Common Questions About In-Person 3-Hr McGill Consultation
FAQ for In-Person 3-Hr McGill Consultation
What is a McGill Method-Master Clinician?
What is a McGill Method Master Clinician?
A McGill Method Master Clinician has attained the highest level of clinical competency and has the full confidence of Professor McGill to assess the pain mechanism and show the patient how to stop the cause of their pain, then how to build a foundation for pain-free movement.
These clinicians have been trained by Professor McGill to perform a proper McGill assessment of your Back Pain. The assessment is designed to result in a specific diagnosis of your pain triggers (at least in 95% of people). Then, based on your specific triggers, you will be guided to avoid the triggers and allow the pain sensitivity to decrease. This will be followed by a specific exercise plan to build a pain-free foundation for movement.
There are only 14 Master Clinicians worldwide, with Brian being 1 of 7 in the United States and 1 of 1 located in the northeast of the United States.
Why Brian Carroll?
🔥 Decades of hands-on experience – Brian Carroll has spent over a decade learning, coaching, and working directly with Prof. Stuart McGill, the world’s leading spine biomechanist and co-author of Gift of Injury.
🌎 World-class educator – Brian teaches courses and seminars worldwide, sharing invaluable insights to help others recover from debilitating back injuries.
💪 Proven success – As a McGill Method expert and elite lifter, Brian has used these principles to rebuild his own back and assist countless clients in overcoming pain and returning to peak performance.
📚 Trusted resources – If you’re serious about overcoming back pain, check out Back Mechanic and Gift of Injuryfor proven strategies.
What does an in-person McGill Consultation with Brian Carroll consist of?
Read what is included with an in-person McGill Consultation here: https://www.powerrackstrength.com/mcgill-provider-florida-region/#in-person-assessment
Where does an in-person McGill Consultation with Brian take place?
All assessments and coaching sessions with Brian Carroll take place at Power Rack Strength HQ, a custom-built, private 2,000+ sqft professional training facility located less than 10 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).
📍 Address:
🏢 Power Rack Strength HQ
📍 1302 Eastport Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218
🏋️ What Makes This Facility Unique?
🔹 Comprehensive Back & Performance Assessments – We test postures, loads, movements, and positions that trigger your pain, then find ways to relieve and move around it.
🔹 Elite-Level Equipment – Power Rack Strength HQ is fully equipped with every implement, bar, rack, weight, machine, and apparatus needed for both assessment and training—whether you’re an average Joe or an elite-level strength athlete.
🔹 A Science-Based, Personalized Approach – Sessions are tailored to your unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for pain relief, rehab, and performance enhancement.
🔹 A Facility for Everyone – From those let down by the medical-industrial complex to World’s Strongest Man and Woman competitors, I work with individuals across all backgrounds and abilities.
🚀 Bottom line: Power Rack Strength HQ is where science, experience, and elite training meet. Whether you’re recovering from injury or pushing for world-class strength, this is the ultimate destination for back health and performance optimization.
How can I best prepare for the assessment to maximize my time?
📅 How to Book a 3-Hour McGill Consultation with Brian Carroll
💪 Getting ready for your assessment is simple and ensures you get the most out of your session. Here’s what to expect:
📅 When Booking Your Appointment:
🔹 📄 Full Intake Form & Questionnaire – You will be sent a comprehensive intake form and questionnaire to provide a detailed background on your condition, history, and goals. This allows me to tailor the assessment specifically to your needs.
🔹 Personal Contact – Once your deposit is paid and your appointment is scheduled, we will begin preparing for your assessment.
🔹 Comprehensive Information Packet – You will receive a detailed packet covering everything you need to know before your assessment.
🔹 PDF Guide for Assessment Day – A PDF document will be emailed to you with clear instructions, FAQs, and what to expect on the day of your session.
📌 How to Ensure the Best Experience:
✅ Wear Comfortable Clothing – Dress in attire that allows for easy movement, such as athletic wear.
✅ Bring Any Relevant Medical Reports – If you have previous imaging (MRIs, X-rays, etc.), bring them along for reference.
✅ Be Prepared to Engage in Movement & Training – Depending on your condition, we may progress beyond assessment into movement and training strategies tailored to your needs.
✅ Have Your Questions Ready – If you have any concerns or specific goals, jot them down so we can address them in detail.
✅ 🧠 Come with an Open Mind & a Fresh Start – Your past experiences with pain or failed treatments don’t define your future. A fresh approach will help you get the most out of the session.
✅ 📚 Get Familiar with Back Mechanic & Gift of Injury – These books are essential reading for understanding the McGill Method. Studying them ahead of time will put you ahead of the curve and maximize your success.
✅ 📹 Bring Your Coach or Training Partner – Having someone with you to record key aspects of the session can greatly improve success rates. This allows you to review instructions later, reinforcing proper movement and technique.
🚀 Bottom line: Preparing for your McGill Consultation is easy—I’ll provide you with everything you need ahead of time so you can focus on recovery, performance, and getting answers to your pain. Let’s get to work! 💪🔥
Can I bring my coach, spouse, or significant other to the assessment?
✅ Yes! In my opinion, this could be a game-changer for your recovery and success.
🔹 Why Bringing Someone Can Make a Huge Difference:
📖 If you’ve read Gift of Injury, you know how crucial a support system can be. My wife, Ria, played a pivotal role in my own recovery, and having someone there to support you can do the same.
