Back Mechanic by Prof. McGill is an instant classic. An incredibly detailed—yet free from medical jargon—manual for keeping your back strong and healthy. Plus a wealth of knowledge for athletes looking for a performance edge.
Pavel Tsatsouline,
Author of Kettlebell Simple & Sinister
Dr. McGill’s research and investigations around ‘low back pain sydromes’ has helped me troubleshoot dysfunction in many of the athletes and fitness enthusiasts I see. I began following his work in 2004 during my Master’s degree in Exercise Science and still use his methods today. As a Faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology at Langara College, I also share his findings with my students, even at the first year level, to help them better understand the impact of correct, or incorrect movement mechanics can have on spine health. Each term my students claim they feel “enlightened and empowered” by this knowledge and have tangible strategies they can use to stay healthy and strong.
Carmen Bott MSc CSCS FMS
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Instructor of Kinesiology, Langara College
www.humanmotion.com
Dr McGill,
We have implemented many of your methods and have seen our back injuries decline from roughly $40,000 per claim to $10,000 per claim. Our overall injuries have dropped from roughly $1.2 mil to $750,000.
Thank you again
John Hofman CSCS-D, MS
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Sacramento Fire Department
Dr. McGill,
Thank you for the seminar this past weekend. Reading textbooks and watching videos is not the same as hands on to capture your gifts. Warmest regards,
Dr Keith S. – USA
Thanks again Stu for an inspiring weekend, as I said to you on Saturday you still have plenty of fire in the belly!!! I really appreciate your fire and dedication as well as all the sacrifices that you have made for humanity, you are a rock star Stu, Thanks. Thanks Again!!
Mark S. DC, Canada
Stu,
I am doing remarkably better! You were definitely right that my issues stem from postural weakness and poor movement habits. I was great with my posture for the first several weeks and still constantly correct my old lazy habits. The lumbair is amazing for me at work and I have recommended it to several of our coaches as well. The anti-shrug coaching point and locking the lats to stabilize and “bend the bar” has helped our guys pull from the floor much better and led to several PRs from guys that were struggling to break through the first pull barrier. Everyone agrees putting the feet in-line on the side bridge is the way to go and it’s been exposing and improving my right sided weakness with great results. We’re doing a lot more suitcase carries, no one more than myself but I will say the technique I have utilized most and can actually call a habit is the “sniff and lift”. It always refocuses me on correct postural alignment and hopefully is in the process of permanently changing the way I sit and stand.
I always had tremendous respect for your knowledge and experience before but now I cannot overstate my APPRECIATION for your expertise! Your direct, bottom line style of addressing my back pain was exactly what I needed to get me back to basics. I am in your debt.
I hope you are well and spring brings exciting new opportunities and challenges for you!
My best,
Shannon Turley
Kissick Family Director of Football Sports Performance
Stanford Football
Dr McGill,
First off, I want to thank you for finding time in your busy schedule to see me. As I’m sure it will come as no surprise to you, I still feel compelled to mention that my appointment was far and away, both literally and figuratively, the most unique assessment I’ve ever had! The degree to which your kind, warm, welcoming demeanor, combined with the backdrop of your beautiful home set the stage for what would become such an illuminating and educational experience, cannot be understated. I really appreciate and respect that you performed the assessment prior to examining the images, using them instead to confirm your findings as well as to discover the heretofore undiagnosed endplate fractures.
During the provocative testing phase you moved me with such control and precision as to breach the pain threshold just enough to glean the information you needed. This sensitive, caring approach, together with your optimistic outlook and certainty that I would not only recover from this decades-old injury but could go on do whatever I’d want to do in life, is a welcome contrast to the ignorant tripe I’ve been fed up until now. I understand that the onus is on me but thanks to you, I now have the right tools for the repair.
Nas and I are profoundly grateful for your expertise and guidance.
Thank you for everything,
D. B., San Francisco
I’m not sure you remember me, I am the Oregon Spanish professor who came to see you last April for low back pain. .
You might recall that I had told you that I was experiencing relief from a procedure (Relievant clinical trial) that ablated the basivertebral nerves in the vertebrae. I was unblinded yesterday and I found out that I got the sham treatment.
The reason why I came to see you is that two weeks after the procedure, my muscle pain has come back but I also had the sensation that some deeper–what I was calling “Bone” pain, had in fact improved.
