At 16, my daughter developed what eventually was diagnosed as a severe case of Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS). She easily fit the Center For Disease Control's criteria for the disease with the following symptoms:
- debilitating fatigue
- joint and muscle aches
- severe headaches (24 hours a day — only the degree of severity varied)
- unrestful sleep
- digestive issues
- spiking fevers
After seeing a variety of medical personnel ranging from traditional medical doctors., a naturopathic physician, a psychologist, an endocrinologist, an acupuncturist, a neurologist, a renowned headache clinic, a doctor of osteopathy. and a cranio-sacral physical therapist, she worked with a few of them and her condition had improved perhaps 50%. The digestive issues were cleared up. The fatigue had diminished, but reared its head cyclically. However, there was no progress on what had been diagnosed as "persistent daily migraines" by the headache clinic. And she hit a plateau and stayed there in spite of many new tests and new treatments.
In frustration, I asked the physical therapist whom we trusted "If Kathryn were your daughter, what would you do now that we have tried everything?" He said he would have Dr. Steve Davidson of Phoenix, Arizona look at her. "Why" I asked. "He's the master diagnostician. . . .the guru who teaches the rest of us. He can find things most of us can*t see or feel. There is something blocking all of Kathryn*s energy in her head and if anyone can figure it out, he can," he replied. He gave us the information to contact Dr. Davidson.
After checking out Dr. Davidson's website and reading some articles he had written, I contacted him. After reviewing Kathryn's information, he agreed to see us in January of 2005 while she was home from college. When we flew to Phoenix, Kathryn was really in bad shape. She had significant pain in her back and shoulders and was consistently slumped over. Her headaches were severe, and she was pale, gray and very tired. But after having seen nearly 20 different medical practitioners in three years and suffering through all kinds of tests and treatments, she was cynical that "another doctor could do anything for her". But she loves Arizona, so she went.
At the first appointment, she went into Dr. Davidson's treatment room and 38 minutes later she walked into the waiting room. I could not believe my eyes or my ears. She was standing very straight, had color in her cheeks, her eyes were shining, and she said, "Mom, this guy is a genius!" To me, a different young woman came out of that office than the one who went in.
Dr. Davidson then met with us and explained that he had found major connective tissue issues and minor bone problems in her neck and head that were preventing the even flow of lymph, blood and energy up and down her body. In addition, her shoulder was mildly dislocated which he had fixed. Based on her history, he believed her head and neck problems were the result of a series of injuries over the years (e.g. a broken femur, a major knee injury and a broken tailbone — which was new to us) that twisted her body and eventually produced some hormonal and chemical imbalances and physical issues.
The local people here in Connecticut had straightened out many of the major problems lower in her body, but the major, and subtle neck and head problems they could not find. But Dr. Davidson could.
Dr. Davidson treated Kathryn twice more before we returned home. And she came back in the best shape she had been in 3 years. He even spent over 2 hours on the phone with our local physical therapist upon our return to be sure he understood and could treat Kathryn appropriately. After the detailed instructions, he was able to work on the same issues as her body tended to return to the negative position out of habit.
Based on Dr. Davidson's diagnosis, Kathryn also began naturopathic treatment for low thyroid. Apparently, this twisting prevents a steady flow of hormones to the thyroid with negative consequences. We were never able to "catch this" on a test, but the physical treatments and the consistent thyroid medications have improved Kathryn*s health. Her fatigue lessened and the intensity of her headaches diminished as well between the medical and physical treatments.
The location of Kathryn's college prevents her from getting the continuous physical treatments that she needs to permanently address her problems. Unfortunately, there are no providers in the area with the appropriate training to continue these treatments. However, with her improved health, Kathryn was able to study in Russia this semester and one of Dr. Davidson*s students in Moscow is now providing some of the treatment she requires. That referral was critical as her health was deteriorating.
If necessary, we will return to Arizona for continuous treatments with Dr. Davidson over an extended time. But his work in just one week and his willingness to work with other providers changed her prospects from slim to hopeful. It allowed her a physical respite from symptoms which benefitted her physically and emotionally. It is amazing to me how his work makes such a difference and helped Kathryn in her quest for good health.
KC
Connecticut
Several years ago I was having a great deal of difficulty with emotions, the nervous system, nausea, etc.
Having discovered that I reacted adversely to drugs I rejected their use in this case. I was finally referred to Dr. Davidson who immediately diagnosed me as having my diaphragm "out of place." [Meaning, structurally strained.. SMD] He carefully manuevered it back and immediately I felt all of those terrible symptoms disappear. I have since had occasion to have fascia tissue released by osteopathic physicians and the result is nothing short of miraculous. Dr. Davidson is so skilled in this phase of osteopathy. I thank God for such physicians.
Evelyn Long
Cardington, OH
Dear Steve --
Thank you again for such a fine course! And thank you for taking the feedback in the appreciative and positive spirit in which it was meant.
I wanted to let you know that I noticed many good effects from your treatment right away — this breathing in two lungs is of course really great! Yesterday – on our last warm day here – I painted my front and back porches and still had energy to spare, pretty unheard of for me – and as sore spots started complaining later in the day, I put my hand on whatever I could reach and found release points and woke up this morning not sore from the painting at all – now, that’s REALLY unheard of!
