Helen, 71
“I first experienced back pain in 2013. Frustratingly, I was 61 and keen to enjoy my newly retired status! However, overnight I developed extreme fatigue, my back and leg muscles ached, and I could barely walk. The sciatic pain in particular was severe and left me feeling very stiff. I can distinctly remember going on a walk with my husband and just having to go back to the car to sleep – the situation felt dire and was not how I envisaged my retirement. I was later diagnosed with “polymyalgia” and prescribed steroids, which only masked the symptoms and failed to address the underlying cause.
“Over the next four years I oscillated between pain ‘flare-ups’ and high steroid doses. Physiotherapy over six-week periods encouraged general exercises which, again, did not analyse or improve my problem. I started yoga, thinking flexibility would help, yet this also failed to produce any long-lasting relief. I was left feeling extremely despondent and helpless.
“Following a worsening of my condition in 2018, I saw a rheumatologist. Subsequently, I underwent MRI scans, blood tests and a unpleasant withdrawal of steroids, which culminated in a final diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. There followed two years of unsuccessful drug trials, until a biological medication worked and the inflammation reduced. I also had two courses of back injections which did provide some temporary relief, but I knew I needed a long-term solution if I was to get my life back.
“I discovered the BIS programme by accident in September 2021. I had looked on the internet many times for exercises and found videos by Michael that demonstrated a single exercise, that immediately made sense to me and so I signed-up. I can honestly say that BIS is the first programme of carefully built, structured exercises that work for me. The improvement in my condition – and pain – was immediate. It was truly transformational and I started to feel so much more hopeful and positive as a result. I could actually do the exercises, slowly but surely, and the success meant I was keen to carry on. I’m active but not super fit, so I strongly believe that if I can improve and get stronger, anyone can!
“Importantly, through BIS, I now understand the underlying cause of my pain and what I need to do to help improve my situation. As a result, my strength has grown, along with my knowledge and understanding . I have now completed all four phases and continue to practise four times per week. I still experience some discomfort at times and need to take pain relief on occasions, but this is mainly if I overdo things. The towel stretch and ice routine, however, really help me to ‘put things right again’. BIS isn’t a quick fix, it’s a mindset. It’s a how to make the best of yourself and I would strongly recommend it to others living with back pain.”