The long and the short of it is that aside from whatever effect of relief I experienced due to the procedure (less anxiety because I felt I was being helped, placebo effect, and etc), the primary source of my improvement is the McGill plan.
I do stir the pot, bird dog, push ups, planks etc etc every other day. I am so much better because of your help and everywhere I go I preach the McGill gospel. Thank you for what you have done to help me have a normal life!!!
Gina
gina herrmann
Two years ago I was suffering of an extremely painful low back condition after years of discontinuous discomfort. A minor fall off my bike exacerbated the problem to the point that I could hardly move. Best doctors in town suggested a tough spine surgery as only solution with uncertain results.
Searching for an alternative I was fortunate to find Stuart McGill book Low Back Disorders, whose sound details encouraged me to try a totally different approach. I also met Prof. McGill in one of his seminars in Europe for an extended examination of my problem. The result speaks for itself: after following his precise indications a few months later I did resume all my intellectual and sport activities fully recovered—a condition kept to this day.
Carmen Menéndez
University professor in Madrid
I had a chronic back pain patient who came to me about 7 months ago with what was then debilitating back pain. He had seen every MD, Physio, Chiro ect under the sun and no one could “fix” him. He had been an avid golfer and wanted nothing more than to return to playing golf.
Well long story short, his pain was gone in less than a month (he went from 8 OxyContins a day to zero!) and returned to golf in about 2 months. All this was done via a text book approach using Low Back Disorders and Ultimate Back Fitness as my guide. Doesn’t get any better than that; so needless to say I’m very excited about your new book!
Dr J Randhawa
Dr McGill,
I am pleased and super happy to let you know that I have been pain free for quite some time now and my core is stronger than ever thanks to your simple prescription. I am deadlifting (up to my previous max) and o-lifting again:) I use the exercises you gave me with most of my clients:)
Respectfully,
Tonya
Hey Stu,
I’m re-watching the DVDs of you and Gray, which Laree D sent me. I just wanted to tell you that the information you’ve provided here has been one of the absolute most valuable and comprehensive educational experiences I can remember.
You really did an amazing job of discussing the evidence and its practical implications. In short, Fantastic job, and a BIG Thank You!
N.T. USA
Dr. McGill’s research and investigations around ‘low back pain syndromes’ has helped me troubleshoot dysfunction in many of the athletes and fitness enthusiasts I see. I began following his work in 2004 during my Master’s degree in Exercise Science and still use his methods today. As a Faculty member in the Department of XXXX at XXXX, I also share his findings with my students, even at the first year level, to help them better understand the impact of correct, or incorrect movement mechanics can have on spine health. Each term my students claim they feel “enlightened and empowered” by this knowledge and have tangible strategies they can use to stay healthy and strong.
PS. I wanted to say thank-you again for all the time and dedication you have provided to the industry. I still communicate with Pavel as does Jim, my husband (another RKC2). You both have been VERY influential in my development as a practitioner. I still quote you in class – “you load to solidify an engram!” Canada
C.B. MSc CSCS
Just a quick note to let you know that I have totally improved, and following your basic exercises, plus the help of the epidural, has allowed me to walk normally again for 3/4 mile to a mile. I have no discomfort, have been able to do surgery and see patients, feel centered, and this morning did not even feel that morning pain or imbalance I had been feeling upon arising. Also, the hip/pelvis rotation has completely stopped as of several days. So I agree with you and the MD that gave me the epidural that the original problem did come from the irritated nerve roots in L4, and L5.
Thanks for helping me that morning.
Dr. M. USA
Dr. McGill,
Thank you for the seminar this past weekend. Reading textbooks and watching videos is not the same as hands on to capture your gifts.
Warmest regards,
Dr Keith S. USA
Stu,
I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to evaluate me. I’m overwhelmed by your generosity and knowledge.
Best,
Kevin G. USA
Stu,
Thanks so much for helping me with my lifts, studies and every day life I truly enjoyed your class and think I became a better kinesiologist because of it. The shapes technique was brilliant. I can’t thank you enough for the tip.
Cheers,
C. G. Ontario
Hi Dr. McGill,
I trust that this e-mail finds you well. You assessed my wife just a little over a year ago for a back injury she sustained while out of country with subsequent MRI upon our return to Canada revealing a L5-S1 disc protrusion. You were kind enough to find time in your busy schedule to see her and give her numerous exercises/strategies and I thought I would give you the latest update on her progress.
