"I started going to FirstHealth to address chronic upper back muscle pain that I had acquired over many years as a burn nurse. I had tried different Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, medication and Sports Medicine physicians in the past without much relief.

When I first started seeing Paul Schoonman, he did deep muscle work that aided in releasing the "spasm-like" tightness that I had all the time. In conjunction with releasing these tight muscles the fitness coach started me on exercises to strengthen the muscles that should have been doing some of the work that my upper back had taken on.

I've NEVER been an exerciser and after finally getting relief from back pain I was afraid of making a wrong move that would start the cycle going again. I'm in my mid-40's and knew that if I was going to get in shape and preserve my health for the future I had to get started now. I asked the fitness coach to work with me as a personal trainer.

Her patience with me getting committed to an exercise program (a new concept for me) and her incredible ability to detect what was helping and hindering my progress is what made me rise to the occasion. In all honesty, I know that I would not have stuck to it with any other approach.

Over the last year in addition to working full-time as a Pedi ICU nurse, I have taken on caring for my 8 and 6 year old niece and nephew 3 days a week as well as several other family stressors. I used my exercise program as the single thing that I could commit time to that was a positive thing for me. It became my therapy!

It's been over a year since I started my strength training. My posture is improved 100%, my back pain is manageable, I've got muscle mass I've never had before and as a bonus I've lost 20lbs and 2 pant sizes!

My body has improved my pain and stress as well given me a great sense of accomplishment and pride. Encouragement, understanding, patience and skill are the ingredients that she brought to our sessions and the reason I'm in better health today. Thank you FirstHealth!!"

SR, Haverhill, MA