12 replies to this topic

[CRobbins]

I'm reading a book by Canadian Orthopedic surgeon Hamilton Hall called "Consultation with the Back Dr." I highly recommend it.
He basically says that (after ruling out any serious disorder) back pain should be treated by movement and that pain does not always equal harm and the best thing is to keep moving. I got the book from the library but will be buying a copy to loan to clients.
Here's a link to a Canadian site but you can probably find it on amazon.com

http://www.amazon.ca...l/dp/0771037783

[Pilates Core]

Absolutely - my back pain is GONE since I upped my Pilates privates and started running. I will definitely check that book out. Thanks!

[CRobbins]

He has a system of diagnosing back issues into four patterns. Depending on which pattern type you are he recommends different types of movement. It is written in a Q. and A. form with a good index (so you can look up "pilates" to see what he says lol). There is also a very good chapter on anatomy of the spine which is not too difficult to understand, but is quite detailed for the layman reader. There is also some good information about types of injuries and disease. For me the biggest payoff was to dispell so many myths about backs and spines and treatment options. I'll definitely be pulling it off the shelf to quote from to specific clients. Unlike so many books of this type that I find myself glazing over and daydreaming when I should be reading, this one is quite riveting!
But note that he has several books and I believe "Consultation With..." is his latest.

[DancingPilatesMama]

Thanks! I will look for it.

[LAville]

Thanks, CR I ordered it.

[CRobbins]

Let me know what you think LAville.

[taowave]

As long as we are on the topic of Canadian researchers/doctors and books on the back,may I suggest Ultimate Back Fitness.I just started reading it and it certainly appears to be an eye opener.The author Stuart McGill is one of the premier back specialists and has probably done more research than anyone else in the field..

A word of caution..His research may be a shock to your Pilates based beliefs

[CRobbins]

Someone here posted a link to an article at the New York Times quoting Stuart McGill. He's a spine researcher at the U. of Waterloo. I didn't know he had a book out, thanks taowave.

[taowave]

Hi C,
That was me who posted the NYT article.He has done extensive research on the spine and written several books.I just started reading his latest book,Ultimate Back Fitness.And as you may guess,he doesnt appear to be enamored with Pilates or Yoga,or better said the approach of training/reahabilitating done by many..

It look likes a great read....Ill keep you posted

Tao

Someone here posted a link to an article at the New York Times quoting Stuart McGill. He's a spine researcher at the U. of Waterloo. I didn't know he had a book out, thanks taowave.

[CRobbins]

hmmm, just had a gander at his website. He has a textbook as well. Looks very interesting and worthwhile. Going to save up some pennies I think.

[PilatesHB]

I just ordered it but there were only two (now one) left so if you are interested, you might want to order right away. I'll let you know when I get it.. I bet I love it.

[taowave]

I think you will find its well worth breaking open the piggy bank,especially if you appreciate an emperical approach to testing.Coming from a research background,I am naturally drawn to his approach and having browsed your website,I think you will find it a very enlightening read.

hmmm, just had a gander at his website. He has a textbook as well. Looks very interesting and worthwhile. Going to save up some pennies I think.

[CRobbins]

I think so too tao - I will add it to my list of ever expanding must-have anatomy texts and books. I can write it off, right?