Prior to my wifes injury she was an avid runner. I am happy to share with you that she is again running which makes her extremely happy (it makes me happy to see her happy) so I wanted to thank you because back when you assessed her she said you were one of the few people that gave her hope. She continues to do her exercises daily and they are now part of her daily routine.
Thanks again for everything, my wife and I are extremely grateful that you were able to assess her and give her the strategies that have allowed her to return to running and given her the confidence in her back health through her pregnancy.
Best,
Dr. Steve G. Canada
Stu,
I am doing remarkably better! You were definitely right that my issues stem from postural weakness and poor movement habits. I was great with my posture for the first several weeks and still constantly correct my old lazy habits. The lumbair is amazing for me at work and I have recommended it to several of our coaches as well. The anti-shrug coaching point and locking the lats to stabilize and “bend the bar” has helped our guys pull from the floor much better and led to several PRs from guys that were struggling to break through the first pull barrier. Everyone agrees putting the feet in-line on the side bridge is the way to go and it’s been exposing and improving my right sided weakness with great results. We’re doing a lot more suitcase carries, no one more than myself but I will say the technique I have utilized most and can actually call a habit is the “sniff and lift”. It always refocuses me on correct postural alignment and hopefully is in the process of permanently changing the way I sit and stand.
I always had tremendous respect for your knowledge and experience before but now I cannot overstate my APPRECIATION for your expertise! Your direct, bottom line style of addressing my back pain was exactly what I needed to get me back to basics. I am in your debt.
I hope you are well and spring brings exciting new opportunities and challenges for you!
My best,
S.T. USA
Dear Stuart,
I want to express my gratitude to you. Over the years, I’ve been treated for back/spine problems by many health specialists (chiropractors, neurologists, orthopedic doctors, physical therapists ), but never – not once – have I received the kind of concerned, comprehensive and personal attention you provided. Never has any specialist spent so much time reviewing in depth my experience with my condition. Never has any specialist probed so deftly for insights and details regarding my condition. Never has any specialist performed such a thorough search of symptom discovery.
In short, I felt that your dedication to the resolution of my problem was extraordinary.
In addition, I appreciate the fact that your roadmap (actually, guided tour) of treatment and technique was presented in a careful, patient, easily-understandable manner.
Now, of course, it’s up to me to reap the rewards of our session. Although it will not be easy, I expect that my very favorable impression will help accelerate my progress.
With sincere gratitude,
Victor S. USA
Hi Stu!
My back is great and apparently as long as I keep my back in a vertical position I can handle a good amount of weight with no pain whatsoever. I am able to do split squats with 100 kg and I feel great. I have also started to do one-arm pull ups with 15kg and one-arm inverted rows.
I am playing rugby in New Zealand at the moment and even though I weigh only 82 kg I feel strong and very capable of tackling 100 kg adversaries applying your techniques.
Take care my friend and thanks again for everything.
Mati N. Argentina
Thank you so much for the seminar. The information I learned from you is invaluable. Like I said before, we develop and administer fitness and wellness programs for staff and faculty at XXXX. I adhere to your research and writings almost exclusively. It’s to the point now that when someone brings me some new “cutting-edge” programming (usually garbage) instead of beating them down myself, I ask them what Dr. McGill would say about it. I make all of my instructors become familiar with your works and some choose to read your books as well. So as you can see, the opportunity to come out and see you was HUGE. A great number of things we had in mind were validated.
I really appreciate how personable and anecdotal your seminar was. Too often I find myself in a gathering of workout nuts who just want to pump each other up with hype and nonsense. I can’t stand those and refuse to attend them even when I am asked to. I simply won’t entertain unqualified evidence-lacking hype. Because my work at XXXX is not revenue-based, I can focus 100% of my approach to results-based work and have done so. So thank you again for all of your credibility (if that is something I can be grateful for).
Also, thank you so much for working with me in the goblet squat and the band-resisted hip extension with the bar and the deadlift and especially the kettlebell swing. I felt a lot of very pertinent activations that I will definitely stay on top of. Especially after you found my disc bulge. Btw, thank you for doing that. I have given up with physicians. They just don’t get it. They stick to their protocols and don’t help me whatsoever. You deduced it in 30 seconds. If you know anyone in SoCal that can do some hands-on work for me, I’d love to get that contact from you.