🎥 Recording Key Aspects of the Session – Your training partner, coach, or family member can help record specific parts of the assessment that are crucial for:
• Movement correction 📏
• Exercise compliance ✅
• Proper execution of techniques 🎯
👥 A Second Set of Eyes & Ears – The amount of information covered in a session can be overwhelming. Having someone with you ensures that you don’t miss important details and have extra accountability.
📌 Who Should You Bring?
✅ A Coach or Training Partner – Someone familiar with your training and rehab process can help reinforce what you learn.
✅ A Spouse, Friend, or Family Member – If you don’t have a coach, bringing someone who can support you and take notes is just as valuable.
✅ Someone Who is Willing to Help You Succeed – The best choice is someone who will actively listen, record, and help you stay consistent with your recovery and training.
🚀 Bottom line: Bringing someone with you can be one of the smartest decisions you make for long-term success. Whether they’re recording key parts of the session, helping you remember critical details, or simply providing moral support, their presence can elevate your recovery and performance.
How Long is an in-person McGill Consultation?
How Long is a McGill Consultation?
🕒 The average assessment lasts about 3 hours, with some cases requiring 4 hours or longer.
🔹 Why the Duration Varies
🔬 Every Case is Unique – The complexity of your pain, movement patterns, and injury history will determine the time required for a thorough and accurate assessment.
📊 Comprehensive Evaluation Takes Time – Some clients with multiple levels of injury or more complicated cases may require 4 hours or longer to fully assess and strategize a recovery plan.
⚖️ Professional, Fair & Thorough Approach – I will always strive to be as efficient as possible while ensuring a detailed, high-quality assessment that isn’t rushed.
🚨 A Minimum of 3 Hours is Required – To properly evaluate, test, and provide guidance, we need at least 3 hours.
💰 Flexibility for Time & Budget Constraints – While I understand time and budget may be a concern, a 1-hour session is not enough for a full assessment. However, I will always maximize the value you receive in the scheduled time.
Why Would the 3-Hr McGill Consultation Run Longer?
🕒 Why would the 3-Hr McGill Assessment run longer?
🧠 Things can shift depending on forgotten medical history, new information that comes up during the MRI or assessment, client questions, and any targeted follow-ups we need to explore.
⚠️ On rare occasions, people forget to mention prior back surgeries or implants — these kinds of things sometimes surface mid-assessment, which can affect both the depth and duration of the session.
⏱️ We’ll keep track of the time as we go and communicate if we’re trending toward needing extra time. The average assessment takes about 3 hours, though some may go as long as 3.5 to 4 hours depending on what comes up.
🎯 We always aim to be as thorough and generous with our time as possible.
That said, it’s important to be clear: we can’t make any promises about recovery, healing rate, or outcomes. Most people come to me because they’ve felt underserved or misdirected in the medical system and are now looking for an outside perspective through a fitness-based lens.
🚫 Please keep in mind — I’m not providing medical care.
While not required, it’s a good idea to have a note or informal recommendation from your doctor, chiropractor, PT, or coach supporting the consult. This helps with compliance and keeps everyone aligned going forward.
📝 My report will be written for you, but also crafted so your provider or clinician can understand the process and the rationale behind my opinion, and what I have observed.
Why We Request Your MRI Images? Why Is It Important?
🔍 Why We Request Your MRI Images
We kindly ask that you send your MRI imaging in one of the following formats: physical disc, ZIP file, or Google Drive folder. This allows us to upload the images into our specialized viewing software—one that Brian is highly experienced with and can navigate efficiently. This software enables him to manipulate and analyze the images in a way that standard tools do not.
🧠 Important Note: The MRI is not the most critical part of your assessment.
However, when the images aren’t accessible through our software, it becomes a distraction and can take away from the primary goal of your visit:
➡️ Identifying the root cause of your pain.
➡️ Connecting what’s seen on the MRI with what you’re presenting during the assessment.
❗ Many of you come to us as a last resort, after seeing radiologists, doctors, and other specialists, yet still have no clear answers. Often, these professionals have viewed your MRI and couldn’t identify the true source of your pain.
👨⚕️ While Brian does not rely solely on MRI results, having access to your images in our system helps us:
✔️ Spot potential pain generators, lesions, or abnormalities
✔️ Find one-to-one correlations between what’s seen on the MRI and your physical symptoms
✔️ Deliver a more targeted and effective assessment
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us make your assessment as thorough and impactful as possible!
Is Brian Carroll a Physical Therapist or Chiropractor?
❌ No, I am not a physical therapist or chiropractor.
✅ I am a McGill Method Master Clinician and a retired massage therapist with over a decade of experience working with individuals struggling with back pain and injury.
🔹 What Does This Mean?
🛑 I Do Not Provide Medical Treatment – My role is not to diagnose or treat medical conditions but rather to assess movement, identify pain triggers, and help you build a strategy to move pain-free.
🤝 I Work for You in an Advisory Role – Think of me as your consultant and advocate, someone who is fully invested in helping you get your life back by guiding you through proven, science-backed strategies to regain control over your pain and movement.
📖 I’m Living Proof That the McGill Method Works – My journey is a testament to the validity of the McGill Method. After suffering a broken sacrum, I was able to return to elite powerlifting and become the first person to squat over 1,300 lbs post-injury—all while maintaining a pain-free, symptom-free life. You can read more about my back pain journey HERE.
💡 Advocating for Those Overlooked by the Medical System – Too many people are let down by ineffective, cookie-cutter treatments that fail to address the root cause of their pain. My goal is to help individuals avoid the same mistakes I made when treating my own injury.
🔬 Science-Based, Proven Methods – I apply the McGill Method, a research-backed system developed by world-renowned spine expert Dr. Stuart McGill, to help individuals regain control of their pain and performance.
