About

“After having severe to moderate pain in my shoulder/arm/elbow for over four months, I sought treatment. At the time of my appointment, I was not able to do certain daily activities (reaching for my alarm clock in the morning or getting dressed) without restriction and sometimes burning, lingering pain.

It took only one treatment to understand and feel I had control over the pain in my arm. After two months of therapy (about four visits), I felt back to normal again. At this point, I only needed to gain my strength and mobility back.

Before my symptoms, I was experiencing an extremely stressful environment at work that was causing panic attacks, the inability to exercise my usual 5 days per week for around 45 minutes each, and maintaining a relatively healthy diet. I have also been leading a hectic life of working full-time while attending graduate school and parenting with my partner. It was almost immediately after escaping this excessively stressful environment at work that I developed my shoulder/arm pain. No incident or injury caused it.

Before seeking treatment, I tried typical remedies of stretching and rolling out my muscles as it felt like I had a pulled muscle or sore tendon, but nothing seemed to work. After the symptoms persisted, that was when I questioned whether I had something broken or torn.

After speaking with my physical therapist, I knew she was onto something. No incident had caused my injury, and with the amount of mental and emotional stress my body went through when the pain began, it only made sense that it was bound to show through a physical ailment. I had already gone through times in my life where stress has triggered a physical reaction, the most significant being Shingles when I was a young adult. The most profound moment was a visualization exercise, imagining no pain before and during certain activities that typically triggered pain. It also helped me to remember how my body moved before I was afraid, practicing with my other arm. I virtually felt no pain while moving into these positions. My mobility was still stiff (as my body had lost flexibility over several months), but I was no longer afraid of reaching into these positions. Without anticipating pain, my body was not acting as an alarmist to protect me. Over a few weeks, I continued with exercises that lacked mobility while reassuring my body that we were safe, and my progress took leaps and bounds. Towards the end of physical therapy, I also coupled my visits with acupunctural and cupping therapy, essentially relieving any residual stress that was lingering in my shoulder.

At this point, I am fully recovered and have practically gained all of my strength and mobility back. There are moments when I have slight flair-ups, but a quick body and mental check can quickly put them at bay.”

-Erin R.

 

“I had chronic shoulder pain stemming from my early twenties. It limited my gains in the gym for years, and I’m proud to say that I’m lifting heavier than ever at 39 years old!

I was constantly running into barriers with my shoulder. I always just thought it was due to injury from years of rugby. I even questioned if I needed surgery, my brother had surgery on his and I saw that as my path forward.

I have been unsuccessful at solving my shoulder pain in the past. I had tried PT, acupuncture , massage and chiropractic care before, with no lasting help. I seemed to always take one step forward and two back.

I learned that my pain was my body taking a protective stance and I had to treat my grief and stress in conjunction with shoulder exercises. I learned to touch the pain and recognize it when stretching and with exercises. I use positive visualization and mantras to help tamp down pain.

At first, I was surprised that a physical therapist would focus on what stresses I had in life. I was ready to work out and get moving and was a bit impatient at being asked to slow down. Nida said that she knew I could be pain free, I didn’t believe that at all.

When I gave slowing down a chance I realized what power I had over my shoulder pain. I made faster progress than I ever expected. I’d say on my third appointment with Nida, I had full buy in to the model.

I am able to lift heavier than ever, and engage in exercises that have been “off limits” for me. I have had a few flare ups and I don’t panic when it happens. I feel safe that I can reset; and that a pain free existence is possible.”

-Liz F.

“I experienced hip/knee pain that began 10 years ago with occasional sharp pain when I twisted. When the pandemic began, I lost my gym, and we moved to a rural community – and my pain got much worse and more frequent. After a short walking trip in Europe a year ago, I came home almost unable to walk due to sharp hip and knee pain, especially at night. An x-ray revealed moderate arthritis, and my doctor suggested physical therapy. Fortunately, I found Nida, who did a complete assessment and asked many questions about the history and triggers of my pain. I was skeptical of the mind – body connection and was pretty sure I had an undiagnosed medical issue. But after Nida worked patiently with me, I’m convinced this model was the key to my recovery. Now I work out every day, journal for a short time most mornings, and monitor my stressors related to pain. I sleep well, exercise, and walk pain-free on most days and no longer worry about chronic pain or undiagnosed conditions. The mind – body connection is a real thing and changed the trajectory of my life.”

– Jeanette Z.

As I look back on what was supposed to be a temporary assignment for physical therapy with NidaTansinsin at Kaiser but actually lasted for nearly two years, I can only say that our work together was simply miraculous. I had a serious fracture of my pelvis and left hip right before everything shut down because of Covid. I did not have any access to PT for more than a year and then did start working with a good therapist who was going on vacation and suggested that I try Nida for a while. I never looked back.

Nida helped me regain my confidence and healing by introducing both physical and emotional challenges. During those two years she taught me about somatic tracking that changed everything. She encouraged and engaged me with both emotional and physical approaches and always offered a well planned protocol of challenges that helped me regain trust in my own body. While writing this review, I remembered the day she had me run on an agility ladder (like a football player in training). I have the video to remind myself that Nida knows exactly what to do with clients and is there to support and inspire us. She is compassionate, brilliant, and a skilled teacher in the areas of neuroplasticity and mind-body healing. I regained my confidence in my body and restored my brave and inquisitive self with her help. I will always be grateful.

– Sally Cloninger, Filmmaker
Emeritus Professor, The Evergreen State College

“My coaching experience with Isabel has truly been life changing. In 2023 I was prescribed 10 different medications and had a migraine spell that lasted 17 days. Today, I’m a completely different person. I had long believed that my migraines were caused by stress and Isabel gave me the tools to do something about it. She is one of the most joyous, bright, and friendly people I have ever met. I strongly recommend working with Isabel.” 

-Rachel 

“Working with Isabel has been an absolute joy and delight. After just four sessions I am experiencing less tension in my body and have a completely different perspective on pain. I have also made unexpected discoveries regarding other chronic symptoms and feel inspired to continue this journey of self-exploration towards my most authentic self. Isabel is calm, compassionate and insightful, gently guiding you to challenge long held beliefs that may contribute to chronic pain. I would highly recommend working with her!”

– Emma

“I started working with Isabel after I was fed up with dealing with chronic migraine and other nerve pain. Over 8 sessions, Isabel was able to help me identify and challenge pain responses to sensations and fears that had become habitual. My migraine days have decreased by over 50% and I now have the tools/exercises to evaluate and process pain and fear. Isabel is a caring and attentive coach, and has been a delight to work with.”

-Lauren

“Over the course of 10 years I’ve tried everything from acupuncture, steroid injections, to brain scans to try and determine where my chronic pain was originating. After just over a month with Isabel I’m pain free and finally feel like I have a positive outlook on the future.”

-Kyle