As someone who has been having 1-3 incapacitation back injuries per year for the past decade, I came to Karlene Cantrell for help. I had seen several MDs, 2 physical therapists, a podiatrist who did an expensive gait analysis, a chiropractor in addition to having a personal trainer before arriving at Karlene's doorstep for help. I had faithfully (on a daily basis) been doing the many exercises prescribed by the previous physical therapists, and was so very grustrated because I continued to have episodes of my back "going out" in which simply walking or sitting was too painful to bear. In the very first visit, she recognized what other professionals failed to see as the problem. The problem was that even though I was extremely flexible, a few key muscles were very, very tight. I am happy to say that I now feel quite certain that I will not have these same problems again. She has literally changed my life; I no longer live in fear that one wrong move will send me to weeks of bedrest/incapacitation pain. I can ravel, I can exercise, I can lift things, all things I approached with such caution before working with Karlene. I can't thank her enough.
Nick March 2007
As a patient at Earthworks Center, Inc. I am delighted with my results. Karlene Cantrell has exceeded both mine and my doctor's expectations. The staff is friendly and caring. Myofascial Release really works!!
Shirley
June 2006
Myofascial Release given by Karlene Cantrell, Physical Therapist, has worked wonders toward ridding my body of chronic pain. Over the past 18 years with varied degrees of success, I have tried Integrated Physical Therapy, chiropractic and acupuncture sessions, the cleansing of my aura, traction, ultra sound, and all kinds of exercise, even water workouts in the hopes of soothing my chronic body pain. The cause of this pain began when I survived brain surgery with a right side paralysis. Over the years I have suffered a lumpectomy followed by a series of radiation, one total knee replacement, and my latest challenge of a five and a half week stay in bed with a flu virus that left me using a walker taking baby steps to function as a person in deep depression. “Was this the end I was coming to?” I asked myself. When Karlene began giving me Myofascial Release, getting out of bed in the morning became no longer a problem. In fact, my entire days became enjoyable. The other day, my husband and I made a bushel of apples into applesauce and put them in the freezer. I didn’t even sit down once through the whole process. Ordinarily, I would sit down several times to rest. Family and friend make my day when they often comment on my improved posture and smooth gait as I walk unassisted. Humor has returned to my marriage and other relationships. I look forward to sustaining a medication-free, pain free future.
Nancy March 2007
RELIEF! I did not realize that my breath was restricted, but during the first session with Karlene full breath became possible! Eight years ago I was diagnosed with TMJ. The doctor prepared a mouth appliance to relieve the compression. Throughout the years there were ups and downs, but in November 2005 the pain became nearly overwhelming again. Returning to the doctor with the splint, he ultimately advised physical therapy; the only physical therapist that he prescribed was Karlene Cantrell. Even before 1998 and the diagnosis of TMJ, I utilized various methods to imporve my health: ttraditional physical therapy, "no impact" aerobics, strength training, medications (that left me feeling numb), conscientous food choices. My best efforts were not enough. The turning point was when my doctor recommended physical therapy - myofascial release specifically. The door to improved physical health opened that day.
In mid-1990’s I had physical therapy to strengthen a knee. I expected to go through similar strengthening exercises this time. What a surprise to learn that Karlene’s approach dealt with myofascial release. In my case, it is all about posture. While “undoing” the unhealthy behaviors, Karlene guides the individual, teaching proper use of the body. For more than 30 years I included aerobic and strength exercise in my daily routine and I thought I was maintaining my body to the best that it could be. (Most likely what I did contributed to the situation.)
Integrating myofascial release into my daily routine has resulted in some dramatic and some subtle improvements in face, neck, shoulders, hips, back, hearing, jaw alignment, and range of motion. Being free of pain is fantastic. Learning to "listen to my body" helps me to practice a more healthful and joyous lifestyle. That turning point led me to a wonderful way of life.
Rita October 2006
How can I thank you for the wonderful care you gave me. It still amazes me, that I found the one person who could help me and, so close to home.
Amy
I am writing to sincerely thank you for the excellent care you gave to me during my high risk pregnancy. I believe that it is due to this therapy that I was able to carry my twin daughters through 36 weeks. When I found out I was pregnant everyone, including my doctor, was concerned about my ability to carry a child due to the numerous stomach surgeries I had previously undergone. I had scar tissue from having a gastric by-pass surgery and a tummy tuck. Furthermore, my stomach had been pulled so tightly that we didn’t think it would be able to expand or at least not comfortably, especially for two growing babies!
In the beginning I had the initial fear of the unknown and then the pain began. Before seeing you, I couldn’t get out of bed without holding my lower right pelvic side. I had to apply pressure with my hand so the pain would be tolerable. I couldn’t even sleep in my bed and resorted to the love seat so that I wouldn’t have to lie on my back. I was absolutely terrified because all of this was happening in just the first couple of months. I could only imagine how it would be towards the end when I would really be expanding.
Thankfully, after just a few visits with you I could feel a difference in the “pulling” and throbbing sensation that I was experiencing. I didn’t have to hold my body as I was getting off the furniture and eventually I was able to start sleeping in my own bed. In addition, your magic hands helped ease the back pain I was experiencing towards the end of the pregnancy.
I would highly recommend your services to any person, including my own family, who might be experiencing pain or health issues. While in your office I had the chance to speak with numerous other patients and it appeared that you could help with a wide variety of issues! I got to see first hand how you changed people’s lives with your hands without operations. Your confidence and kindness were much appreciated during my treatment. Thank you for helping me to feel better and most importantly enabling me to carry my babies to a safe stage in the pregnancy.
Carolyn January 2007
When I first came to Karlene on August 10, 2006, I was experiencing excruciating pain that radiated up into my ear and down into my neck. I was told I had Trigeminal Neuralgia and severe neck pain. I could barely move my head in either direction. Karlene did Myofascial release on me over the course of one month. At the end of that time, the pain had subsided and I could move my head from side to side and up and down. It was such a relief!
In December, 2006, I severed the nerve in my left hand, the result of a broken dish cut. I had surgery to reattach the nerve, but was still experiencing pain. I had no movement in my fingers. After myofascial release, I am now able to use my fingers, have more range of motion and the pain level has lessened.
Amelia December 2006
Pain. This is what I had resigned myself to before walking through the doors at Earthworks. My pain had become chronic and more severe over the last 10 years. I had tried everything I knew to try. I had gone to numerous physical therapists, a chiropractor, an acupuncturist; I had tried exercising, taking muscle relaxers, and even consulted a surgeon. None of these worked or were a viable option for me. Most doctors just wanted to mask the pain with pills. I was desperate and did not want to believe pain was my lot the rest of my life.
A little over a year ago, I changed my primary care physician. This doctor referred me to Karlene Cantrell. I was ready for just about anything but I must admit I was skeptical as I began treatment with Karlene. I wondered how her gentle touch would result in any significant changes in my body. I remained cautious but was amazed at how other patients in the waiting room simply raved about how they had been helped by Karlene’s skillful techniques.
Through various incidents in my life, the fascia system in my body had become constricted – producing pain. Through a regimen of therapy with Karlene, modalities, and a consistent stretching and strengthening program, I have felt the best I have in over 10 years. I feel stronger and able to care for my family without ending up in severe pain. I look forward to days when I’m with my five grandchildren, to be able to get on the floor and play with them, without immobilizing pain.
In my experience, Karlene and her staff, are some of the most caring, compassionate and knowledgeable health care professionals I have ever met. After a session at Earthworks, you know you are cared about as a person, not just another patient. I have recommended many friends to Karlene and will continue to do so. When you find something that makes a significant difference in your life, you can’t help talking about it!
