, time moved on. Around february I had to admit to myself that the pain had spread to my wrists. It had progressed from the strange throbbing sensation to the occasional dull burning, and a occasional sharp pains. It’s important to note, that in no way had my pains reduced. I started to worry that my condition was on an upward curve. I decided on a three pronged attack. I bought wrist support pads, mouse support pads, booked in to see a chiropractor, and would demand some kind of anti-inflammatory medication from the doctor.
The doctor (another different one - jesh), gave me a prescription for Ibuprofen. This did not really help, although I can not hand on heart say I medicated myself as per instructed. After a couple of weeks I gave up on this. The supports for my mouse and keyboards did not help either - I’ll have more to say about this later. The chiropractor is an interesting one. Around this time in my life, a few things changed. Work had significantly adopted ‘pair-programming’, a software development technique where two developers sit at the same keyboard and work on the same problem. This resulted in me spending less time hammering away at the keys. Also I purchased a laptop stand which raised the monitor eye-level easing the pain on my neck. I believe that for six months or so, I kept this condition relatively contained.

Unfortunately, having a few things change at the same time does not allow me to conclusively say whether the chiropractor helped. She would spend 15 minutes every week mobilising my wrists and fingers, and doing some occasional dry needling (a form of acu-puncture). It was however a failure by her terms, that the pain would go away completely, or at least be diminshed. The therapy was also expensive, costing my 35 pounds for 15 mins. One part of me thought back then, and definitely thinks now ‘come on! how much can really be achieved in 15 mins!’.

 Anyhow, the pain was relatively contained. I was working around 10 hours a day, and even with pair-programming, doing a significant amount of keyboard work. I was a technical team leader on the project, and through a dog-headed mentality would often not work in a pair, or hammer away through lunch and evenings to meet targets. I would still have occasional pain-free days, and sometimes, I would simply forget about the condition and not pay it much attention for a week or so at a time. I had not told anyone at work, and I do not believe the condition was noticeable.

So around March 2006 I had another positive (or maybe, we’ll get on to this) lifestyle change. I was driving an hour each way every day, and after chatting through this RSI problem with my partner, we decided to move closer to work, meaning now I was much closer. Actually, what sounds like a good change, may have not been at all. Now I did 4 drives per day, 2 of which were to take my partner to the station and back. Because we were closer to my work, and I had to wait to pick my partner up from the station, I actually worked longer each day, perhaps doing around 11 hours. This may have cancelled out any positive effect the lack of long driving sessions would have.
Anyhow, around May-June my pains increased. The dull burning would occupy the hands more and wrists. I decided to see my doctor (yet again a new one). This time I asked to be put forward to a rhuematoid specialist. I was thinking more and more I had something like Rhuematoid Athritis and wanted to rule it out. Before seeing the specialist, I had another blood test which came back negative. Seeing the specialist through private health care was initially a wonderful experience. After seeing doctors for around 6 or so months and getting nothing but blood tests, I found I could have things like x-rays, ultrasounds and possibly an MRI. So I got stuck in, I had an x-ray of the hands and wrists, which showed nothing, and an ultrasound of the hands and wrists which also showed nothing. I had a couple more blood tests which showed nothing. The doctor prescribed my Dicloflenax, an anti-inflammatory which also did close to… nothing. It did do something though, I had very small pains in my right shoulder and in both elbows. I believe the Dicloflexan (which I took in a more disciplined fashion than the ibuprofen), reduced the generalized pain and made it much more focussed in the hands only. I was back to having just ‘hand pain’.

 The disappointing thing about the specialist was that after three minutes of examination diagnosed me with joint-hypermobility. She became convinced, and at the time convinced me, that this was my problem. In fact she was sure that just by me knowing I had this problem, it would automatically go away. It did not. And I’ve seen people with joint hypermobility. Their joints are a lot more mobile than mine. Maybe I do have this condition, but in my mind it’s similar to physcological stress: it’s a contributing factor to a vicious cycle, not a root cause.

So I became a little downbeat. I had cancelled further appointments with my chiropractor on the specialist’s advice, and so at this time
I was receiving no treatment, and was consulting with no one that I believed actually understood what my problem was. On the positive side, my aches and pains were not that bad, certainly not to the point it was career threatening. On the negative side, the condition could still ramp up, and I was a million miles away from understanding how to make it go away.

