Having had radical neck surgery almost 40 years ago, headaches with neck, shoulder and back pain became a fairly common occurrence in my everyday life. Working on a computer and lifting books in my job only compounded the agony. A co-worker urged me to attend Terry Roach's classes after telling me the profound effect it had on his life. I found myself re-learning how to walk, sit, stand, lift, climb stairs and basically move. The changes brought about by the class instruction and exercises relieved my headaches, helped me gain strength and made me feel at least 10 years younger. I felt the classes were so important in preventing workplace injuries that Terry was asked to present two workshops for the staff at Phoenix Public Library. I recommend Terry's classes to EVERYONE - learning the correct way to move prevents repetitive injuries, allows you to minimize pain caused by incorrect postures, gives you more energy and helps you enjoy life! Regardless of age and your level of physical fitness, everyone can benefit from these classes.

Mimi Aronson

Following my knee replacement, I began therapy for my neck and knee at Body Stabilization Training. Valerie Burr was my physical therapist. Val prepared me through various modalities of hands-on work (i.e. stretching, myofascial release, range of motion and some massage). The results were extraordinary. Val developed exercises I would do both at the office three days a week and at home on the days I did not go to see her. The exercises were both challenging and helped me progress quickly. Much of my success was due to her knowledge regarding very specific work and continual progression as to the degree of difficulty. She was careful not to allow me to get into actions that caused “significant pain.” My neck was almost pain free by January. I now have mainly stiffness in the mornings. Val was so conscientious in treating both neck and knee each session. I needed to regain strength in all areas of my body. Because of the pain in both my neck and knee prior to surgery, I was not able to sustain strength or balance. Val began teaching me correct body mechanics and posture. She worked diligently to help me perform basic tasks such as walking up and down stairs. Val and Terry would work together to determine which muscles needed the most strengthening for correct body mechanics.

 

After an evaluation by both Val and Terry, I began the very real challenge of regaining strength in my legs and all over my body. When I began working in a small group with Terry Roach, I began the journey of learning and continually using correct body mechanics. Terry began the task of “unteaching” bad habits that I developed to compensated for my neck and knee pain. Her emphasis on the “core” being developed has helped me significantly to develop strength over all. She is meticulous in teaching the correct technique for each muscle she wants to work. Terry does not accept anything less than correct. Terry instructs, as Val did, not to get into positions of “pain,” as that only sets me back. She overloads muscles to develop strength and balance. I am very pleased at the improvement I have had from the excellent instruction and challenging demands of Terry.

 

She has taught correct posture and the correct way of “walking.” Daily, I concentrate on the skills and positions taught by. Her knowledge and disciplined approach has given me a tremendous lift in attitude and physical health. I am now able to walk three (3) miles each day and do so with good posture and without pain. Because of extensive athletic participation and injury, my body had become my worst enemy. Because of the impact of learning and training I am receiving from the team at Body Stabilization, I have renewed faith in my ability to enjoy life and remain “active.”

 

I have had extensive therapy on both of my shoulders, knees, elbows and back. I have never before received the excellent training that I have received from Val and Terry. Both of them are always on there feet assisting their patients and keeping a very disciplined regime. I am sincerely thankful to both of them.

Wendy Blair

 

I'm a triathlete who was struck head-on by a vehicle while riding my bicycle. As a result, I received extensive injuries: Compound exposed fractures to left tibia and fibula, toes in left foot broken, left elbow fractured, de-gloving of left arm, (The arm was cut to the bone and the soft tissue was pulled off from the bone as if you were to take off a glove.) extensive head injuries, skull fractured in 18 places with loss of eyesight in left eye.

 

Terry began working with me when I was first able to walk without my wheelchair or walker; I was still using crutches or a cane. I was extremely weak, I literally had difficulty getting out of bed. I call Terry my angel, because thanks to her I'm stronger than I have ever been in my life. She has provided not just the physical training to help me overcome my injuries, but also her incredible positive support to help me through very difficult challenges. My left arm may never have the strength that it once had, but my core muscles help me maintain my active lifestyle.

 

As a result of Terry's help, I'm back doing triathlon again. In fact, on the anniversary of my accident, I completed the California Half Ironman in appreciation of Terry's help and the help of those who have kept me alive throughout my ordeal. This year I will be competing in my first Ironman races in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho and Panama City, Florida.

Terry,
Thank you for giving my life back to me!
Larry Burns

Terry Roach has, for the past decade been an extremely important part of my rehabilitative multidisciplinary Pain Management program. In many cases, Terry’s work, through her Body Stabilization Training program, has made the difference between success and failure for my patients, in both acute and chronic pain syndromes. In addition to providing therapy that is effective in relieving pain, Terry’s program improves function, which is so important to patients who wish to return to a normal life style. Terry has been a tremendous asset to me and has vastly improved my effectiveness as a physician, in treating patients with serious pain syndromes.

 

On a more personal note, I have participated in Terry’s program on several occasions, when rehabilitating from multiple hip injuries and surgeries. With each medical setback that I have experienced, Terry has enabled to rehabilitate to the point where I can return to work and proceed with my life with minimal or no pain. The strong message that goes with the program is that rehabilitation and conditioning are a lifelong endeavor. That message is as important as the training itself.

 

Whereas most patients that I send to Terry suffer from back and neck problems, I have personally found that the Body Stabilization Training program is equally as effective at treating orthopedic problems such as my own hip disorders. Though I was initially surprised by this, it really does make sense. To rehabilitate from any injury or pain syndrome, the body needs operate efficiently as a whole functional unit. This is what sets Terry’s work apart from most “conventional” physical therapy and rehabilitation programs. This is exactly what makes the program so successful. This principle can be applied to nearly all musculoskeletal pain problems with equal effectiveness.

 

As a doctor who exclusively treats pain management syndromes, I have found that Terry Roach’s Spine Stabilization program is the only therapeutic modality that consistently provides both pain relief and improved function. Both personally and professionally, Terry has been a tremendous asset in my approach to rehabilitation. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her.

Arthur H. Schurgin, D.O.
Board Certified Pain Management Specialist
4225 W. Glendale Ave.
Suite 119
Phoenix, AZ 85051