📌 Want to Learn More?
✅ Read About My Journey in Gift of Injury – Learn how I recovered from a career-ending back injury and how you can take control of your own pain.
✅ Read My Full Bio & Back Pain Story – Learn more about my journey, career, and how I help others overcome back pain.
🚀 Bottom line: I am not a medical provider—I am your advocate, consultant, and guide to getting your life back. I’ve lived through it, rebuilt myself, and now I help others do the same. If you’ve been overlooked by the medical system and need real, proven solutions, I am here to help. Let’s get to work! 💪🔥
Should I go to the Dr. before seeing Brian for an assessment?
✅ Yes, it’s important to rule out serious medical conditions before scheduling an assessment.
🔹 Why Seeing a Doctor First is Important
🩺 Your Safety Comes First – Before working together, it’s essential to rule out any serious medical conditions that may require urgent medical intervention.
🚨 Rule Out Severe Conditions – I strongly recommend seeing a physician to check for:
• Cauda Equina Syndrome 🛑
• Cysts or tumors 🔬
• Spinal infections or fractures ⚠️
• Cancer or other life-threatening conditions ❗
🧲 An MRI Can Be Helpful, But It’s Not Everything – An MRI only captures your spine while lying down and doesn’t reflect how your pain responds to movement. Some people have severe MRI findings but little pain, while others have clear scans but debilitating symptoms. A movement-based assessment is key to understanding what truly drives your pain.
📖 Bring Back Mechanic to Your Doctor – If your doctor dismisses your interest in a proven, evidence-based approach, it may be time to seek a provider who is open to exploring all options for your recovery.
📌 What to Do Next?
✅ See Your Doctor First – Ensure any serious conditions are ruled out before starting a movement-based approach.
✅ Consider an MRI, But Don’t Let It Define You – It’s a tool, not a complete diagnosis.
✅ Book a McGill 3-Hour Consultation – Once cleared, we can assess how your pain responds to movement and build a recovery plan.
🚀 Bottom line: Prioritizing your safety is key. Once you have the medical green light, we can focus on finding and fixing what truly causes your pain. 💪🔥
How badly injured and hurting are Brian's clients?
✅ I specialize in complex, long-term back pain cases—clients who have exhausted other treatment options without success.
🔹 Who Do I Work With?
🛑 Failed Cases & Chronic Back Pain Sufferers – I don’t see people whose back pain started last week. Nearly all my clients have been in pain for years, even decades, struggling with failed treatments, surgeries, and dead-end solutions.
🚷 Severe & Debilitating Pain Cases – Many of my clients arrive unable to train, move properly, or perform daily activities due to severe pain, instability, and flare-ups.
⚠️ Athletes with Career-Threatening Injuries – From powerlifters and strongmen to weekend warriors, I work with athletes trying to regain strength and return to competition.
💡 The Exception: The Savvy Individual – Occasionally, I see someone with a new back injury who is proactive and wants to avoid the horror stories of chronic pain and failed treatments. These individuals seek guidance before their situation spirals out of control—and those are the cases that tend to recover the fastest.
🚨 Those Let Down by the Medical System – Most of my clients have been told to just live with it or that surgery is their only option. I help them find another way before resorting to drastic measures.
📌 What Can You Expect?
✅ A Science-Backed, Proven Approach – I apply the McGill Method to identify pain triggers and rebuild strength safely.
✅ A Personalized Plan – Every case is unique, and I tailor my approach to your specific pain profile and goals.
✅ Commitment, Not Guarantees – Recovery is multifaceted, and while I can’t promise a cure, I will give you 100% effort and the best tools for success.
📌 What’s Next?
✅ Book a McGill 3-Hour Consultation – Let’s identify the root cause of your pain and map out a recovery strategy.
✅ Read My Story in Gift of Injury – Learn how I came back from a career-threatening injury to squat 1,300 lbs pain-free.
🚀 Bottom line: If your back pain has lasted months, years, or even decades, and you’ve tried everything with no success, I’m here to help. And if you’re the rare individual who is thinking ahead, avoiding chronic pain before it starts, you’re making the smartest move possible. 💪🔥
Does Brian work with non-athletes or average joes?
✅ Yes! I work with both athletes and non-athletes, tailoring my approach to each individual’s needs.
🔹 Who Do I Work With?
🏋️ Elite Athletes & Strength Competitors – I’ve worked with powerlifters, strongmen, and athletes across various sports recovering from serious injuries and returning to competition.
🚶♂️ Everyday Individuals & “Average Joes” – Many of my clients are regular people who just want to live pain-free and regain the ability to do everyday activities without restriction.
👴 Elderly Clients Looking to Restore Mobility – I help older individuals who want to move better, regain strength, and improve their quality of life without relying on medications or unnecessary surgeries.
⚽ Young Athletes & Active Adults – I work with younger clients recovering from sports injuries who want to get back to their sport safely and prevent future issues.
👨👩👧👦 Men & Women of All Backgrounds – Pain doesn’t discriminate, and neither do I. Whether you’re an elite competitor or someone just trying to sit, walk, and move without pain, I tailor my approach to your specific situation.
📌 What Can You Expect?
✅ A Science-Based, Customized Approach – The McGill Method allows me to identify pain triggers and create a plan that works for your body, lifestyle, and goals.
✅ A Clear Path Forward – Whether you’re trying to return to the platform or simply get through the day without pain, I develop individualized strategies that fit your level of physical activity.
✅ Results-Oriented Coaching – Regardless of your background, I focus on what actually works for you, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
What is Brian's Master Progression & Resilience Coaching?
