The Egoscue Method of Health Through Motion: A Revolutionary Program That Lets You Rediscover the Body's Power to Protect and Rejuvenate Itself

This is the book that saved my life. Before I read it, I was just another middle aged American with chronic sciatica and back pain so bad, I had to quit a job I loved so I could try to fix myself. I'd learned through an MRI that I had two herniated lumbar discs. An x-ray taken by a chiropractor informed me that my spine was horrifyingly twisted. I could tell I had issues, but I was shocked to see how bad things were. I never realized before that a person can train his or her spine into a state of scoliosis, just by living. In my case, I'd favored my dominant right side so exclusively, my torso was twisted from right to left. This in turn caused rotation in my lumbar discs, which eventually caused two to blow out, therefore causing the sciatica in my left leg. I could barely walk or sit; even lying in bed was painful. I had to stretch out on the floor to do anything at home, especially sleep. I figured I was a homeridden goner. Then a compassionate friend handed me this book. I read it only out of duty, not wanting to offend her. What a wonderful surprise to learn that it was exactly what I needed! All those steroid shots, cranial-sacral therapy, traditional therapy, chiropractic adjustments, lent short-lived relief, but never lasting relief. I was always back to square one. I immediately began the exercises for my particular posture type and sensed within two days that I'd found my answer. It took 1 1/2 years to fully heal my discs and eliminate the sciatica, but I did it. I was so impressed with the Egoscue method, I began to attend weekend workshops at a local clinic, then signed on to study their therapy modules. I just wanted to understand why this method worked when all else failed. Egoscue therapists have told me that I'm unusual--that it's not common for someone to simply pick up one of these books and follow it so well to find so much relief. For most, they say, the book is a good introduction, but folks seem to need face to face visits with their therapist. Well, after my first 1 1/2 years, I did pay a visit to a therapist to see if there was a difference. And there is!! Hahaha. I felt so much better after my therapist sessions, I was sold. But, I say that if you read this book carefully, study yourself closely and choose the correct sequence of exercises, then follow them regularly (since I had quit work, I had endless days to pamper myself with exercises. I performed them twice a day and was ready to get back to work in 3 months), this book may very well be your saving grace.

I'm a 71 year old woman who has been partially disabled most of my life due to a serious injury in high school and a shoulder joint dislocation 40 years ago.I managed to work through the pain and disability to finish a 30 year nursing career, but I have lived with ever increasing pain and loss of motion since I retired. I have often felt as if I had no reason to continue living, since I've not found much of any way to reduce the pain. So this book, with so much extremely simple and obvious information has hit me like a ton of bricks. I've been doing it all wrong for so many years.Just to illustrate, the last few years I've had increasing pain in my shoulders and arms, especially at night. I've tried every medication, rub, hot showers before bed, and endless attempts to arrange the pillows and bedclothes to reduce the discomfort so I could sleep. Along with other pain and problems, sleep became a very iffy thing and the accumulated sleep deprivation has been devastating.So, one of the first things I discovered in this book was the vicious cycle of pain, poor posture, and poor overall body alignment. I discovered I was walking hunched over, throwing my shoulders forward when I sat and worked, and shuffling around like I was a sick ape. Dumb.Three days after getting the book, doing the exercises and working hard to remember to stand up straight and walk straight... very little pain in those arms and shoulders - and NONE in the back where the old injury had plagued me for more than 50 years. And each time I feel the pain returning... I look at how I'm standing or sitting and correct it. The pain is gone quickly. As I retrain myself to stand, walk and sit correctly, I am confident the pain will be gone and never return.Get this book, then follow the simple exercises. You'll be throwing away your pills and special appliances soon.

As a catcher in a adult baseball, not softball, league (40-45 games a year), I was quite taken aback when struck with an attack of Sciatica this mid-summer.After suffering weeks of pain, while lying on the floor, my orthopaedic doctors authorized epidural shots to relieve the pain.Each of them strongly recommended that I purchase, read, and followup with the exercises in 'The Egoscue Method of Health Through Motion'.The work is terrific in its clear, concise descriptions, and, explanations, as to the causes of lower back discomfort, and how to alleviate it.We now have several of our pitchers who have also purchased the book and are executing 'the Method'; much to their back's relief.Once again I am catching 2 bullpen sessions per week, and, a game on Saturday, and one on Sunday.Oh, forgot to mention that I am in my 72nd year, Member: Bandits Baseball Club, Inc., NABA affiliated, San Diego Adult Baseball League.

I follow various different paths and exercise regimes but this has been (for about 9 months) and will continue to be the backbone of my exercise regime. Why? Because what the author says makes a lot of sense. Occasionally in my life I come across a book which fits like a glove, something within the book connects with me, it makes perfect sense. This doesn't happen very often, perhaps once every two years and I get through a fair few books. I put into action the exercises that suit my current posture, having identified this by answering several questions. I recorded each exercise into a Dictaphone and each time I do the exercises I listen and do as is written (said). This is a long term solution, to me it's a cross between yoga with a little core strength work. It is mostly very gentle and relaxing. Why wouldn't I do what the author says? Very little equipment is required and it is possible to improvise with things around the house but I decided to buy a few bits and pieces, invest in my health if you will. I bought a mini-step ladder, a tall foot-stall, a yoga mat and I highly recommend something like a Dictaphone. My favourite exercise / yoga position is perhaps the crocodile twist. All parts of the body are gently moved or held. I'm so glad I found this book, thanks for reading.

Bought after borrowing someone else's copy. Several exercises match Pilates ones, though a few are different. Contains helpful diagrams. If you look at yourself open-mindedly, you may recognise that you are not aligned correctly. The book helps you to correct posture. Helps re all sorts of body stances and positions that are causing issues for you.

A fantastic book and actually a more comprehensive book than the Pain free book! The exercises are simple and easy to do but they do require commitment - but that's what's required if you want to heal!

It's an informative read and compliments 'Pain Free' which I bought earlier. Haven't started using the advice in this book yet as I'm still working on routines from the previous book. It adds to my understanding of Egoscue's methods and his approach to health.

I have suffered with a bad back for many years, and have tried without success many methods of exercise, I have always resorted to tablets of one form or another. The Egoscue Method is the only thing that works for me. I am now well on the road to recovery, all without going to the gym or buying loads of equipment. There are some exercises that will help you immediately, but getting your body back into shape will take time according to your disability. There's a lot of reading prior to the exercises, but persevere it is extremely interesting and enlightening. This is also a book that is perfect for those without problems as prevention is far better than cure. I will be teaching my children the exercises in this book, which will provide them with a perfect posture and pain free life.