TESTIMONIALS, PROFESSIONAL QUOTES, AND STUDENT STORIES
Rick Pruett
Meg Margolis is a gifted healer. Her pain management program has been of great help in my recovery from injury. Meg combines a sensitive touch with a pragmatic professionalism that has spanned four decades. Her positive attitude and great knowledge of the human anatomy contributed to my positive experience, thank you Meg!!!!
Rick Pruett - Six time USA Masters Track & Field All American - seerickrun.com
Rick Pruett - Six time USA Masters Track & Field All American - seerickrun.com
Roger Stillwell's story
Meg: Roger was a former Chicago bears and All-American and All Pro football player with damage from a broken vertebrae. When we first saw him he already had thirteen surgeries over his life and had done a lot of thinking about what was needed for getting better. He desperately wanted to be able to play ball with his little boy. I had just made my first wedge sets and I wondered how they'd do with such a big fellow. His foot was the length of my calf.
Roger had relief, real relief, first time in years. He feel asleep for hours. He was already in a thoroughly horrible condition. He couldn't do active leg exercises. No leg weight lifting at all. His exercises with me were to wiggle his toes, walk in place and to make circles with his feet from his ankles, keeping the weight of his legs and feet resting in the wedges.
Ruth and I would take turns rocking our hand on top of his calf so the vibrations of motion would travel down to his hip and back. We did this while he was awake and while he slept. We knew how much pressure to use on his leg because he would let us know every time we got too vigorous. Unless we kept our eyes on what we were doing it was hard to believe that so little hand movement was the right amount. We would wiggle hardly at all, back and forth on top of his leg so gently. Even though he could take more when he was sleeping, we didn't want to overrule his body’s own healing rate.
The following is an excerpt from a plea he wrote to his insurance company for them to cover the cost of the wedges.
"Believe me, I have tried everything: transcutaneous nerve stimulation, nerve blocks, cortisone shots and pills, anti depressants, anti-inflammatory pain killers, triggerpoint injection, massage, diathermy, ultra sound, ice, whirlpool, sauna, hot tub, acupuncture, accupressure, accuscope, surgery, more surgery, weight lifting, Nautilus, walking, bike riding, swimming, exercises from various physicians' backache relief books, hypnosis, bio-feedback, psychologists, counselors, ministers, prayer, positive mental attitude, and all of these things plus traction, hospital stays, cat scans, every type of x-ray there is, myelograms, and muscle relaxers. I had done it all and nothing was working. Doctors out of despair referred me to Meg. I started getting better immediately. I got my own set of equipment and could work out at home and not antagonize my back. It didn't take long to re-develop muscles in a way that was totally foreign to me; no weights, no strain, not 'no pain, no gain'."
Roger had relief, real relief, first time in years. He feel asleep for hours. He was already in a thoroughly horrible condition. He couldn't do active leg exercises. No leg weight lifting at all. His exercises with me were to wiggle his toes, walk in place and to make circles with his feet from his ankles, keeping the weight of his legs and feet resting in the wedges.
Ruth and I would take turns rocking our hand on top of his calf so the vibrations of motion would travel down to his hip and back. We did this while he was awake and while he slept. We knew how much pressure to use on his leg because he would let us know every time we got too vigorous. Unless we kept our eyes on what we were doing it was hard to believe that so little hand movement was the right amount. We would wiggle hardly at all, back and forth on top of his leg so gently. Even though he could take more when he was sleeping, we didn't want to overrule his body’s own healing rate.
The following is an excerpt from a plea he wrote to his insurance company for them to cover the cost of the wedges.
"Believe me, I have tried everything: transcutaneous nerve stimulation, nerve blocks, cortisone shots and pills, anti depressants, anti-inflammatory pain killers, triggerpoint injection, massage, diathermy, ultra sound, ice, whirlpool, sauna, hot tub, acupuncture, accupressure, accuscope, surgery, more surgery, weight lifting, Nautilus, walking, bike riding, swimming, exercises from various physicians' backache relief books, hypnosis, bio-feedback, psychologists, counselors, ministers, prayer, positive mental attitude, and all of these things plus traction, hospital stays, cat scans, every type of x-ray there is, myelograms, and muscle relaxers. I had done it all and nothing was working. Doctors out of despair referred me to Meg. I started getting better immediately. I got my own set of equipment and could work out at home and not antagonize my back. It didn't take long to re-develop muscles in a way that was totally foreign to me; no weights, no strain, not 'no pain, no gain'."