Around this time I was unexpectedly made redundant. My company has ceased to exist due to the government changing laws. Well, hey, it's not all bad because I got a fantastic job with a fantastic company. I think it's fair to say that around this time my 'aches and pains' took more of a back seat. We were moving house also. So, I really had about two months off work. During this time though, my RSI did not go away. In fact because only a small portion of our new house was usuable, the ergonomics of my make-do workstation probably made my RSI worse.

Since I had time on my side, seeing as I'd moved house and arranged a new job, I decided to have another three-pronged attack on my condition. I bought wrists-braces (which did no good), had a massage with a so-called RSI specialist in London (did no good), and I attended a RSI support group in London for the first time. The support group was an interesting experience. Meeting in the upstairs of a typical London pub, they are an upbeat and extremely pleasant bunch of people, striving to share information on what might help, whilst also offering support to each other. Some of the people there had the condition in a form far more progressed than my own, and it was particularly sad for me to see professionals in the same trade as I out of work. It served as a warning to myself about what could happen if my condition continued to deteriorate. Armed with more knowledge, and a connection to other sufferers, I was perhaps given more of a kick to find ways of helping myself. The next day I bought two books: It's not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Dr Pascarelli Complete guide to RSI. I would recommend to anyone interested in RSI to pick them up. I certainly read them and thought ‘This is what I have!’.

Around this time, after visitng the support group, luck (or perhaps a divine intervention), intervened. My new company ThoughtWorks sent me to India for a 2 week induction process. The course was to be held in Bangalore. Bangalore rang a bell, and the reason it did was because through my RSI research, and contact with the London support group, I had heard of an RSI specialist centre in that very city: Recoup. As soon as I could I arranged a consultation with Dr Deepak Sharan to coincide with my visit to India. When I got out to India, I visited him, and the rest of this rather long blog entry will focus on my treatment out there.

So the first thing I must write about was finding the place. It took about an hour to get to the centre, through some of the most… different… traffic conditions I had ever seen. Driving through Bangalore on a rickshaw at first terrified the life out of me, but I got used to it. The one thing that challenged my supposed cool composure was that the driver would frequently haul the vehicle on the sidewalk/pavement/edge of road and ask people where my destination was. Sometimes the driver would get plain lost, and sometimes, if the meter was running, the driver would purposely take me on an unsolicited tour of his city, which at times when I was very late, was most unwelcome. I don’t mean to sound negative. When not travelling to and from this clinic I had a great time with my colleagues on the rickshaws, and found them priced extremely cheaply (to foreign visitors) and of a huge convenience. After a couple of trips to the clinic, and after some long draining days, I decided to pay a driver to take me to and from the clinic in a car and to wait outside. A slight expense yes, but it made all the difference.

 The first consultation with Dr Deepak Sharan uplifted me. He listened to my story, and what I found emphatically pleasing was that instead of diving in with a diagnosis after a couple of seconds, and pronouncing with a broad grin that after a quick wonder-treatment all would be well with myself and the world, he instead sat back, rubbed his chin and appeared to think. Then he gave me a hands on examination. He analysed ‘trigger points’ on my neck, shoulders, chest, wrists, and hands. He said he thought I had Thoratic Outlet Syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome (both together is double crush syndrome), and possibly I have RSD. In my undeveloped, simplistic understanding, I thought this to mean that my nerves, running somewhat of a jauntlet throught all the muscle, bones and tendons from my neck to my hands had become pressed upon at certain places called ‘trigger points’. These nerves may have become compressed around my neck, which kick started a cycle of damage, leading to the nerves becoming compressed at the elbow, which in turn increased the problems. The therapy he said I needed would be Myotherapy of the trigger points, soft tissue and articular mobilisation and lessons on stretches etc. I would need as many sessions as I could possibly cram into my stay in Bangalore. Also, I told the doctor I wanted an MRI, which the doctor said was unnecessary, but if I was willing it may be helpful in ruling out other conditions.

