Diagnosis and Treatment For TMS
Understanding & Treating Neuroplastic Pain
A proven approach for chronic pain that hasn't responded to traditional treatments—without surgery, injections, or long-term medications
Developed by Dr. John Sarno | Refined through years of clinical practice by Dr. David Schechter
Is This Approach Right for You?
You May Benefit from TMS/Neuroplastic Pain TreatmentIf:
✓ You have chronic pain with no clear structural cause
✓ Imaging (MRI, X-rays) shows "normal aging changes" but you have severe pain
✓ Pain moves around or changes intensity unpredictably
✓ Multiple treatments (PT, injections, medications) have provided only temporary relief
✓ Your pain started during or after a stressful period
✓ You've been told "you'll have to live with it" or "it's just arthritis"
This approach addresses pain caused by the brain's protective response to stress and emotions—not structural damage.
How Treatment Works
The Three-Step Process
STEP 1: Accurate Diagnosis
The foundation of recovery is understanding what's causing your pain.
Your Initial Consultation (45 minutes) includes:
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Comprehensive medical history and symptom review
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Physical examination to rule out structural issues
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Review of any previous imaging or test results
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Education about the mind-body connection in pain
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Personalized treatment plan
Why diagnosis matters:
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When you understand that your pain is generated by learned neural pathways (not tissue damage), the fear response decreases and healing can begin."
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A key to getting well from TMS is understanding and believing the diagnosis! When this process is exposed, the symptoms begin to resolve."
[Image: for now, visualize an image of Dr. Schechter with patient in consultation]
Step Two: Think Psychologically, Not Physically
This doesn't mean the pain is "all in your head"—it means learning to recognize the emotional and psychological factors that trigger and maintain the pain.
You'll learn to:
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Shift attention from physical to emotional factors
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Identify stressors and emotional triggers
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Use cognitive techniques to block fear-avoidance patterns
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Understand how the brain creates real physical pain as a distraction from difficult emotions
Daily journaling is a cornerstone of treatment.
We recommend The MindBody Workbook, which provides a structured 30-day program of therapeutic writing and self-reflection.
Gradually resume physical activity - This is crucial. As you become more active, fear diminishes and the brain learns that movement is safe.
Step Three: Psychotherapy or Coaching (When Needed)
Many patients benefit from specialized psychotherapists or TMS coaches as part of their recovery, particularly those with:
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Intense, long-lasting, or debilitating symptoms
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History of trauma or significant life stress
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Persistent fear or anxiety about pain
We work with TMS-specialized therapists who use:
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Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
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Emotional Awareness & Expression Therapy (EAET)
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Psychodynamic therapy
All therapists and coaches offer virtual/Zoom sessions, making treatment accessible regardless of location.
Dr. Schechter's collaborative approach: "While not every patient needs psychotherapy, I find that the percentage who benefit is quite high. I tailor referrals to each patient's personality and circumstances, which I learn during the initial consultation."
What to Expect---Your Treatment Timeline
Initial Consultation (Week 1)
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45-minute evaluation
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Diagnosis and education
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Personalized treatment plan
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Reading/journaling assignments
Follow-up Visit (Week 3-4)
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Review progress and questions
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Adjust treatment plan
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Additional educationPsychotherapy referral if needed
Ongoing Support (As Needed)
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Additional follow-up visits scheduled based on individual needs
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Most patients need fewer visits than traditional pain management
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Telemedicine available for follow-ups
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Goal is empowerment and independence, not ongoing dependence
Group Support Option:
Weekly Zoom TMS Healing Group with Dr. Schechter and Dr. Justin Barker (Psy.D.)