Your tirade on stretching was fantastic. I can’t express to you how much I loathe and detest this idea of stretching. Especially when the action is validated by the “feeling” it produces in the individual. The very same feeling that is supposed to protect the tissues against stretching. So dumb! I instruct a yearlong instructor development course in which I rant about how idiotic having loose joints is. I explain that stretching only adds tension and to tissues that are already elastic rather than the “tightnesses” or the “knots” or trigger points. I argue that it only enhances those tight areas by reducing tension on them and isolating them and leaving more tissues to bind up. (I have no proof of this, but it’s just my experience with it. “Stretching only stretches what’s already stretchy”. I even use a rubber band to demonstrate this. I pull the rubber band to demonstrate how all of the part elongate evenly. Then I tie a knot in it and demonstrate how it can still stretch just fine but not inside of the knot. The knot only tightens up. Unfortunately, no one buys into my thinking and they continue their stretching because it “feels” so good.
Thank you so much,
Rus T. USA
Stu,
I’m sorry we have had such a hard time touching base. I just wanted to update you on my situation and ask for some advice in the next few months as I begin to train again.
In short, when I went to my apt on the 5th I was fully expecting to make the apt for surgery and plan accordingly. The Dr. came in shaking his head and laughing a bit and said “whatever you did worked, or you have been blessed AGAIN”. My herniation that was over 90% occlusive was now < 70% and the surgeon said that as long as I am not symptomatic that he doesn’t suggest surgery
During my entire recovery I have been doing many of the torso stabilization/endurance exercises that you mention in your articles and books. Also, I have been performing Reverse Back extensions religiously and have worked back to front squats at bodyweight (approx 200lbs) without complication or aggravation.
I plan on competing in the firefighter combat challenge again next year. Maybe not at a competitive level, but at least to prove to myself that I am at that level of function again.
Thanks again,
Matt M. USA
Dear Dr. McGill,
I am the physical therapist from XXX you may remember speaking with me a several months back when I sought your knowledge and expertise to recover from a lumbar herniated disc and to ultimately return to bodybuilding and recreational MMA. Since then I have been employing the techniques outlined in your 2 books and displayed in the accompanying DVDs. I also purchased the Lumbair lumbar support for my car that you recommend on your site and in your book for adjusted support while sitting. I wanted to let you know that your materials have allowed me to begin taking my life back. Around the time I last contacted you my tolerance and capacity were very low, I had constant pain and I had to stop working for a while; even though I was told by some MDs that my injury was not that severe and should not be debilitating. I tried every conservative treatment available (epidurals, accupuncture, other physical therapists, decompression) and even sought surgery, but was not a candidate. I am ashamed to say that I knew about your book “Low Back Disorders” from PT school at Boston University before I injured my back. I neglected to follow and even forgot some of your principles, which I’m sure lead my own injury. Even after I hurt my back I continued to make things worse by stubbornly trying to work through the pain. …….Your books helped me to realize that a herniated disc “is not a life sentence”, but I will have to modify my training in order to continue.
I wanted to also let you know that I am promoting your materials and methods to all my colleges and patients. You have changed my practice. In a way, I almost feel blessed that this injury happened. It made me a better clinician, brought me closer to my faith and made me stronger all around. ….. Plus, I google your name a lot to find little bits of info here and there. Thanks again and see you in April.
Best,
Joseph C. PT, DPT, USA
Dear Dr.McGill,
I would like to thank you. I am a 22 year old male who experienced two disk herniations, two years ago about 6 months apart. The first occurred while lifting a sandbag off the floor with bad form, which was the breaking point for a bulged disk from when i wrestled in high school. The second lead me to learned something i didn’t know i was doing while weight lifting, i was rounding my back severely on all my low bar back squat…..
I posted on a forum describing my situation and they recommended i look into your works, saying they followed your texts and have felt better and could continue on pain free.
I read your book daily, about ten pages at a time taking notes. I then assessed myself and found i had great posture which was a relief, but that left me with what else i had to work on. I then created a year and half long recovery plan, which i am close to completing the last step being losing excess body fat as i have a gut and i don’t want my lower back to be taxed due to poor eating habits. Because of your work i am proud to say i am 6 months pain free and have been able to return to weight lifting with no pain, but you have also given me an even greater gift. It was through reading your work and finishing rehab that i finally realized “I’m great at getting hurt then not being hurt”. While that statement sounds silly, it has given me direction in my life because i wasn’t so sure what i was doing after i finished college(Only 5 weeks left).
