Information about RECOUP by people who have actually been there
Dr Sarno and TMS
TMS, or Tension Myoneural (previously Myositis) Syndrome, is a term used for musculoskeletal or physical disorders which are psychologically or emotionally induced.
TMS was 'discovered' by Dr John Sarno, a professor of rehabilitation medicine at the New York University School of Medicine, who has been specialising in back and neck disorders for over 30 years. Dr Sarno believes that pain conditions such as RSI, Fibromyalgia and back pain, as well as stress related illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and migraines are created by the mind to distract us from having to face unacceptable repressed emotions.
The treatment protocol for TMS includes education, writing about emotional issues and resumption of a normal lifestyle. For patients who do not recover quickly, the protocol also includes support groups and/or psychotherapy.
TMS Resources
If you are interested in an alternative approach to RSI, the first thing to do is probably to read some of the Sarno success stories to inspire you. These stories are well known among the TMS community and a great place to start as they also provide a lot of information about TMS and Dr Sarno.
RECOUP patients have also had success with Sarno. You can read stories from Debra and Stephen on this website.
Once you're convinced you'll want to read one of Dr Sarno's books. Or maybe some of the books from other doctors following his teachings. Each book is slightly different and you may find some "speak" to you more than others. Links to them on Amazon are below.
Andrew Chambers, a former RSI sufferer who found relief using Dr Sarno's methods, has put together a comprehensive website looking at the medical evidence for TMS, success stories, etc. and for an absolute wealth of information about TMS and hundreds of success stories you can visit the TMS forum. It is a fantastic place to get help and support, especially when you just feel you're not getting any better.
TMS Treatment in the UK
The Pain Relief Centre in West Yorkshire appears to be the only place you can find comprehensive TMS treatment in the UK. We haven't been there but we've talked to the woman running it and she can be found on the TMS forum and is very approachable. The centre runs a TMS Recovery Website where you will find links to practitioners who have visited Dr Sarno in order to gain a more in-depth understanding of Tension Myositis/Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) and its treatment. Two ex patients of RECOUP can recommend Dr Straiton in Brighton.
Further info
Please contact us if you have any further questions or to let us know of any resources that should be listed here.