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6-9 patients per group
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Learn from others with similar experiences
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Four-week commitment recommended
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Currently on hiatus - contact office for next session dates
Treatment Components
Comprehensive, Personalized Care
📚Education Understanding pain neuroscience and the mind-body connection
✍️ Therapeutic Journaling Daily writing using The MindBody Workbook structure
🧠 Psychotherapy Individual or group sessions with TMS-specialized therapists (when appropriate)
📖 Reading Materials Books, articles, and resources tailored to your situation
💪 Gradual Activity Resumption Safely returning to physical activities you've been avoiding
🎯 Cognitive Techniques Learning to redirect attention and challenge fear-based thoughts
👥 Peer Support Optional group sessions to connect with others on the healing journey
Evidence & Research
Science-Backed Treatment
This approach is supported by:
📊 Clinical Outcomes Research
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Dr. Schechter's 2007 published study: 70%+ improvement in chronic back pain patients
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Dr. Sarno's original research: 75%+ success rate
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Recent JAMA Psychiatry studies: 66% pain-free after Pain Reprocessing Therapy
🧠 Brain Imaging Studies
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fMRI studies show actual changes in pain processing regions
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Demonstrates reduction in prefrontal cortex activity with treatment
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Validates the neuroplastic nature of chronic pain
🔬 Peer-Reviewed Publications
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Multiple studies in major medical journals
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Growing evidence base from Harvard, University of Colorado, Wayne State University
Who Can Be Treated
Conditions Responsive to This Approach
Musculoskeletal Pain:
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Chronic back painNeck pain
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Shoulder pain
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Knee pain (without structural damage)
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Fibromyalgia
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Repetitive strain injuries
Neurologic Symptoms:
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Tension headaches
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Migraines
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Tingling/numbness (non-structural)
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Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
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Functional Neurologic Disorders
Other Conditions:
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Pelvic pain
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TMJ disorders
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Chronic fatigue
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Some Long Covid
Important: We always ensure appropriate medical work-up to rule out structural or disease-based causes. Some patients have both structural and mind-body components; a mixed picture.
Key Concepts
Understanding Mind-Body Medicine
What is Mind-Body?
Mind-body medicine recognizes the true holistic nature of human experience.
Mind and body are linked and connected—what influences one influences the other.
The Cartesian Split
For centuries, Western medicine has separated mind/brain from body.
Modern neuroscience, functional brain imaging, and clinical evidence are correcting this error.
Reconnection
By understanding and utilizing the mind-body connection, conditions that were otherwise untreatable can be understood and resolved.
Chronic vs. Acute Pain
Chronic pain is fundamentally different from acute pain. Chronic pain is processed more in the "emotional brain" (prefrontal cortex, amygdala), while acute pain involves more sensory-motor pathways.
Getting Started
How to Begin Treatment
Step 1: Contact Our Office
Phone: (310) 836-2225
Email: frontofficedrs@gmail.comStep
2: Schedule Initial Consultation
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In-person (West LA office) - preferred for initial visit
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Telemedicine available for California residents
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International telemedicine for select cases
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Some visits are PPO insurance eligible
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Step 3: Prepare for Your Visit
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Complete any requested forms
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Gather previous medical records/imaging
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Begin reading Dr. Schechter's book(s) if you can
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List your questions and concerns, doubts
Step 4: Begin Your Healing Journey (after visit)
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Implement your personalized treatment plan
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Start therapeutic journaling
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Resume physical activities gradually
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Connect with recommended therapist or coach if appropriate
Different from Conventional Pain Management
Why This Approach Gets Different Results
Traditional Pain Management TMS/Neuroplastic Approach
Focuses on structural causes Addresses brain-based pain mechanisms
Ongoing medications/procedures Education-based treatment
Manages symptoms Aims to eliminate pain
Regular, frequent appointments Fewer visits, empowerment focus
Physical interventions only Mind-body integration
Passive treatment Active patient participation
Success rates: Published research shows 70-75%+ improvement rates in patients with chronic pain using this approach.
Insurance & Logistics
Practical Information
Insurance:
Aetna and Cigna PPO insurances may be eligible.
Contact our office to verify your coverage.
Location:
10780 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 300
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
(Between Selby and Malcolm, near Overland)
Telemedicine:
Available for California residents and select international patients.
Initial consultation in-person is ideal when possible.
California Requirement:
As of April 2023, you must be in California or in-office for consultations.
Additional Resources
Tools for Your Recovery
📘 Books by Dr. Schechter:
Think Away Your Pain - Comprehensive guide
The MindBody Workbook - Structured journaling program
🎓 Online Course:
The MindBody Healing Journey - 5-hour video course with Dr. Schechter and Dr. Justin Barker
🎥 Free Resources:
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Video Library - Educational videos
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Podcast Library - Interviews and discussions
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FAQ - Common questions answered
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Patient Stories - Recovery testimonials
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward understanding and overcoming your chronic pain.
Questions? Call (310) 836-2225 or email frontofficedrs@gmail.com
