The McGill Method
The McGill Method was developed by world renowned spine expert, Professor Stuart McGill, who has over 32 years of experience in the research of the lumbar spine. Over the years he has help thousands of individuals around the world return to a pain free life and in some cases return to world record athletic performance.
Jeffrey Vitale PT is one of the few practitioners in the world certified in The McGill Method.
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The McGill Assessment: What to Expect
Before scheduling your assessment, we will start with a Pre-Assessment phone call to discuss your individual case to make sure that this assessment is appropriate for you and your situation.
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The Assessment (2-3hours):
When was the last time you had the full attention of a healthcare professional for 2-3 hours to listen and answer your questions as well as provide you with a blueprint on how to get out of pain with immediate implementable strategies?
The McGill assessment begins with a thorough history, interview and review of any imaging or other studies you may have related to your low back pain and past medical history. Following the interview, you will be taken through a hands-on physical exam looking at motions and movements, specifically looking at pain provoking motions and postures. Then together we work to find the pain reducing strategies that work specific for you. All of this helps me converge on what tissues are actually causing your pain, instead of relying on just medical imaging that cannot truly tell us if a specific structure or tissue is the true source of your pain. This will guide me in prescribing the most appropriate and effective exercises and spine sparring movements to incorporate into your life to achieve a pain free back. You are welcome to video record the exercise and intervention portion of the assessment for your review at home to aide and guide your exercise and daily movement strategies.
​Post Assessment:
You will also be provided a full written report within two weeks detailing the findings from your assessment. I also like to have a 30 min Phone or Video call Post Assessment to go over any questions you may have.
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Many individuals will leave the assessment with decreased pain and/or a better understanding of what is driving their pain. From there it is up to you to implement these specific strategies. It is your commitment to applying the spine sparing movements and following the exercises that will allow you to reach your goals.
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Depending upon your specific needs and goals you may require additional follow up sessions to progress the exercises or to work on other physical limitations that may hinder or slow your progress.