🏋️♂️ Brian’s Master Progression & Resilience Coaching Following the Back Pain Assessment 💪
Adjusting your workout regimen based on a thorough assessment is crucial for safe and effective progress. While reduced symptoms can be encouraging, feeling better does not mean you are healed—it means you are starting to heal. Returning to previous routines too soon can lead to setbacks and reinjury.
One of the biggest reasons people struggle to stay out of pain is the lack of proper lifting and movement progressions. Many experience relief but never fully heal because they haven’t built the necessary foundation for long-term resilience.
🚀 The Importance of a Second Phase of Training
The biggest mistake I see lifters, athletes, and those with back injuries make is returning too soon to the activity, movement, or sport that caused their injury in the first place. Healing doesn’t mean you’re ready to lift heavy, run, or compete again—yet.
To truly stay out of pain, there must be a second phase of training focused on rebuilding pain-free capacity. This phase is crucial because:
✅ Healing and adaptation take time, whether in bone, ligament, disc, nerve, facet, or other spinal structures
✅ It ensures the body can handle progressive loading without reinjury
✅ It allows for gradual strength development, reinforcing proper movement patterns before returning to full intensity
🔑 The key is that I show you exactly what you should be working toward as your pain winds down, based on your goals, our assessment findings, and past wisdom in rehabilitation and performance.
This structured rebuilding phase is what I specialize in, guiding athletes and lifters through safe, effective progressions to restore full function and performance.
🏆 Who I Work With
I help individuals transition from pain to improved physical capability, allowing them to return to activities like weightlifting, cycling, running, or pickleball. My clientele includes:
• 👮 Law enforcement officers, 🚒 firefighters, and 🎖️ military personnel
• 🥊 UFC fighters and 💪 powerlifters
• 🏃♂️ Individuals experiencing daily discomfort
🩹 The McGill Consultation
This comprehensive evaluation:
🔍 Identifies the root causes of pain
🛠️ Develops a structured rehabilitation plan
📖 Serves as the first step in a multi-stage recovery process (as detailed in Gift of Injury).
📈 Lifting & Movement Progressions
To stay out of pain, proper lifting mechanics and movement progressions are essential. My in-person sessions cover:
✔️ Pain-free lifting techniques – Deadlifts, squats, presses, and more
✔️ Essential movement progressions – Carries, pulls, pushes, and other functional movements
✔️ Hands-on coaching – Real-time feedback and corrections
✔️ Video recording encouraged – Clients can bring someone to record the session for future reference 🎥
📅 3-Hour Consultation & Follow-Up Progression Session
🗓 Day 1: McGill Consultation – A full evaluation to pinpoint pain sources and develop a rehab plan
🗓 Day 2: Brian’s Master Progression & Resilience Coaching
➡️ 3-hour session focused on pain-free movement and performance enhancement
➡️ Covers essential progressions for athleticism and long-term success
Many clients choose to continue working with me for personalized coaching and customized programming, ensuring they not only get out of pain—but stay out of pain.
Let’s build a foundation for lasting strength and performance! 💥🏆
What is an example of someone needing an in-person assessment vs. a virtual consult?
What is an Example of Someone Needing an In-Person Assessment vs. a Virtual One?
📅 Start by filling out our Consultation Interest Form to receive Brian’s recommendation for you based on your history, current state, and goals.
✅ I offer both virtual coaching and in-person McGill Method assessments, depending on the complexity of your case.
🔹 Who Benefits from a Virtual Assessment?
💻 Clients Who Learn Well Remotely – Many people succeed with a virtual coaching approach, where I guide them through self-assessment and corrective strategies they can implement on their own.
📍 Those Who Cannot Travel Easily – If travel is a barrier, we can still make significant progress virtually, especially for individuals who are self-motivated and can follow cues well.
🔄 Ongoing Coaching & Follow-Ups – Virtual sessions are also great for progress check-ins, refining movement strategies, and troubleshooting without needing to be in person.
🔹 Who Needs an In-Person McGill Consultation?
🔬 Clients with Complex Spinal Issues – If your case involves multiple failed interventions, severe instability, or long-term disability, an in-person McGill Method assessment is highly recommended.
🤯 Those Who Have Tried Everything Without Relief – If you’ve exhausted physical therapy, chiropractic care, injections, or even surgery and still experience debilitating pain, an in-depth, hands-on assessment can uncover movement patterns that virtual coaching may miss.
🚶♂️ People Who Struggle with Remote Learning – Some individuals need direct, in-person coaching to fully grasp movement corrections and apply them effectively.
🏋️ Lifters & Athletes Looking to Return to Sport – If you’re an athlete trying to rebuild strength, refine technique, and return to competition safely, in-person coaching and cueing are invaluable for correcting movement patterns and optimizing performance.
🛑 Failed Surgical Interventions – If you’ve had spinal surgery but continue to experience pain, an in-person assessment can help identify why the pain persists and provide strategies to regain function and stability.
🔎 Cases That Require Advanced Problem-Solving – Certain pain triggers require detailed, hands-on movement testing and cueing, which is only possible through an in-person assessment.
I recently had back surgery. Can Brian help me with rebuilding?
✅ Yes, I work with various post-surgical and post-procedural clients who are looking to regain function and resilience without a one-size-fits-all approach.
🔹 Who Do I Work With?
🩺 Post-Surgical Clients – I have experience working with individuals who have undergone a variety of spinal procedures, including:
• Microdiscectomy
• Laminectomy
• Spinal Fusion (ALIF, PLIF, TLIF, XLIF, ACDF, etc.)