While i would love to thank you in person that will have to happen one day in the future and I hope this email could suffice. Again, thank you Dr.McGill.
Sincerely,
James O. USA
Hi Stuart,
Your knowledge has helped me help others so on behalf of them, Thanks. Wishing you continued success and health.
Ben F. England
Dear Prof. McGill:
A brief message to let you know that things improved so much I feel better than before my low back problem. I am back to work since last month, and I did what you told me: total control of postures–getting up with hands on knees especially in the morning–no stretches, and increasing walking–now I can enjoy as before 1-2 km. in nature, take our German Shepherd to the park daily… The trick is I am constantly aware of how I walk, with pelvis-legs straight. I have no pain at all, even in shops–but keep a good position on lines (no more one-leg resting). I also enjoy water jog exercise plus swimming twice a week–which helps relaxing back and neck. Ready to enjoy summer time! People around don’t believe my recovery– I tell them about you and your book. And how smart it was to avoid surgery.
Professor Carla M. Spain
Dear Dr. McGill,
We met at XXX when you were in Arizona last fall. I cannot thank you enough for teaching all the amazing protocols that we have since integrated at my facility XXX. I truly believe so many of the stabilization exercises that we use on a weekly basis with our general population are saving hundreds of backs.
Bobby K. USA
Hi Stu!
How are you? It has been almost 6 months since our last contact so I am just writing to say hello and thank you again for all you did for me. I remembered what you taught me and I applied it everyday. I will never forget those two days. I found the miracle I was looking for…
I feel great and I am trying to control my enormous passion for the science of training and sports so I do not hurt myself again. I am fascinated trying to prove and learn new things all the time. The journey continues….
All the best!
Mati N. Argentina
Hi Stu
I know you probably hear it all the time about how much the participants loved your course, but I thought I’d add to the stories. The clinic has been a buzz, so much so that Teresa booked 3 of us into a photographer and she took pictures of as many exercises we could come up with so we would have our own gallery to choose from for patient prescription instead of trying to stickman draw 🙂 I mean, we are brilliant stickman drawers.
Thanks again for traveling across the country to come visit us. It was truly an honour having you here. A huge highlight in my career thus far.
Ally G, Physical Therapist, Canada
Thank you so much for responding to my questions. I’m excited you are writing a book for the lay person. This is much needed and could help improve a lot of people’s lives that are filled with pain and leads many to pain drug addictions. Can you tell me when you expect to have your book ready to purchase as I would buy multiple copies to use and give away.
Barry M, Utah
…I hope all is well!!!!
has been what about two years since I saw you, and thought I would just give you an update…. when I lie on my back now, you can pretty much drive a mack truck under my lumbar… a far cry from when I first saw you… all good…working out at full capacity (or as much as my smoker’s lungs will take) and doing about 3 hours per day prepping for the Tough Mudder competition in August..
I mix up my training every 3 months or so… finally finished the p90x routine and will start the “sequel” in another couple of months… I do a fair bit of core work, as well as stuff to fire up my poor atrophied glutes…which are responding slowly! .. and I do a fair bit of “”movement” type classes at XXXX… and, after so long, I am finally taking power skating lessons with a view to planning hockey in the near future…
so… all is good and strong…..I am extremely happy…I owe it to you, and I thank you again….
Brian S.
Hi Dr. McGill,
Just wanted to say thanks. I recently finished reading your Low Back Disorders book, for a continuing ed class, and thought it was excellent. I have read a number of your published papers over the years, but reading the book, which I have been wanting to do for awhile, really helped me to have a better understanding of the many aspects of the subject matter. It will be a book I refer to often. Thanks again for your hard work and dedication to bringing an evidence-based approach to the subject.
Jeff T. USA
Several months ago I was getting a massage to address my chronic lower back pain and my therapist, who is very knowledgeable in back pain management said to me, ‘There’s a world renown back pain specialist here in Canada. His name is Dr. Stuart McGill and he’s with the University of Waterloo. Read some of his stuff. He takes a different approach which is a bit controversial…… Bodybuilding was my passion and I spent many hours in the XXX weight room. I was big and strong with a healthy back but a left knee that never fully recovered from a major knee injury the year before. But I still squatted a lot of weight.
