The Manual Worker

"My name is Steve Geary and I am thirty. Since I was thirteen I have had back problem from a football injury. From 16 to 29 I have had pain in my lower back, down my left leg and upper back. At 29 I was diagnosed with a ruptured disk in my lower back. I have tried countless things, chiro, physio, acupuncture, yoga and massage, which helped a bit.

Developing throbbing pain in my left leg, I was losing sleep from pain and going through rounds of depression. It was aggravated by prolonged lifting, bending, sitting and driving. The doctor said my protruding disk was pushing on a nerve which was sending the pain down my left leg. He went on to suggest I rest for 2 weeks and if it wasn’t getting better, he would send me to a neurosurgeon. In the past I have worked as a roof restorer, brickie’s labour, TA in boiler making. I was referred to CRS who sent me to a gym where I lasted 2 weeks, finding that the drive aggravated my condition. Then CRS sent me to Sharon Clark (P&F Practitioner).

I drove to Sharon Clark’s for my first consultation. I was in a lot of pain and told Sharon that it was 9 out of 10. She gave me a set of exercises to do and afterwards, I noticed straight away that I was in less pain driving home. I then saw her for 2 more private consultations and by this time I had a pain rate of 5.

Then Sharon put me into her classes. After 12 weeks on the program, I felt I only had a pain rating of 1, if at all. Given the right tools, my back and leg condition has improved dramatically. These exercises have changed my whole life."

Steve Geary, Manual worker

Newcastle, Australia

P&F Therapist & Teacher: Sharon Clark