• Spinal Decompression Surgery
• Disc Replacement Surgery (Artificial Disc Replacement – ADR)
• Foraminotomy
• Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty (for compression fractures)
• Facet Joint Ablation (Radiofrequency Neurotomy/Rhizotomy)
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion
• Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation
• Disc Seal Fibrin Procedure (for annular tears)
💉 Clients Who Have Had Spinal Injections or Other Procedures – Many individuals come to me after trying:
• Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)
• Facet Joint Injections
• Nerve Root Blocks
• Nerve Ablation (Radiofrequency Lesioning/Neurotomy)
• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or Stem Cell Treatments
🚷 Those Who Want to Regain Strength & Resilience – If you’ve had a medical procedure but don’t want to fall into the same failed rehab patterns, I help you build a customized approach to recovery.
🔹 Common Pitfalls After Back Surgery & Spinal Procedures
⚠️ Failing to Identify the Root Cause of Injury – Most post-surgical clients never address the movement faults that led to their injury. If the same stressors remain (poor lifting mechanics, excessive bending/twisting, spinal instability), the pain will return.
🔄 Going Back to the Same Harmful Movements Too Soon – Many individuals rush back into daily activities, lifting, or sport without re-learning proper movement patterns, leading to re-injury. I help you rebuild safe, efficient movement strategies to avoid setbacks.
❌ Over-Reliance on Surgery or Injections Alone – Surgery and injections can relieve symptoms but do not fix faulty movement mechanics, poor bracing, or weak stabilizing muscles. Without addressing these, pain will persist, or new issues will arise (e.g., adjacent segment syndrome).
📉 Lack of a Progressive Stability & Endurance Plan – Many rehab protocols focus only on general strength or basic mobility, which isn’t enough. The key is building spinal stability and endurance—not just strength. Strength-endurance is what keeps the spine resilient.
🛑 Not Removing Stress Concentrations – If movement patterns and postures aren’t corrected, the spine will continue to experience stress concentrations that overload certain areas, leading to re-injury or adjacent segment syndrome. My approach focuses on removing these stress points by modifying postures, movement mechanics, and loading strategies to distribute forces safely.
⏳ Relying on Passive Treatments Instead of Active Recovery – Many post-surgical clients continue chasing quick fixes (e.g., painkillers, massages, adjustments) instead of committing to a structured movement-based plan. I focus on proven, active strategies to help you regain control.
📌 What Can You Expect?
✅ Identify & Remove the Cause of Injury – I assess your pain triggers, movement patterns, and postures to eliminate stress concentrations before they cause further damage.
✅ Build Spinal Stability & Strength-Endurance – Instead of focusing on raw strength, we prioritize spinal endurance and stability to create a resilient, pain-free spine.
✅ Customized Recovery Plan – No cookie-cutter rehab. Your plan is based on your injury history, movement patterns, and goals.
🚀 Bottom line: Most failed surgeries and procedures happen because the original cause of injury was never removed. Recovery isn’t just about getting stronger—it’s about building spinal stability, endurance, and optimizing movement patterns and postures to remove stress concentrations so you can move well, stay pain-free, and prevent re-injury. 💪🔥
My Doctor wants to do back surgery. Should I get a second opinion?
✅ First and foremost, you most likely have not had a thorough assessment. Before considering surgery, a proper evaluation is crucial. I highly recommend the McGill 3-Hour Consultation—a comprehensive, science-backed approach that identifies the root cause of your pain and provides a path to recovery.
🔹 Knowledge is power – As highlighted in Gift of Injury and Back Mechanic, understanding your back pain can be life-changing.
🔹 Surgery isn’t always the answer – Many of my clients were told they needed surgery but found relief through non-surgical methods. With the right plan, they’ve regained their strength and quality of life.
🔹 Most back pain cases don’t require surgery – In my experience, a significant number of back-pained clients have successfully recovered without going under the knife.
🔹 Education is paramount – Before making any major medical decision, take the time to arm yourself with knowledge and explore all options.
🔹 A second (or third) opinion can be game-changing – Different professionals have different perspectives. Consulting with experts in back rehabilitation can uncover non-invasive solutions that may be more effective than surgery.
🚀 Bottom line: Don’t rush into surgery without a thorough assessment and a full understanding of your options. Check out the McGill 3-Hour Consultation and educate yourself with Back Mechanic and Gift of Injury—these resources could be the key to your recovery.
📍 PRS HQ
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Back Pain Testimonials
I’ve had my third episode of back pain in the past six years, and I feel very fortunate to have been only a few hours’ drive from Brian while visiting the U.S. on business. I’m deeply grateful to Brian for his truly professional service, his depth of knowledge, and his caring attitude. I spent two days with Brian at the end of October, and the assessment and recovery plan experience was truly inspiring. It gave me a clear and practical roadmap to recovery. Like many others, I’ve been down the usual path of X-rays, MRIs, painkillers, and physiotherapy—only to be told, “With a back like that, don’t lift heavy weights.” What makes Brian unique is that he truly understands your challenges because he has walked this path himself. His insight and approach are exceptional. Just a few weeks into following his recovery plan, I’m already feeling the benefits and have full confidence it will help me return to where I want to be. If you’re considering traveling to see Brian, I can assure you it will be one of the best decisions you make on your journey to recovery. I’m also looking forward to my virtual follow-up with Brian in the coming weeks. A big thank you as well to Bristol for accommodating my schedule so seamlessly during my U.S. trip. Wishing the entire Power Rack Strength team continued success!
