The Invisible Key: Unlocking the Mystery of My Chronic Pain

by Maria Socolof

Competitive athlete turned scientist discovers the key to healing her chronic myofascial pain in this raw and gripping memoir.An acute injury. Chronic pain. A shocking discovery. Maria Socolof, a former collegiate athlete, at age forty, ruptured a disc in her neck when she rolled over in bed. Time and conventional medicine failed to heal her. Years of debilitating pain followed. She sincerely questioned whether life in such pain was worth living. Then, through mindbody approaches and bewildering revelations, true healing finally began. Her raw chronicle attests to the impact emotional trauma can have on the body and how we can set ourselves free from the limitations of our subconscious. She went from being unable to stand for more than fifteen minutes to hiking in Alaska five years later. She shows us that one can heal, even when hope is lost.Reviews"Every person challenged by high-impact, persistent pain needs to read this book to discover if past traumas pose a shrouded barrier to their wellness." Cynthia Toussaint, Author of Battle for Grace"Anyone seeking healing can follow Maria Socolof’s personal journey . . . into the light of wellness by better understanding the mindbody connection." Steve Ozanich, Author of The Great Pain Deception"I highly recommend her memoir for those seeking direction and hope on their path to authentic healing." John F. Barnes, PT, Author of Healing Ancient Wounds". . . real and honest. . . . Maria’s experiences will help those in chronic pain not feel so alone in their struggle . . ." Mary Ruth Velicki, MS, DPT, Author of Healing through Chronic Pain"Ms. Socolof’s chronicled arduous journey through debilitating pain is a great conveyor of the maze that is complex chronic pain." Phil J. Tavolacci, PT, Author of What’s In Your Web?About the AuthorMaria Socolof, former competitive gymnast, wife, mother of two, and professional scientist, was still dabbling in her sport at age forty. Then suddenly, in the fall of 2005, chronic pain hijacked her life. She searched for relief, and in that quest, discovered she had a story to tell. Through twelve years of perseverance, she has authored her first memoir about her healing journey. She holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Health Sciences from the Harvard School of Public Health and now uses her writing to support others who are healing from pain and trauma. She lives on Long Island with her husband and dog, practices qigong and tai chi, and enjoys visits from her children, walking through her neighborhood, and hiking in the woods.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2020

About the author

Maria Socolof, former competitive gymnast, wife, mother of two, and professional scientist, was still dabbling in her sport at age forty. Then suddenly, in the fall of 2005, chronic pain hijacked her life. She searched for relief, and in that quest, discovered she had a story to tell. Through twelve years of perseverance, she has authored her first memoir about her healing journey. She holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Health Sciences from the Harvard School of Public Health and now uses her writing to support others who are healing from pain and trauma. She lives on Long Island with her husband and dog, practices qigong and tai chi, and enjoys visits from her children, walking through her neighborhood, and hiking in the woods.

Reviews

[Lori Batcheller · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who is experiencing chronic pain and the frustration of navigating the Western medical system, which often lacks in compassion and real healing, Maria Solcolof’s journey through trauma, surgery, and her rocky road of recovery will give you solace that you are not alone. You will learn about the mind/body connection, how past trauma can affect healing, and how holistic approaches, including John Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach®, can guide you to find true healing and relief of your symptoms. Traditional and alternative health care practitioners who work with chronic pain, and family members supporting their loved ones through the maze of recovery, will benefit from reading Maria’s captivatingly honest memoir as it gives valuable insights into the lives of people suffering from pain and trauma. Author of "Journey to Health: Writing Your Way to Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being."

[Connie Knies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria Socolof's saga of her determined search for relief from chronic back pain will resonate with anyone tilting with the health care system in search of healing. She chronicles forays -into traditional and non-traditional medicine to find that, like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, she had the power all along. She had to learn to dig painfully into her psyche and her past to discover, face up to and exorcise the memory that was attacking her from within. Her grit and stick-t0-it-iveness is an example and inspiration for everyone.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Invisible Key helped me to discover how my sources of pain could be so deeply buried. Very appreciative to learn of Maria's experience.

[Alice Perle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of perseverance and courage

I transcribed medico-legal reports for many years, and I witnessed firsthand the agony chronic pain inflicts on individuals. Maria Socolof's book, "The Invisible Key: Unlocking the Mystery of My Chronic Pain," brought back vivid memories of those people's frustrations in seeking answers and relief.

I am in awe of people like Maria who persevere courageously to get treatment, find answers, and, even when the pain is not relieved, do not give up! Maria’s story sheds light on the often-overlooked personal battles that many of us have no idea people live with on a daily basis.

As a survivor of sibling sexual abuse, Maria's experiences resonated with me deeply as she shared the connection between buried traumas and our emotions that manifest as physical pain. Maria’s willingness to share her story so openly is commendable. Her story lends hope to others and is a valuable guide and resource for anyone dealing with chronic pain.

[Kathleen Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tracked my own story with chronic pain so beautifully. It is tragic but affirming to read how Ms. Socolof dealt with the denial, shortcomings and gaslighting of mainstream medicine regarding the cause, triggers and treatment of chronic pain. Then there's the seemingly endless search for a solution, with its ups and downs, brief reprieves from pain followed by disappointment and waves of hopelessness.

I was inspired by Ms. Socolof's perseverance in seeking ways to manage her pain and meet her life obligations as best she could. She ultimately finds balance and grace in her life by addressing her condition from multiple angles, including uncovering and confronting past trauma. Although I'm a decades-long pain sufferer, I still found renewed inspiration and strength from Ms. Socolof's story.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Invisible Key follows a gruelling journey through chronic pain. Socolof doesn’t dramatise or minimise—she simply tells it as it is, step by painful step. Her determination is steady, her suffering quiet but unrelenting. She explores not just illness but also the complex relationships we have with our bodies, their limits, and emotional resilience. Insightful and clear, this book stayed with me long after I finished it.