SERVICES

Michael Batshaw, CSW

"My name is Michael Batshaw and I’m a psychotherapist practicing in Manhattan. Two years ago I was diagnosed with repetitive strain injury as a result of computer work. I lost fifty percent of my strength in my right arm and experienced a great deal of pain in my right shoulder and arm. My journey to find something that would bring me back to my former healthy status was rocky and disappointing to say the least. In the course of a year and a half I saw three physiatrists, three neurologists, two osteopaths, and two orthopedic surgeons. In addition, I was in intense physical therapy three times a week for almost a year. I was mis-diagnosed several times and as recently as four months ago I was told to have a very invasive surgery on my right arm.

"Six months ago I was fortunate enough to have been recommended to Deborah Quilter by a yoga therapist. I followed my intuition that Deborah's philosophy of slowly, carefully, and consistently strengthening the whole body with meticulous technique would allow my body to heal itself. During our first month of work, my arms were too weak to use regular forks and knives; I had to use plastic. My right shoulder was in constant pain that made it impossible for me to do the most basic chores and even hold the newspaper or to flip through a book.

"Since that time I have religiously practiced the exercises and ergonomic guidelines that Deborah imparted to me. I no longer use plastic utensils to eat, I can read the newspaper and books at will and even go grocery shopping. Using Deborah's methods, my arms have gotten significantly stronger without aggravating my problematic wrists. Most miraculously, the chronic pain in my right shoulder that was with me day and night since the inception of my injury went away a month and a half ago on its own.

"I can not thank Deborah enough for her guidance and her belief that if I paid attention to what I felt I could and could not do, I would eventually heal. I can not think of any investment I have made in my entire life that has had as large a pay-off as working with Deborah Quilter. I believe very strongly that anyone who has repetitive injuries can benefit enormously from her knowledge and compassion."

Randi C.

"When I began working with you, I was in pain from a bad back and a hip that constantly bothered me.

"I asked you for miracles, and you taught me to work my own. The most major proof of the work we have done is that I have not been in spasm once since we began and I have not been to the chiropractor once since we began together, and my hip has evened off.

"I know that this is not typical personal training. I had worked with trainers for approximately eight years -- I lifted weights and used machines. Although I became stronger, I was never free of back and hip pain – in fact, it was progressively worsening. Since I began with you, I have placed my feet in the ground and pushed upwards. I cannot thank you enough for teaching me with such care and grace."

Sylvie Erb, P.T.

"Because of my experience treating patients with repetitive strain injury (RSI), I have found exercise and physical activity to be essential parts of a successful recovery plan. Unfortunately, patients are often further injured by being misguided in their exercise program. Ms. Quilter has a complete understanding of physiology, in health and disease, unlimited creativity and a gift for teaching that make her an ideal partner in a treating team."