When I left Steve’s office the first thing I noticed was that my distance vision was distinctly better – I could see sharp outlines on the leaves on trees again! Very beautiful, thank you so much... And colors seemed richer though that’s harder to be sure of. I went shopping this evening and forgot my reading glasses – but I could read labels, by squinting to be sure but it would have been impossible before.
For the better part of a year now when I go to switch lanes on the highway I check at least 4 times, very frustrating, my rational brain knows that I saw what I needed to see the FIRST time! Now I’m switching lanes in a much more normal fashion – that uncertainty or lack of processing, and feeling of alarm are much abated. I stopped in at David Burns’ office to see Bob Mastrianni and he had me sit in on T.G's treatment — and she was saying the SAME things about highway driving and how it had changed!!!!
There are more subtle changes in other OCD [symptoms] — I’ve worked with that in other ways that have helped too, but there was a significant good change after my appt with you.
David remarked about my vision because he could see the change in my eyes, and the lack of strain and good new color in my face. Like many other middle-aged women I have some feeling about the changes in my skin, weight, and hair but they don’t bother me very much. What I’ve really felt though, is that for the past number of years when I look in the mirror it’s been sad to be looking at ‘old-woman’ eyes – that’s partly a too-much-sympathetic problem but also there’s been a lack of luster - and now there’s a good shift back – thank you, thank you.
I’m getting used to having nice color in my face, and to having shoulders that are closer to level with each other. My right shoulder has been down since I was 11 years old! (when I had an episode of torticollis – happened in the middle of a school day, nasty and took the better part of a week and a whole lot of hot packs to resolve very much – ever since the problem has been identified as a high left shoulder, not a dropped right one. Sorry there were things I forgot to tell you, including a couple of broken bones – so many body parts, so little time!) Think that might explain a few things??? I tried Fulford’s arms-out breathing exercise (which always felt so awful to do that I had long ago given up) -- and what a lovely experience to have it feel GOOD to do!!
SC
Connecticut
Dear Dr. Davidson,
I just wanted to thank you for treating me yesterday. I have experienced a great amount of pain relief and, in fact, I have no back pain at all today. I don't even think I realized how much my pain was affecting my movement and my life. I feel like my young self again. I am glad I was able to see the results of your treatment first hand and I am grateful for all that you ahve done for Andrew, Rob and I. Thanks again, and we'll see you soon.
Sincerely
E.C.
Phoenix AZ
My experience with Dr. Steven Davidson and NeuroFascial Release work was extremely positive. I contacted Dr. Davidson at the recommendation of a friend as I had been seriously injured by a physical therapist seven months prior and had been left completely unable to walk. I had been diagnosed by various medical personnel in that time frame with several different diagnoses, mainly acute tendinitis, bilateral compartment syndrome and/or reflex sympathetic dystrophy. No method of treatment was offered to me by any practitioner. I sought help from orthopedists, osteopaths, physical therapists and chiropractors prior to meeting Dr. Davidson. The injuty had left me in extreme pain from my left foot all the way up to my low back The foot was discolored, disfigured and oozing fluid from the toe bed of the large toe. I was constantly in severe pain and discomfort. and completely unable to walk.
During our first session together, Dr. Davidson was able to identify three structural dislocations I had been suffering from the entire time, all of which had previously gone undiagnosed by various medical practitioners and MRI̓s. After making the structural corrections, Dr. Davidson began utilizing NeuroFascial Release to catalyze the deeper levels of healing that needed to take place. Having been injured and left undiagnosed for such a long time, I knew treatment would require patience, persistence and trust on my part. Over the course of seven weeks, Dr. Davidson was able to reduce my pain significantly, enhance my range of motion and greatly assist my body to begin its own healing process. I received wonderful treatment from a truly great practitioner and my body is showing the results. I had not been given much encouragement by other practitioners in terms of ever recovering, but Dr. Davidson̓s expertise and NeuroFascial Release work has helped me begin to turn the corner towards full recovery. I can never thank him enough for this gift.
Deborah S.
Washington State
Dr Davidson has made a profound change in our daughter’s life. She has Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome and Fibromylgia. She also had a rather severe Sciolis and unstable very low blood pressure. She was only able to take about 2 courses in college per semester and was able to do very little else.
By the end of her undergraduate work she was going full time and has just finished her first year in Law School – full time and in another state.
Dr Davidson corrected the severe Scoliosus in her lower back on her first visit and his work on her neck and skull has given her a stable blood pressure and MUCH more energy. Dr. Davidson’s manipulations along with the medications she takes have given her back a full life. Dr. Davidson has really helped other members of my family as well, when they had injuries or chronic conditions.
I recommend him very highly.
K. R.
Glendale, AZ
Dear Dr. Davidson,
I so much enjoyed being a demo patient last weekend at the advanced class.
As a result, I am standing up straighter and taller feeling much
expansion in my chest along with the ease of having my shoulders fall
back where they belong. As a consequence, my despair about the
condition lifted (although yesterday I had a diagnosis of osteoporosis)
and there is just a comfortable feeling in my entire body. The work is
profound.
M.M
Tucson, AZ
I have been a patient of Dr. Davidson's for twenty years.
When I have received little or no relief from conventional medicine, Dr. Davidson has been able to solve most issues in one treatment.
M. M.
Glendale, AZ