 So, I had lots of therapy on my various trigger points, releasing them. I had lots of mobilisation treatment, of the hands, wrists, elbows and neck. I have also had my nerves mobilised and gently massaged. I still felt pain in my hands after a week, so we proceeded with ultrasound treatment to treat the inflammation, and apply hot wax to heat up the tissue, to reach the same aim. Amongst this, I learnt about applying ‘contrast baths’, where you submerge your hands in hot water (hot as you can bear), before transferring them to cold water, and then repeating this process a few times. While you hands are submerged, if you can exercise them, for instance by wringing a towel, this helps the therapy. I also picked up some anti-inflammatory cream to put on my hands if they ache. Towards the end of the course, I practised stretches, nerve glides, and had a work-station ergonomic lesson.

What was it like? Well treatment of the trigger points was measurable. At the start of the course, light pressure on these points gave me pain, towards the end, the pain was much reduced. The pressure applied to these points increased as the course progressed. Two hours or more of therapy each night was draining, and I give much credit to the practicioners. They were very professional, and extremely pleasant guys. They gave me practical advice such as not using wrist rests for the keyboard and mouse. Now I’ve got my keyboard on my lap and am trying to maintain a decent posture. I’m currently trialling some software RSI Warrior - to help with this.

I had the MRI done of the cervical spine (my neck). It did not show anything of interest, though the experience was fascinating and the quality of the scan results was brilliant. I’m glad I had the MRI done, as it’s something to tick off the list, and now I won’t spend huge amounts of time in the UK trying to get one. Cost wise, the treatment was about 100 UK pounds a week. The MRI was 80. I guess you can say all in all I spent about 300-350 on everything, including travel costs. Now (belatedly) I’ll chat about where I am now, and whether all this time and effort was worth it.

 Yes I think it was. When I got home, I had a pain free day for the first time in months, and now generally I have much reduced pain in the hands, wrists, elbows. I’m close to being ‘pain free’. In the short term, my trip to Recoup and Bangalore made a big difference. Time will tell if I can convert the short term to the long term. I would like to thank Dr Deepak Sharan, Asif and Ranjith for the excellent care I received.
Now I’m stretching often and using contrast baths. I’m taking each day as it comes, but I feel more in touch with my body. I know when to take breaks and when to stretch. I feel my posture and know how to control it. I’m drinking more water to keep the insides of my
arms moisturised. I believe and I hope very much, that I’ve levelled off the upward curve of my RSI progression. I will continue to do my research, look at other’s experiences and carrying on attending the London RSI support group. I’ll blog any findings I think I ought to share. I want to concentrate now on looking after myself, and bringing the curve down. I’ll still be 100% effective at work as always, as it’s in my personality. I will though give more thought to, and have a slightly different perspective on the saying ‘hard work never hurt anybody’. Lazy workers do not get RSI, it’s an spiralling epidemic hitting those who have pushed themselves too far.
 

Shikharesh, Singapore, October 4, 2006                                                                                         Top

 I went to see you regarding my back problem in Sept 2006 and got some therapy sessions done. It was a tremendous help - it reinstated my confidence and also helped me get back quickly into the work - in the right way that I could handle.
 

Dr. Padmashree CG Rida, Singapore, June 1, 2004                                                                    Top

 I am a molecular biologist and my profession requires extensive use of micropipettes. All operations involving the micropipettes are carried out mainly using the thumb on the right hand with the other fingers of the right hand being used only for gripping the instrument. I was in the final year of my PhD in late 2001 when I began feeling slight pain at the base of the thumb on the right hand extending up to the wrist. This pain was initially mild and only noticeable on days when I was working long hours at a stretch using the micropipette. Usually the pain was relieved by rest alone and I did not use any medication particularly since I was pregnant at that time.

 I continued working through my pregnancy and the pain remained at the same level, coming and going depending on the usage of the thumb. Following delivery of my child in July 2002, I found that even though I was on maternity leave and not using the pipette, the pain was persisting and increasing somewhat perhaps because of handling the baby. In the months that followed, the pain became worse and more persistent; a swelling was also visible at the base of the thumb. I still did not take any medication since I was breastfeeding. When my baby was almost a year old, one night the pain became unbearable and I woke up to find the entire thumb up to the wrist badly inflamed, blue in color and the pain was excruciating. I had to rush to the hospital where the right hand was immediately supported with a splint and I was given anti-inflammatory medication. I had to wear the splint at all times for almost 8 weeks until the swelling had subsided. But the pain persisted and I was given steroid injections (2 rounds a month apart and each time at 3 sites). While these injections helped to bring down the swelling, the pain remained and it became virtually impossible to use the right thumb even to tear a piece of chappathi (at one stage). Since I am right handed, it was terribly incapacitating and also demoralizing considering how important the thumb was to my professional career.

