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If you're still struggling with chronic low back pain and feel like you've tried everything, you're not alone. Most of my clients have already tried several approaches before working with me: physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, yoga, etc.
It's not uncommon to feel like you've wasted time and money, and missed out on life experiences that your back pain has prevented you from doing. You're probably wondering if there's a solution at all. And if there is, what's the cost?
Here, I’ll explain why the McGill Method is different to what you've tried before. I'll break down the exact pricing of my assessment programs, what each includes, and how to decide if it’s the right investment for you to make for your recovery.
“After herniating a disc in 2014, I tried many solutions: physios, acupuncture, other specialists, but nothing helped. I started working with Andy 18 months ago and have now been pain-free for more than a year.
Training with Andy is the best investment I’ve made in my health. I definitely recommend working with him.”
Andy Marlow
With most conventional low back pain approaches, a typical session consists of generic low back pain exercises/stretches and some kind of passive treatment (where you lie on a table and somebody does something to you, e.g. massage, cupping, dry needling, etc.).
These programs target symptoms and are based on vague diagnoses like "non-specific low back pain", "degenerative disc disease", or "mechanical low back pain".
None of these "diagnoses" do anything to meaningfully characterise the nature of your back pain. They don't provide any information on how the injury originated, explain how it's aggravated, or localise the site of the damage.
Unfortunately, targeting symptoms rarely resolves the underlying issue which is why you stay in a cycle of pain.
In contrast, the McGill Method assessment is not just an attempt to treat your symptoms. It’s a deep-dive clinical evaluation designed to pinpoint the specific causes of your pain, and build a plan of action based around them.
The McGill Method was developed by Professor Stuart McGill to address the fundamentally flawed notion that low back pain is "non-specific". Your low back pain is highly individual and therefore requires an individualised recovery plan.
I'm in a small minority of practitioners who specialise exclusively in low back pain rehab. I only take on new clients who have been suffering from low back pain for a minimum of 3 months. This limits the total number of people I offer my services to but has allowed me to gain deeper knowledge and specific experience helping people with chronic low back pain.
I will only take you on as a client if I believe I can help you (the purpose of the initial 15 minute consultation is to determine this). If I don't believe I can help you I will refer you out to the appropriate specialist.
Most cases of low back pain resolve within a few weeks. But a sizeable minority: roughly 1 in 3, are still in significant pain after three months. And around 1 in 5 are still in significant pain after a year.
If you're reading this it's likely that you're part of this significant minority. For you, generic treatments aren't enough. To maximise your chances of recovery, you need a personalised assessment that includes the following:
This has three purposes:
If you have any questions or doubts about anything in between sessions you can contact me via the True Coach app through which I deliver your program. If you need me to check your exercise technique you can upload videos via the app for me to comment on. I will also adjust your program if you have any unexpected setbacks - it's nearly always possible to work around these.
All of your follow-up sessions will be with me. Having the same person deal with you throughout your recovery ensures important details aren't forgotten and that your program is progressed appropriately and consistently.
Not only will you be dealing exclusively with me, but I take the time to consult my detailed case notes before each session so we can make the most of your time.
Your low back pain did not spontaneously arise for no reason. It usually occurs after decades of sub-optimal movement patterns, poor postures and exposure to loads that exceed the capacity of your spine.
It's true that genetics can play a role and may be responsible for 'loading the gun'. But it's behaviour and movement (or lack of it) that 'pull the trigger'.
Learning how to move in a way that reduces the stress on the passive tissues in your spine (your discs, ligaments, vertebrae, etc) is essential if you want to maintain good spine health for the rest of your life.
The programs below are appropriate for you if you have a minimum of 3 months of unresolved low back pain, repeated failed treatments, or uncertainty around your pain triggers.
The program you choose will depend on your specific goals, your budget and how much support you require after the initial assessment.
These programs are not for everyone. Some people prefer to believe that someone else should be responsible for fixing them. In my experience (and from a physiological point of view), this is not possible. Active participation from you is essential if you want to build a healthy, resilient spine.
What's included:
*The fee includes a 1700 AED (460 USD) package discount. Payable in four instalments: 25% before the assessment, 25% at the beginning of month 1, 25% at the beginning of month 3, 25% at the beginning of month 5. The fees are the same for in-person and online sessions.
What's included:
*The fee includes a 950 AED (260 USD) package discount. Payable in two instalments: 50% before the assessment, then 50% before the first follow-up session. The fees are the same for in-person and online sessions.
What's included:
*Payable in full before the assessment.
After your program / assessment:
Many clients continue training with me to improve their strength and fitness once they've resolved their low back pain. Here's a breakdown of my optional monthly coaching packages:
*All fees are monthly and payable in advance. There is no minimum commitment period - cancel any time. The fees are the same for in-person and online sessions.
Only you can decide what avoiding surgery, pain meds, or years of frustration is worth. But here’s what my clients say:
“I call Andy a miracle worker. I suffered with chronic back pain for four years and tried everything: medication, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, yoga. Nothing worked.
Andy’s thorough approach and easy-to-follow program have made a huge difference. I now feel empowered, in control of my pain, and hopeful about the future."
"In the initial 3-hour session, Andy was meticulous about understanding my history and which movements caused or relieved pain. No other health care provider has taken this kind of time and attention."
“After months of back pain and trying massages, stretching, yoga, and physiotherapy that only worsened my symptoms, I found Andy. He quickly identified pain-causing movements and showed me how to modify them.
My pain improved quickly and within weeks I was almost always pain-free. This money is well spent for the sake of a pain-free life.”
