I was on my bicycle commuting to work and was hit by a truck on the left side of my body.  I sustained a dislocated shoulder, 3 broken vertebrae, a fractured pelvis, 5 broken ribs, and internal injuries which included an abdominal wall hernia and repair of internal organs.  My accident occurred on July 7, 1999.  I have been practicing Bikram yoga since several weeks after this.  I practice daily and am presently at age 37, almost back to my pre-accident condition and better.  I thank Bikram yoga for allowing me to walk again and to return to my love of life and movement.

My doctors first performed surgery and then recommended physical therapy.  They also, without hesitation, prescribed an unending amount of pain medication along with anti-inflammatory meds.  I presently take nothing except vitamin and herb supplements. My doctors would not predict my recovery, but insinuated I would not return to my pre-accident state again.  They were not certain about walking, running or any other movement. My last doctor recommended and encouraged my practice of yoga.

Specific Improvements:
Within days I saw small improvements in movement, range of motion and in particular in my level of pain.  I also experienced major improvements in my spiritual and mental attention and awakening within weeks. Eventually, (within weeks) I was able to move about, sleep, sit-up without assistance, walk, run, and presently am in the same condition I was prior to my accident.

solarz3@aol.com