It was at this stage that I traveled to Bangalore in Nov. 2003 and was referred to Dr. Deepak Sharan by my brother-in-law. Dr. Sharan examined the right hand in great detail and explained that I was suffering from a condition known as RSI and recommended intensive physiotherapy. I underwent interferential therapy, ultrasound therapy, hot wax treatment and myotherapy and at the same time, began treating both hands with contrast baths regularly at home. Within one week of this therapy, the pain had decreased dramatically. Since I was in Bangalore for a week only, I was not able to continue with my physiotherapy but I have been continuing with contrast baths as well as exercises for my right hand for the last 6 months. Although around 20% of the pain remains, I am able to do most things and I am planning to get back to work in the next couple of months. I am confident that over time, as my child grows up and I carry her less, by regularly exercising my hand, by taking frequent breaks and focusing on posture, I will be able to deal with this condition effectively on a long-term basis.

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Mahesh, Detroit, USA, March 1, 2005                                                                                             Top

I am fine and still in the US, my symptoms are under control with occasional flare-ups. As long as I do my stretching and exercises and occasional Trigger Point therapy, I am fine. My wrists are doing better. Thanks to you for the treatment, TPT and those exercises are extremely helpful.  My sister has similar problems and is being treated by you. Thanks again for helping my family out.
 

Past history

I am a 29 yrs old software engineer having wrist and neck problems for over a year now!!
 
I have spent around 10 years in this field, and was very active physically; day times on the comp, gym in the evenings, lots of physical work in the weekends like Automotive repair, painting etc.
Have a history of back problems too. Around 10 years back, was diagnosed with spina bifida, but I could manage and control the pain with proper exercise and posture.
 
May 2002 symptoms of wrist problems appeared, I also had neck problems on and off even before this, but was limited to catches, sprains, pain radiating down to forearms and would vanish in a weeks’ time.
 
I had irritating pain in the wrists, went to a Local Ortho Doc, he said it is Tendonitis and inflammation. Later the problem got worse, with my regular activities, I stopped going to the gym and gave lots of rest.
After few months there was a more severe flare up. Then took it seriously went to various doctors and hospitals...
Keyboard/Mouse usage, driving, carrying heavy items for long aggravated symptoms
 
My Symptoms :

Wrist pain, tingling, burning sensation, numbness, felt like scratching my forearms then I used to develop red patches on my forearms, hands felt heavier with blood rushing to my hands & fingers when left down while walking, morning stiffness
 
Neck pain, stiffness, severe pain on the spine, area below my cervical spine, pain beneath my shoulder blades, frequent neck sprains accompanied with radiating pain down to my right forearm and wrists.
 
Doctor 1  - Pain Killers, Diclofenac Sodium
 
Doctor 2 - Said I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.. Went through physiotherapy for 10 days...Tens, Wax packs, Ultrasound + muscle relaxants, etc . No help... Suggested surgery
 
Doctor 3 - One of the famous Ortho Surgeons - He advised for Nerve conduction study & X-ray, Reports came normal. He said nothing wrong in my wrists, you do not have CTS.
 
Doctor 4 - Neuro - Put me on Gabapentin (Anti depressant) for 2-3 weeks, Only made me drowsy. No relief, he referred to Rheumotologist.
 
Doctor 5 - Suspected Wrist TB, Got MRI done for wrist. Came out normal. Then suspected problem may be with my cervical spine. Spine X-ray revealed  deformity, so  cervical spine MRI was done,
Came out normal. Later said, I see nothing wrong physically with you, referred to another doctor for pathological analysis. Uric Acid Test, Blood Test.... All normal
 
Doctor 6 - Neuro - Nothing wrong with you, stop thinking about it, Ignore it , take these medications Rofact and Nortyptyline (anti depressant)
  
MYSELF - tried wearing Splints during work/driving - helped to continue my activities – no improvement. Took B-complex supplements, did Yoga, Hold and Cold water therapy. Slight modification in posture, replaced mouse with a trackball.
 
Since the last 6 months, I am going through a lot of depression and pain, and am unable to do my regular activities.

Ataullah, UAE, November 5, 2004                                                                                                         Top

Regarding my RSI, I feel better now. Hope I will fully recover from it soon.