Overpower Pain: The Strength-Training Program That Stops Pain Without Drugs or Surgery

The author is a physiotherapist (physical therapist) and personal trainer. He has helped thousands of patients avoid unnecessary surgery and drugs through strength training. In this book (and through several articles and lectures) he shares his approach to pain relief by physical therapy, strength training (of muscles). The book is well illustrated with photographs of various exercises that he recommends to overcome specific problems. When I had a fall in 2006 I was unable to put my weight on my left leg and had to be hospitalised for about 10 days. After x-ray tests established that there was no fracture and after drugs helped with the initial pain management, I had the benefit of seeing first hand how a good physiotherapist can help in rebuilding the range of muscle movements through exercises of the affected muscles. When I was reading this book, I could thus relate very well with the explanations of the author in Chapter 3. The approach is quite technical at places and some readers may not be able to follow the same but the main part of the book in Chapter 5 that covers the work out sessions (and which is well illustrated) will certainly hold the attention well. In any case, it is imperative that any such exercise program should be taken up after a thorough evaluation by a physiotherapist (physical therapist) and a qualified training instructor. The book is a welcome addition to the growing literature on pain management. I am giving below the contents for the sake of completeness. Preface Introduction Chapter 1 - Weight Lifting isn't just for Bodybuilders Chapter 2 - Be Safe, Be Effective, and gain Muscle Strength Chapter 3 - What it means when you are in pain The Neck, The Lower Back, The Shoulder, The Elbow, The Wrist, The Hip, The Knee, The Ankle, The Foot are covered in separate sections Chapter 4 - The golden rules of weight training Chapter 5 - Enough talk - Let's get to work Under this he covers The Chest, The Abdominal Group, The Back, Upper Back, Lower Back, Entire Back, Biceps, Forearms, The Thigh, The Calf, The Shoulders, The Triceps Chapter 6 - Stretch, Don't Strain Chapter 7 - A workout schedule that works for you Conclusion Acknowledgements Glossary Appendix A Appendix B Notes About the Author

This is a must read for anyone who has pain that does not want to go away! Easy read, I refer back to it often - Check out his website too.

No one enjoys being in pain, but it doesn't have to be the focus of one's life. "Overpower Pain: The Strength-Training Program that Stops Pain without Drugs or Surgery" is a guide to building strength to dull the nagging pain, be it from age, injury, or whatever the circumstance. Chronic pain can be overcome by working the affected muscle through the pain and therefore decreasing the pain in everyday life. "Overpower Pain" is something to be strongly considered for those facing daily, persistent pain.

What great information! I was having pain in my wrist which I assumed was probably carpal tunnel. Before going to see a dr, I took Mitchell Yass' advice and decided to try the suggested exercises first. I am now completely pain-free without surgery or drugs. I am also now strength-training on a regular basis. Great read!