Wear and Tear: Stop the Pain and Put the Spring Back in Your Body

I happened to pick up this book at my in-laws' house because I have had a year-and-a-half-long problem with plantar faciitis and heal pain. My podiatrist calls me a difficult case. I have tried physical therapy, cushioned insoles, cortizone shots, icing, night splints and oral meds- they have not improved my problems. After reading the book (I pretty much got the information I needed in 2 evenings of reading) I took a walk around the block-something I had not done painlessly in months. Using one small and simple change suggested in his book, my pain was practically eliminated! No matter who wrote the information first, I want to thank Dr. Arnot for writing his book because it has instantly changed my life. I have cancelled my upcoming appointment with my podiatrist to give his other suggestions a try. My money may be better spent this way. I recommend others give his book a try as well, even if you aren't suffering from arthritis...yet. It is good information for your entire family.

I have to disagree with the anonymous reader who accused the book of being a commercial for glucosamine. (An endorsement is not the same thing as a commercial). I believe that the information in "Wear And Tear" will be of genuine help to people willing to try the ideas presented here. Actually it seems to me that the proper title of this book should be "Turning Back The Clock II: Undoing the Damage from The First Book". In "Wear And Tear", Arnot talks extensively about the wear and tear on the body caused by high volume endurance exercise - which is almost exactly his prescription for health and longevity in "Turning Back The Clock". His candid descriptions of his own joint and health problems are obviously a direct result of all the running, biking and cross country exteme events he did in the previous book - although he never actually admits the connection. If you are paying attention, this tends to damage his credibility as an expert - he was 100% sure about his methods in his last book, but now he's hurting and achy, so now he's 100% sure about his new methods. Indian yoga masters and Chinese Tai Chi masters and Pilates instructors and even physical therapists around the country would laugh at him until their sides hurt. Even so, as a long time beliver in the pre-hab/rehab power of a well designed hatha yoga practice, I was impressed that Arnot advocated a very well known "hot" yoga system (Bikram Yoga) as part of a daily restoration routine. I also appreciated his explaining both the "how" and the "why" of each of his modes of self help, and that he made practical, easily implemented suggestions for each method; and other helpful exercises (besides yoga), stress reduction methods and nutritional supplements (including dosages, and specific brand names). I learned a few good things from this book, and I already know more about the subject than 90% of the mainstream American audience. So you may not NEED this book...but it will be a worthwhile entry in your health and fitness library if you decide to buy it.

I haven't read "the arthritis cure" so can't comment on the other reviewer's "rehash" perception. The presentation looks highly suspicious, I bought it on the small chance it would actually help my knee pain....then I was surprised to find that some of his stuff actually works. Immediately. Wow, my joints honestly did feel "like silk" after one of his yoga sessions.

This book provides specific information on how to preservethe joints in the body. For instance, the author cautionsagainst heal pounding while walking. He recommends walkingsuch that the outer perimeter of the foot absorbs yourweight. He describes the optimal gait which consists ofmaintaining hips at a level position and landing the feeteasily while walking. High tech knee braces may help in redistributing the load around the knee. Ibuprofen may behelpful in dealing with inflammation problems. Wearing comfortable shoes is cited as an important step in reducingstress on the joints. Yoga is cited as a good treatmentfor joints , as is stretching, spreading the weight loadand building elasticity and flexibility in the muscles andjoints. This book is a good supplementation to the existingmedicinal regimen and physical therapy regimen.

This book is great for people who suffer from Arthritis, who are overweight, have reducecd flexibilty, or any other pain associated with their joints. Bob Arnot, one of the authors of this book believes strongly in yoga and stretching as exercises for people suffering with pain. In his practice, he does prescribe asprin and NSAIDS, but disourages the overuse of them. He believes more in exercise. Not strenuous exercise, just exercises like bicycling, walking, or swimming. Exercise is the key to strong muscles and joints. He also gives ideas for proper footwear, no high arched shoes. The book is jumpy as you read it, but overall, it would be of good use to those who suffer with joint pain.