The past year has been the most humbling year of my life. Looking back, I will always be forever grateful for my struggles and time of my life. It has taught me to appreciate every moment you are given and never take anything for granted. I battled a L5-S1 herniation for 9-10 months, before deciding to come see Brian for an assessment in August 2025. Brian was the first professional to listen to me, empathize, and truly show he cares. He made me feel comfortable and gave me hope, when I felt so defeated. He found things on my MRI that others missed and explained the exact cause of my symptoms. He explained and demonstrated the importance of spinal hygiene and proper way to perform everyday tasks that can impact our spine in a negative way if not performed properly. Then we taught me proper lifting mechanics and proper way to rebuild. I am currently starting week 13 of my rebuild. I was able to initiate my 2nd phase of my recovery over the past 6-8 weeks. Now able to perform: stir the pot, various carries, goblet squats. All light weight, but it’s a start and better than I was even a month ago. I am on a strict gradual progression using Brian logic and expertise. My neural symptoms are still present, but they are slowly and gradually improving. As Brian said recovery if not linear, stay the course, be patient, and trust the process. I am not where I was before the injury, but I am improving everyday. It took Brian 18 months to rebuild, and I am prepared and motivated to rebuild properly as well. Brian and Bristol, thank you for everything. Thank you for giving me hope and guidance during my back injury journey.
I brought my son to see Brian and what a difference one appointment can make. He took the time to explain how his body works, injury prevention, and also changed his form which has made an immediate difference. Brian is very knowledgeable and he shares all that during the appointment. We went from wondering what we could possible do for 4 hours, to we need more time. Brian is awesome and we are lucky to live in the same city.
Very knowledgeable and explains things that would normally go over my head, but Brian takes his time and explains it well...would recommend seeing Brian before you go under the knife...
Brian and his team are top notch! I came to him after almost a year of searching for answers to my back pain. I tried everything under the sun to try and get back to full health with no luck. Finally I reached out to Brian and set up a virtual consult. To say this consult was lifechanging is an understatement. Brian took his time and was extremely helpful in helping me understand the cause of my pain and showing me things that the radiologist missed on imaging. Brian was extremely thorough and asked detailed questions about my athletic history to which he was able to use to help paint the picture as to why my back was in the position it was. Brian was able to formulate a plan that got me pain free in a matter of days. I have continued to see great progress over 6 weeks and my core is stronger than ever! I had an additional follow-up with Brian and it was just as helpful as we were able to progress me even more! I am so grateful for all of Brian’s help, knowledge and expertise. If you are struggling with back pain at all Brian is your guy. If I could give more that 5 stars I would!!
I just finished two days with Brian. The McGill Assessment one day and coaching the next day. The information and care that Brian was able to provide to me was unlike anything I’ve received from multiple doctors and physical therapists. I don’t believe that he could have done as good a job without flying out to see him in person and it was well worth the trip. I feel like I’m headed home fully equipped with the tools and information to finally start recovering.
Working with Brian has been a game changer for me. I came in struggling to understand what was going on with my back and feeling uncertain about how to safely get back to the activities I love. Brian not only took the time to explain things in a way that made sense, but he also built a clear, customized plan to help me build resilience, regain confidence, and progress step-by-step. His approach is both professional and genuinely caring—he listens, asks the right questions, and makes sure each step feels doable but effective. I’m already feeling stronger and more in control, and I’m excited about where this journey is headed. I cannot describe how much I enjoyed working with him -- I'd highly recommend meeting with him.
I have had back issues dating back to 2009 and beyond (a fused disc at birth). I had fusion surgery in 2009, 4 epidurals in different discs, and a host of other issues. I'm not a pro athlete but have always maintained an active lifestyle with recreational sports and the gym. I've seen numerous physicians and physical therapists due to a combination of those activities and a daily desk job. This is the first time I felt like I had a true advocate who understands the pain and how to evaluate EVERYTHING that may be driving the pain. The holistic approach of the McGill Method in Brian's extremely capable hands is so much better than disconnected specialists (Neurologist, Orthopedist, PT, Chiropractor) addressing potentially only 1 or 2 of a much broader set of issues. BUT, you must go in accepting you're signing up for hard work for yourself with the result of walking away (pun intended) with the tools to ideally never return to pain.
Working with Brian was transformational for my back rehab. I had beat my discs up with years of long sitting and improper lifting. After months chiropractic and physical therapy I got no where. When I started working with Brian was when I saw major improvements. When we started working together, I was taking 10 ibuprofen a day and could not sleep due to pain. After months of hard work and listening to his advice I am completely off ibuprofen and I am in 90% less pain. I have been able to return to lifting and excel at work. His expertise has combated the worst and most complex pain of my life and he got me my life back. If he ever offers you the chance to work with him take it.
I had a back pain assessment with Brian, and it was truly a turning point for me. He gave me back the hope and confidence I had lost, and for the first time in a long time, I left feeling like I had a clear and realistic plan to eliminate my back pain. Brian was incredibly patient throughout the entire process. He took the time to answer all my questions and concerns in detail, never rushing or overlooking anything. Together, we workshopped everything down to a science, breaking down every trigger and movement with precision. His professionalism, depth of knowledge, and genuine care made all the difference.
I've worked with dozens of clinician's as colleagues and seen countless others as an athlete. Brian is without question the most diligent , caring and skilled clinician I've met. Within 2 full days back to back, my knowledge on back injury mechanisms, assessment, and treatment have come to a new level. With his extensive skill he had assessed the cause of a massive disc hernation that 100's of hours with other clinicians had tried with no progress. Within minutes i was shows how to amplify pain, then bring it back down to minimal, with repeats to show its not luck. IF you are dealing with chronic back pain ,Brian provides the most detailed care and gives hope in the most bleak of situations. My life as an athlete and clinician are forever changed from a 2 day appointment.
