Daniel’s Low Back Testimonial
Never having back issues I struggled to accept what was happening and so continued to do everything I used to do such as: going the gym, sitting for long periods in work without a break and underestimating the importance of moving correctly. All these behaviours, habits and an attitude that a bout of physio and corrective exercises could fix the problem, the thing was, my back got worse. Even during my physiotherapy, I became increasingly frustrated that the physio could not help me identify my pain or offer me solutions to fix it. I was unable to sit without being in significant amounts of pain, and I was unable to carry out daily tasks without my back cramping up so bad I couldn’t walk. I felt hopeless as my way of life and mobility was crumbling around me.
After a period of no progress and increasing frustration with physiotherapy, I researched further and found the McGill Method. I watched his podcasts and read his book Back Mechanic cover to cover, twice, and was sold.
I noticed improvements within weeks, however, 6 months in, as much as I had improved, I was still struggling to identify what daily habits I was doing to aggravate my pain. That’s when I reached out to Ophelia, I had already been sold on the method but knew I was missing something as I was still struggling to progress. It turns out, I learned and am continuing to learn, so much more than I was expecting. After the initial assessment I was prescribed exercises and coached on how to move to protect my back, the problem was, implementing these into a busy life with a young child and traveling for work was difficult. I also maintained the attitude that my back would get better, and I would be back the gym in no time. Both my outlook and daily routines meant I struggled to implement these changes effectively and this is where the real value of working with Ophelia came in. Her coaching and guidance has helped and continues to help me develop, maintain and progress a specific programme for my specific back pain.
Living over 170 miles away from Ophelia’s studio has not been a hindrance at all, in fact, having my sessions remotely has been extremely valuable as Ophelia has been able to observe how I move around my house, how I work, how I pack my bag, all the things we do on a day to day basis. This has been one of the keys to the success I have had so far, as Ophelia has been able to have an insight into my routines and habits. Using technology has also further helped as I have been able share recordings of exercises and movements that have helped me learn about the things I am doing to upset my injury, and Ophelia has been able to offer me coaching to help me improve. One of the biggest benefits I have from working with Ophelia is her coaching. There has been many occasions on my recovery journey where I have felt there was no way anybody could understand why my back was hurting, it just didn’t make sense, but after explaining this to Ophelia I have always been relieved as she has been able to make sense of the triggers and offer me guidance and coaching on how to correct and remove the pain trigger.
Reaching out to Ophelia has been the best thing I have done for my back. I now not only live mostly pain free, but I am confident of a happy and healthier future and i am developing the knowledge and habits to have a healthy active lifestyle for the rest of my life