I was taking a first year kinesiology course, KIN101 I believe, and at the end of one class the professor, Dr. Norman ( a great guy by the way – he helped me get into some KIN courses that were only open to students majoring in kinesiology) said to us, ‘ Next class I have a special treat for you. A collegue of mine, Dr. McGill, who specializes in low back disorders, has agreed to give you his famous back pain lecture. You don’t want to miss this. You’ll not be tested on the material. It’s just for your own enjoyment and interest.’
Stupid me, upon hearing that, thought: free class, if it’s not required why go? My back is fine anyways.
So I skipped the next class and as usual I used the time to go to the gym for a workout. There was a heavy barbell on the floor next to the rack that someone did not bother to put away. It was in my way so I bent over to pick it up to move it. At the time I was still favouring my left knee so I did most of my lifting from the floor with my back, not bending my knees. When I went to pick up the barbell I felt something shift in my low back. I wasn’t in severe pain but something didn’t feel right. I have been plagued with low back problems ever since.
I tried everything to fix my back, from chiropractors to physiotherapy to acupuncture and even some alternative therapies. Nothing worked. An orthopedic surgeon wanted to fuse my L3-L4 vertebrae. Luckily I said no. I read many books on the subject including Dr. Sarno’s raically different approach. It helped a bit. I believe there is some merit to his philosophy. But I always believed that if I made my back strong and flexible with strong abdominals and good hip strength and flexibility it would eliminate my back pain. It didn’t happen. And after reading your books, I know why. For my low back and abdominal training I would do extreme full range of motion exercises, concentrating mainly on the end ranges. I thought, like other joints, this would make my spinal joints healthy and strong. But as you pointed out, the same principles that apply to other joints do not necessarily apply to the vertebrae. So now I exercise my spine in a neutral, fixed position. I will introduce small ROM soon. And I used to train my lower back for muscular strength not endurance. Again you convinced of the importance of developing muscular endurance first.
My back pain is slowly getting better thanks to your books. I still tend to overdue it with my training and it’s hindering my progress. I learned the spine is not as forgiving as other joints. Thank-you Dr. McGill for setting me straight on self-treating my back. Sorry I didn’t buy your books ( I borrowed them from the library). But of course all this probably would not have been necessary… IF ONLY I HAD ATTENDED YOUR LECTURE THAT DAY!!! lol
sincerely,
Remo F. Canada
Dear Stu,
Thank you for sending your wonderful DVD. I think that every athlete and coach should own it and learn the lessons you teach.
Dr Tom F. USA
HI Stu,
I received the new DVD several days ago. I think it rocks and it has already paid for itself, in my view. I am 60 years, really into self fitness, and would have made it my career, if I were smarter as a kid. I’ve done chins and pullups since I was 17 or 18 as a main upper body exercise. I have golfers and tennis elbow in both elbows since I was about 28 from, as near as I can tell, chins and pullups. I have tried everything
from physical therapy, cold, hot, massage, cortisone, and blood plasma injections, pretty much to little or no avail. I watched your segment
with Pavel about how to activate your back first and I could do a chin workout pain free – first time in I can’t remember when!
Very fine material,
Burt R. USA
Thanks for the reply, I didn’t expect to hear form the Dr. himself! From your description, it sounds like I’d enjoy both the new edition and the DVD. I’ll check them out. I was re-reading some of the Back Fitness book recently, and was delighted again at the quantity and the quality of the information. I’ve read many books on many kinds of fitness. I don’t think there’s another that does what it aims to do so well. It’s certainly more than just a “back” book. Thanks from a lifelong athlete and back-sufferer.
Richard
Hey, George,
I’m sure that you know how much that I enjoyed today’s show! Thanks for having Doc McGill on. He was great as always. Think that I’m going to get his DVD. I have also discovered how much “stronger” you become with super stiffness. It’s truly amazing. BTW, you just keep raising the bar each week. Keep up the great work & have a great week-end!
Barry
Hi Dr.McGill,
hope you are well. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am to you for seeing me on Feb 4, 2010, my low back pain has definately improved with the treatment plan you prescribed to me. I have been following the exercises you gave me to perform 2 per day as instructed for the past 4weeks, I have stopped all physio and massage as well as the stretching exercises I was previously doing for my back as you suggested. I have found a definite improvement in my forward flexion with no further pain since I started your exercise program. I just started back to work this week.