Brian was amazing with my daughter. We were exhausted looking for solutions to her condition, and always coming up against she needs surgery. She had been competing at national level in powerlifting with over 20 state records. Everything stopped when she got hurt at wrestling practice - resulting in 3 bulging disks and intense pain. Progress wasn’t good with the specialist path, all roads leading to surgery. We first had video calls with Brian and then went to Jacksonville for an in-person consultation. The knowledge and care Brian provided was incredible. We followed the plan he put together and quickly got improvements in her mobility and pain levels. Keeping with Brian’s recommendations got her back to school, and taking part in sports again in HS varsity lacrosse. Thank you Brian!
My session with Brian Carroll was the most robust and diligent assessment I have had in nearly a 18 mo-2 year battle of symptoms, pain, and utter frustration. I was extremely fortunate to have Dr. Stuart McGill there as well. However, both Dr. McGill and Brian went above and beyond what I expected in assessment and availability to help me better understand what was going on. Even on follow up calls, emails, and questions Brian is helpful, kind, considerate, and most of all compassionate. He has a true compassion, gift, and drive to help people in tough situations 1. overcome them 2. refind parts of themselves that pain and symptoms have robbed them from. Most importantly he listened to me as a human in need and gave me hope. He and Dr. McGill were hands down the best to work with and is honest about expectations and recovery protocols. Although I am in my infancy of beginning to recover properly and by no means out of the woods as my injury has many components that drive intensity and emotionality invested in it, Brian and Dr. McGill reminded me before I left (maybe it was words or actions or a combination of both) that I was going to be ok. Stay the course, trust the process, move well, and most of all never give up hope.
My session with Brian Carroll was the most robust and diligent assessment I have had in nearly a 18 mo-2 year battle of symptoms, pain, and utter frustration. I was extremely fortunate to have Dr. Stuart Mcgill there as well. However, both Dr. Mcgill and Brian went above and beyond what I expected in assessment and availability to help me better understand what was going on. Even on follow up calls, emails, and questions Brian is helpful, kind, considerate, and most of all compassionate. He has a true compassion, gift, and drive to help people in tough situations 1. overcome them 2. refind parts of themselves that pain and symptoms have robbed them from. Most importantly he listened to me as a human in need and gave me hope. He and Dr. Mcgill were hands down the best to work with and is honest about expectations and recovery protocols. Although I am in my infancy of beginning to recover properly and by no means out of the woods as my injury has many components that drive intensity and emotionality invested in it, Brian and Dr. Mcgill reminded me before I left (maybe it was words or actions or a combination of both) that I was going to be ok. Stay the course, trust the process, move well, and most of all never give up hope.
Brian Carroll’s PowerRackStrength (PRS) Testimonial: Taking Cody from crippling back pain back to squatting 600+ pounds! Back pain doesn’t need to be the end of doing what you love! If you are in need of a coach or suffer from low back pain, click the link below to set up an online consultation with me now! View Video Testimonial
In this video, we hear from Mike De la Pava and his journey to recovery from his back injury. Mike discusses the serious effects an injury can have on one's mental health, his struggles, and how he was able to pull through and make his "come back". Lastly, he shares what advice he would give to new lifters. View Video Testimonial
"Brian’s coaching will be a game changer in your life. First off, I will say that anyone who chooses Brian will not only come away with more tools to manage their back injury but will also be a wiser person about their physical health in general. As Brian says, “I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you this.” He truly wants to help and share his knowledge. He will give you the tools to control your pain and start healing. As someone who had been to countless physical therapists and pain management clinics, Brian was the only one who truly helped me and showed me that there was hope for the future. Thanks Brian"
"Brian went to school with my Dad in the 90s and they are good friends. My entire family has a history of back pain, myself not removed. I am now a senior in high school, playing football pain-free on both sides of the ball, and I hope to play on the next level. Last year, after working with Brian during our initial session, my max bench was around 225; just this weekend, I benched my first 275 lbs! Thank you, Brian!"
"I had the opportunity to work with Brian Carrolll for most of 2023. In 2019, I blew my back out after a deadlift and was in agony. After a trip to the ER and seeing specialists for years, In June of 2023, I saw Brian for an in-person assessment. Brian Carroll is the first person to have ever given me an actual assessment and determined and taught me about the cause or causes of my pain. As I have transitioned back to doing my own training, I am now back to competitive powerlifting and understand my limitations and the traps I fell into setting world records and understand the parameters Brian outlined for me. Brian is one of the best in the field."
"After a serious car accident, I met Brian about 12 years ago. We both worked as massage therapists and I have seen Brian's transition into a back specialist shortly thereafter, but first as someone helping lifters, then gen-pop and athletes all over the world. Brian has taught me a great deal about back pain, and as a Massage Therapist and a Physical Therapist, Brian has helped me with my training and pain, and we have also shared many clients/patients together. Brian offers a unique service for failed back cases; I've sat in on assessments, have helped him with them, and know this is the real deal. I suggest all of my back-pained clients see Brian Carroll in Jacksonville, FL."
