Thanks to Shmuel Tatz! A Healing Story
The day that I became injured is still very clear in my mind but unfortunately even more clear in my body. I had gone to a chiropractor that I had very little experience due to the fact that my long time chiropractor in New York City had moved to California a few years ago. Since this new chiropractor was a few blocks from my home, I thought I would give him a try. Unfortunately, something terrible happened while lying on my back on his treatment table. He grabbed one ankle and pulled very hard – I screamed in pain – but without even a hesitation he then grabbed my right ankle and again pulled very hard. I heard an audible pop sound and again the pain was excruciating. But this time my heart sank, because something felt very wrong in my foot and ankle. All the energy seemed to drain from my foot and leg. When I returned home the ankle began to swell and it felt very much like a severe sprain.
I could not put my weight on the foot without experiencing pain. A week later I went to a podiatrist who said I had a sprain. He taped it up and sent me home. By the second night I had to tear the tape off because of the pain and swelling. A few weeks later I went to an orthopedist, who again determined that I had a sprain and told me to wait a couple of weeks. He then ordered an MRI which showed no fractures or breaks. He told me to go to physical therapy. I found a local physical therapy unit and went 3 times a week for 2 months. Still my ankle was painful day and night. I spent long hours researching this type of injury on the internet. To make a long story short, I ended up seeing an acupuncturist, another podiatrist and yet another type of physical therapy with no relief in site. I spent many long days in severe pain, crying while lying on my couch. I could no longer sleep without Tylenol PM and always woke with the same pain in my foot. This brought on a severe depression. Now almost 5 months had past and I still could not walk without experiencing pain. It felt like a nail was shooting through my ankle. My life had changed so drastically. I used to walk at least a mile or 2 a day – and now I could only hobble around my apartment.
One day after spending a few hours reading and researching on foot and ankle injuries on the internet I came across Shmuel Tatz’s website. I read with interest the relief that many famous ballet dancers had found at Tatz’s studio. These were professionals who needed to dance again – I just wanted to walk again – perhaps he could help me.
Entering the studio in Carnegie Hall, you immediately feel the presence and an atmosphere of healing. Shmuel introduced himself and made me feel relaxed and at home in his treatment room. I then lay down on his treatment table and for the first time felt someone with truly gifted hands on my foot. He worked on my foot for a good 45 minutes – but really this was like nothing I have ever felt before. It was as if his hands have x-ray vision, going exactly to the stuck places and working, working and finally moving the position of the bones, tendons and ligaments. And then the relief. A little wave of relief. By the third visit with Shmuel, I finally felt my foot in the proper position so that I was not longer in agony 24/7. My pain after 5 visits has been reduced 95%. I still feel pain after walking but to a lot less extent then before, and I am confident that with Shmuel’s help – I will get better. I have so much gratitude for the talent and healing abilities of Shmuel Tatz. He is a truly gifted man.
By Jill Siegel