Letter from Dr. William R. Clark, Medical Director, California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board
San Francisco Chronicle article with quote from Dr. Arthur White, Orthopedic Surgeon, 1978
Testimonials
"Meg Margolis assisted my wife's recovery from severe back disease, unsuccessful back surgery, and prolonged bed rest. She is a very talented and inventive teacher of the difficult and complex exercises required for the re-education of muscles and the alteration of body balance and mechanics which contribute to recovery from back disease."
Dr. Alan C. Aisenberg,
Harvard Medical School
Associate Professor of Medicine
"Fitness For Living is more likely to benefit than most physical therapy programs."
Dr.WilliamClark
Medical Director
California Workers Compensation Appeals Board
"Since Meg has been working with my women’s basketball program, the results have been stunning and immediate. My team has more quickness and agility, which has led them to run faster and jump higher. “
Michel Fulton. Head Coach
Women’s Basketball Team
College of Marin
"When Dr. B. prescribed your remedial exercises I was unprepared for the startling results."
Sue N. K.
“Dr. Arthur White, orthopedic surgeon for Joe Montana endorses Margolis’ exercise program. In some cases, he says proper exercise can eliminate the need for surgery."
San Francisco Chronicle
"I'm free of pain!! I no longer wear a back brace which I have worn for five years."
Lois R., Grocery Clerk
"The year of my 70th birthday I had back spasms for 6 months until I ended up in traction for a week, under heavy sedation with physiotherapy. X-rays showed three fractured vertebrae. When I came home I was afraid to move and walked with a stoop. As my family and friends can testify, my posture is good and I am gardening again (mildly) and living a normal life, thanks to your wise guidance, dear Meg."
Tia M.
"X-rays recorded 2 herniated and 1 bulged disc. Two leading neurosurgeons insisted back surgery would be my only cure. Three months later I returned to work without having had an operation."
Van S.
“Here was something I coul d do for myself and feel in control again after being depressed and dependent. The results were immediate and long lasting.”
Ann M., Registered Nurse
"Following a bi-level laminectomy operation I was still experiencing pain and stiffness despite other treatment. I have been following your exercises for the past 2 months and have since been free of almost all pain. Plus, I have regained much of my flexibility."
Bill H., San Rafael Police Department
"To my surprise, first class I noticed a definite and immediate improvement. That was 4 years ago. My back problem has not recurred. If I notice muscles stiffness as a result of my regular horseback riding or jogging, your exercises are a sure cure."
Joan G.
"I had been having lower back problems for four years when I first came to your class. I had spent the entire summer going for treatments but I was still unable to stand up straight and I still had pain. It now feels as though I never had any back problems."
Else V.
"I spent 5 months searching for relief from muscle spasms and sciatica. I would get some temporary relief but nothing that lasted and helped me to learn how to remain pain free. Meg taught me the tools to retrain/reeducate my muscles to get out and stay out of spasm and pain. I have been able to return to work and proceed with the activities of daily life"
Annie B. Registered Nurse
"I have never been overweight and have always exercised, but my scoliosis was getting more symptomatic - the numbness in my fingers and leg plus the tension in my shoulders and neck were increasing. Since starting Meg's class I have consistently improved. Now, to the cheers of my family, I am able to hoist myself back up into the boat after water skiing - feat I had never been able to accomplish even at 30."
Thelma P.
"After having back pain for almost 20 years and after having tried many different exercises and after having to quit my job as a teacher of pre-school handicapped children, I am now able to return to work. I would like others to have the same opportunity to not just learn to live with the pain and its restrictions."
Bryna A., Childrens Hospital Pre-School Teacher
“My surgeon said he couldn’t help me. I had sciatica down both legs and three ruptured disks. I was in agony. I took the long bus ride to see Meg and she had me lie down, put my legs up and the she slid things under my bottom and put pillows everywhere. I realized I could get better. I will love Meg forever. I owe her my life."
Larry P.