"My sports history is one of eclectic taste. At one point in my younger days, I served many masters. I have devoted my life to exploring physically demanding contact sports and some of the most competitive Strength Sports in the world. Kickboxing, rugby, powerlifting, strongman, I did it all. Then, my back failed me, as did so many other people in the medical industry, treating me with cookie-cutter approaches. At first, I was hesitant to work with Brian because I was afraid of letting go of my sport, and I knew the discipline required on this path would be unlike anything I had faced before. I now sit in the driver’s seat of my comeback into Strongman as I seek to return to the national stage, compete at the world level, and fight for the state title. None of these would have been possible without Brian’s calculated training, stern weekly conversations, and what he would call my “Gift of Injury." UPDATE: Six years later, I have competed successfully in strongman, bodybuilding, and highland games while maintaining a pain-free life."
"I was into boxing my whole life. I had to be destroyed physically before I could admit what I was doing wasn't working. My career as a soldier didn't help either. Eventually, the pain ended my career in the army, along with the depression. Before your guidance, I was in constant pain and unable to walk without a cane! 2015-17 shots quit working at all. Horrible pain. Very depressed. Now I walk again, just about every day! I often walk for extended periods over 45 minutes with minimal pain. I also do various exercises, work on ladders, work down low on the ground occasionally, and more. Thank you and McGill for giving me a lot of my life back."
"I tell everyone I can if you have back issues, contact Brian. He does a super thorough assessment with you and understands what your back needs. I was in pain for a few years after two failed surgeries. Since I started working with Brian, my nerve pain has diminished totally, and I feel strong physically. I'm so thankful!"
"Before I met Brian and learned about spine hygiene, I was hunched over my shopping cart and miserable due to back pain. After meeting Brian and following his plan, I am working toward my first 400-lb bench at 50 years young, PAINFREE. "
"I met Brian four years ago during the pandemic when I started having back pain. Brian showed me how to live and not let back pain prevent me from enjoying life. Over the last four years, Brian has continued to coach and consult me with my lifting progressions as we have done a complete rebuild. In 2023, I benched my first 405lb raw with Brian's help. I recently competed in my first powerlifting meet, pulling 550lb! Thank you, Brian! "
"I’m a 50-year-old former powerlifter and strongman competitor. I first hurt my lower back when I was a senior in high school playing baseball. I was trying to beat a throw to first base and felt something pop in my lower back when I stepped on the base. A couple of years ago, I bought Gift of Injury and Back Mechanic and “loosely followed the instructions” and found a little relief, but not enough to matter. In April 2021, I reached out to Brian because I saw a video of him squatting 1306 and thought, how in the world is that possible with the damage I had read about that his back had? After our phone consultation, he had me doing big 3 two times a day and religiously walking three times a day, along with telling me I had to change my movement patterns, stop squatting and deadlifting, and let the pain settle, which was probably the hardest thing I had done in a long time. A few weeks later, I went to Jacksonville, and Brian did a full hands-on assessment and gave me a game plan, which I followed to the letter the best I could. It’s been almost a year, and after continuing to move well and doing the big 3 along with walking, suitcase carries, etc. I honestly have a core of iron. I am back to squatting and deadlifting heavy again with no pain, which is a miracle. Brian’s guidance has changed my life because I just figured that low back pain was what I had to look forward to for the rest of my life. After all, the chiropractor said I had degenerative disk disease, which I’ve learned is not true at all. Thank you so much. Also, I'm already back to walking with the 700-lb yolk, Pulling 600 with no pain whatsoever, and squatting 550lb raw. I can tell you this—I never expected to squat over 500 again or ever be pain-free, for that matter! "
"I had a McGill Assessment done after years of researching/reading/listening as much as possible about the McGill Method. I can only say that everything was as expected! After years of back pain, I never felt like I had real direction in my life on genuinely getting better. Nine months later, I've been able to PREVENT flairs from coming on! It has been a life-changing experience for me. If you ever feel hopeless with back pain, I can't recommend going to see Brian. I've recently started a business to pursue my true passion, and that wouldn't be possible if I had never seen him. I am grateful to have my life and my body back!"
"Brian is extremely professional, and I appreciate his willingness to work with my schedule, be straightforward with me, and, most importantly, not give black-and-white answers. I have come to appreciate the McGill method because while it is based on principles, there is a ton of strategy involved, as all of us have our own pain triggers we have to work around with jobs, training, and our daily lives. Brian covers this in our sessions. I know that I am still in the early stages of rebuilding my back and have not healed, but I 100% believe in the McGill Method and Brian's professional guidance. Update edit* I am back to lifting; squatting and deadlifting are pain-free!"
"It was about a year ago on a cold morning when my back pain started to go off the rails after "tweaking" my back on a heavy set of squats. I was frustrated and could not understand what I had been doing wrong, so I reached out to Brian. I was familiar with his books and the work he had done with Dr. Stuart McGill, and I knew I needed a professional's guidance. Brian and I had a few virtual sessions where he outlined an excellent plan to get out of pain. Once the pain had mostly subsided, I decided to have an in-person session with Brian, where he gave me a full assessment and outlined a plan for rebuilding what I had broken. I've not had a relapse in back pain since, and I owe it all to Brian's coaching and guidance. If you're considering reaching out to him, do it. You won't regret it! Update Edit* I am back to lifting pain-free."
"Brian’s coaching will be a game-changer in your life. First off, I will say that anyone who chooses Brian will not only come away with more tools to manage their injury but will also be a wiser person about their physical health in general. As Brian says, “I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you this.” He truly just wants to help and share his knowledge. He will give you the tools to control your pain and start healing. As someone who had been to countless physical therapists and pain management clinics, Brian was the only one who indeed helped me and showed me that there was hope for the future. Thanks, Brian!"