Regards,
Julie K. Canada
Dear Dr. McGill,
Thank you for your input on inversion. Your methods have helped me enormously, after growing up following bodybuilding pinciples which have caused me a lot of over use injuries and a current auto accident. After going to therapy I discovered your research and have both of your books. Your “big three” are part of my daily life and have helped enormously. In addition to their functional benefits, they really toughen up your core. I have been continually practicing and learning your methods. I only wish I would have discovered you many years ago. Thanks again for your help.
Brent B., Principal , USA
Dr. McGill,
I wanted to update you on my daughter’s progress with her swimming and thank you again for all your assistance. The exercises you provided XXX helped her complete the entire 2008/2009 swim season without training interruptions. At the World Championship Trials held last JulyXXXX, XXX not only made her first National Team but became the 100m freestyle champion and 200m freestyle champion (setting the National Record). Your assistance and counsel were extremely valuable as Heather dedicated her efforts to achieving her swimming goals.
Respectfully,
Dan M.
Hi Dr. McGill,
How are you? I saw you quoted on the Well blog in the NY Times. I guess they know where to get all the best spine advice! I haven’t been as disciplined about updating you as I’ve been about doing the exercises that you prescribed 🙂 But the good news is that I have seen tremendous improvement in my strength, balance and health since I started working with XXX again after your visit. It’s been very slow and steady progress. In the beginning, it would take XXX and I twenty minutes to get one decent mini-squat out of me. But the strength in my hips, glutes, core and legs began to build, and now I can do many sets of smooth, elegant squats, and all of those previously inhibited nerve signals fire with ease. I’ve been walking every day, and can even break into a light jog on occasion. I no longer have pain in my back or trouble with my feet tensing up after workouts (although my glutes and hips do get awfully sore sometimes!) And the best unexpected side effect is that I don’t get sick anymore. It feels like the increased strength has made me much more resistant to colds and sore throats than I was. I can’t really explain it, but I think that my body is just healthier overall now. So THANK YOU again for all of your guidance! I hope that we get to meet again and that I can invite you to a meal the next time you’re in XXX. Or perhaps we can go for a nice long walk — but don’t be surprised if I outpace you!
Best,
Tracy
Dr. McGill,
I just wanted to send you an email thanking you for doing the teleseminar with Sportsrehabexpert.com. I have had your Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance Book now for about a year and looked forward to your teleseminar when I saw you were scheduled. I just finished listening to it and I feel that it gave me an even greater understanding of the concepts from your book. I plan on ordering the DVD now as well and look forward to the Superstiffness and Performance Enhancing Principles book you mentioned during the teleseminar.
I hope you realize how much you are appreciated by myself and many of the other experts you lend a hand out to. Thank you again and I look forward to learning more from you in the future.
Matt B. USA
Dr. McGill,
I’ve had back problems since I was 12 years old. I threw the discus and shotput in high school and college and continued having back problems throughout my college career. I gave up the sport at 22 because the combination of track and graduate studies at XXX were too much.
I continued to have back problems. I ruptured a disk at age 38 and had back surgery. My physician gave me the usual advice about not overdoing it.
At age 45, I began throwing the discus again. For several years, my back hurt so badly that it hurt to pick up the discus from the field.
At age 48, I attended a lecture by Dr. Stuart McGill on back stabilization, which changed my life. I changed my training to whole body lifts and back stabilization exercises. Except for minor flareups, I’ve had few back problems in 12 years. I’ve won 9 straight US masters discus championships, 3 gold medals in the world games, a world championships and three other medals in world championships. I am throwing better at age 60 than at age 50. I train as hard now as I did when I was 20.
I’ve completely changed my approach to strength training. I used to love doing bench presses (I benched 450 lb at age 22 and 390 at age 54).
I no longer do that exercise. I purchased a functional training machine from Life Fitness and do almost all strength exercises from a standing position (standing chest presses, standing rows with squats, discus simulations, deadlifts, standing hammer twists). I also purchased an adjustable dumbbell set from Bowflex and do one arm snatches, thrusters, and swings. And, I do front squats and snatches with an Olympic set and kettlebells that I bought from Pavel Tsatsouline.
The point of all is this that I no longer have back pain. Developing a strong, stable, flexible spine has allowed me to do a sport that is notorius for producing back pain. I urge you to buy the new edition of Dr. McGill’s book on back fitness (Ultimate back Fitness and Performance, 3rd edition.) My improved back fitness has allowed me to employ more leg and hip drive is are going to be a big surprise to my competitors this year at the world championships in Italy.
Dan, USA