"The knowledge I sought wasn’t in available books. There was nothing on the market that told you how to care for yourself from the point of extreme pain onwards. Meg’s methods allowed me to completely heal a ruptured lumbar disk and severe sciatica. That was after my doctor said I’d never be free from pain without surgery. Thirty years later I am still using Meg's methods to recover from strain and stay pain-free."
Ruth Corwin, Ph.D.
Dr. Alan C. Aisenberg,
Harvard Medical School
Associate Professor of Medicine
"Fitness For Living is more likely to benefit than most physical therapy programs."
Dr.WilliamClark
Medical Director
California Workers Compensation Appeals Board
"Since Meg has been working with my women’s basketball program, the results have been stunning and immediate. My team has more quickness and agility, which has led them to run faster and jump higher. “
Michel Fulton. Head Coach
Women’s Basketball Team
College of Marin
"When Dr. B. prescribed your remedial exercises I was unprepared for the startling results."
Sue N. K.
“Dr. Arthur White, orthopedic surgeon for Joe Montana endorses Margolis’ exercise program. In some cases, he says proper exercise can eliminate the need for surgery."
San Francisco Chronicle
"I'm free of pain!! I no longer wear a back brace which I have worn for five years."
Lois R., Grocery Clerk
"The year of my 70th birthday I had back spasms for 6 months until I ended up in traction for a week, under heavy sedation with physiotherapy. X-rays showed three fractured vertebrae. When I came home I was afraid to move and walked with a stoop. As my family and friends can testify, my posture is good and I am gardening again (mildly) and living a normal life, thanks to your wise guidance, dear Meg."
Tia M.
"X-rays recorded 2 herniated and 1 bulged disc. Two leading neurosurgeons insisted back surgery would be my only cure. Three months later I returned to work without having had an operation."
Van S.
“Here was something I coul d do for myself and feel in control again after being depressed and dependent. The results were immediate and long lasting.”
Ann M., Registered Nurse
"Following a bi-level laminectomy operation I was still experiencing pain and stiffness despite other treatment. I have been following your exercises for the past 2 months and have since been free of almost all pain. Plus, I have regained much of my flexibility."
Bill H., San Rafael Police Department
"To my surprise, first class I noticed a definite and immediate improvement. That was 4 years ago. My back problem has not recurred. If I notice muscles stiffness as a result of my regular horseback riding or jogging, your exercises are a sure cure."
Joan G.
"I had been having lower back problems for four years when I first came to your class. I had spent the entire summer going for treatments but I was still unable to stand up straight and I still had pain. It now feels as though I never had any back problems."
Else V.
"I spent 5 months searching for relief from muscle spasms and sciatica. I would get some temporary relief but nothing that lasted and helped me to learn how to remain pain free. Meg taught me the tools to retrain/reeducate my muscles to get out and stay out of spasm and pain. I have been able to return to work and proceed with the activities of daily life"
Annie B. Registered Nurse
"I have never been overweight and have always exercised, but my scoliosis was getting more symptomatic - the numbness in my fingers and leg plus the tension in my shoulders and neck were increasing. Since starting Meg's class I have consistently improved. Now, to the cheers of my family, I am able to hoist myself back up into the boat after water skiing - feat I had never been able to accomplish even at 30."
Thelma P.
"After having back pain for almost 20 years and after having tried many different exercises and after having to quit my job as a teacher of pre-school handicapped children, I am now able to return to work. I would like others to have the same opportunity to not just learn to live with the pain and its restrictions."
Bryna A., Childrens Hospital Pre-School Teacher
“My surgeon said he couldn’t help me. I had sciatica down both legs and three ruptured disks. I was in agony. I took the long bus ride to see Meg and she had me lie down, put my legs up and the she slid things under my bottom and put pillows everywhere. I realized I could get better. I will love Meg forever. I owe her my life."
Larry P.
"The knowledge I sought wasn’t in available books. There was nothing on the market that told you how to care for yourself from the point of extreme pain onwards. Meg’s methods allowed me to completely heal a ruptured lumbar disk and severe sciatica. That was after my doctor said I’d never be free from pain without surgery. Thirty years later I am still using Meg's methods to recover from strain and stay pain-free."
Ruth Corwin, Ph.D.