Common Questions About In-Person Consultations
FAQ for In-Person Consultations
What is the difference between an in-person back consultation and a McGill assessment?
This service specifically caters to individuals who do not want to book a full 4-hour McGill assessment or those who are following up after one. It is perfect for clients looking for Brian’s tailored expert opinion on their back issues, recovery programs, or coaching during the rebuilding phase.
The McGill assessment follows a systematic protocol created by Professor Stuart McGill to identify and address painful postures, movements, loads, and positions. This comprehensive approach teaches you how to effectively eliminate pain. After the assessment, Brian will develop a customized exercise plan to guide your recovery. You will also receive a detailed report of Brian’s findings, which takes 2 hours or more to prepare, along with a recovery guide, all sent via email. Additionally, the service includes a virtual follow-up video call, with the time used to write the report and plan factored into the total cost.
The key difference is that the McGill assessment follows the McGill Method Formula of assessment, which can take up to 4 hours and includes coaching on movement and lifting progression, along with a virtual follow-up and written report of findings.
Who is the 3 hr in-person consultation service for?
This service is designed for anyone who prefers not to book an In-person McGill assessment, or for those requiring a follow-up. It’s ideal for individuals seeking Brian’s expert opinion on their back pain, current rehabilitation program, MRI results, or coaching during the rebuilding phase. The rebuilding phase is a focused period of rehabilitation and strengthening following a back injury or surgery. Brian’s expert guidance during this time can significantly enhance recovery outcomes through personalized exercises and coaching aimed at preventing future injuries.
Which option should I choose: Virtual Consultation, In-Person Consultation, or McGill Assessment for back pain?
The choice really depends on your goals and preferences. We recommend the in-person McGill Method assessment, as this thorough process provides Brian with the best opportunity and resources to help you regain your quality of life. Additionally, you will receive a written report and prognosis that you can share with your medical provider to integrate Brian’s recommendations into your overall treatment plan.
That said, many people achieve success with our virtual and in-person consulting services. Our virtual service offers convenience and flexibility, allowing you to consult with Brian from the comfort of your own home. Conversely, our in-person service provides a more personal touch, enabling Brian to observe your movements and postures directly. Ultimately, it comes down to your budget, goals, and specific needs.
Which Service Is Best For Me? EXAMPLES
2-Hour Virtual Consultation
Eva has struggled with back pain and a disc bulge but can’t afford to travel to Jacksonville for in-person consulting or assessment. Despite reading *Back Mechanic* and *Gift of Injury*, she feels lost in her recovery.
Through Google Meet video Consultation, Brian helps her understand her MRI results and explains the reasons behind her pain. He coaches her on movements and postures to build her confidence, reviews her exercises, and eliminates painful stretches recommended by her doctor.
After six months, Eva is now pain-free and continues occasional virtual follow-ups with Brian to advance her exercise plan.
1-Hour Virtual Consultation Follow-up
Joe, a client of Brian’s, had a McGill 3-hour assessment a year ago. Recently, he has lost his ability to rely on pain-free movement and is looking for guidance. Although he is skilled in movement and has eliminated his pain triggers, Joe has fallen off track with his exercise routine and needs an updated program.
A 1-hour virtual consultation would be ideal for Joe to receive Brian’s recommendations. He plans to take notes during the session and has intentions for occasional follow-ups every 2 to 3 months.
In-Person Consultation with a New Client
Janet has struggled with a disc herniation for years, trying various chiropractors with temporary relief but often worsening after returning to CrossFit. Feeling it’s time for a different approach, she is eager to understand which movements aggravate her pain, as no one has explained this to her before.
On a budget, Janet values in-person consultations and coaching, especially with someone like Brian. She wants to learn how to move without causing pain. Previously, treatment plans and prescriptions offered little support, and no one has reviewed her MRI images with her.
After just a few months of following Brian’s advice from their 3-hour consultation, Janet is back to enjoying CrossFit while being mindful of her healing. She meets with Brian monthly for coaching to ensure her form is correct and to check any changes in her MRI.
The 3-hour consultation is perfect for Janet’s budget, as she wants to focus on specific aspects of her back pain and lifting techniques rather than a full back pain assessment.
McGill 3-hr Assessment
Greg has an athletic history, and is now looking at retirement but his back has been steadily getting worse for years. It has stumped everybody around him, and after 10 years, and consulting multiple experts and combining the wisdom of multiple expert programs, he wants to get to the bottoms of it so he can enjoy his retirement. Greg also wants a plan to stick to for the coming months, and a thorough understanding of what to do, and what not to do as a constant reminder. Greg heard of the McGill method and wanted Brian to give him a McGill assessment. He also understand how important the full assessment is to get to the root cause of back pain.
Greg is active in mutliple weekend hobbies and is worried he may not be able to resume his lifestyle. after booking a 3-hr McGill assessment, Brian went through an extensive serious of tests, postures, movements and loads to replicate Gregs pain, but then showed him how to move in ways that didn’t cause his pain. Brian showed Greg the exercises he wanted him to do going forward, and summarized in a report all of the findings of why the past attempts had failed for Greg, what to do going forward step by step, and what not to do.
Greg is pain-free, enjoying pickleball and comes in for in-person Consultatoin follow-ups for ‘tune-ups,” and exercise coaching to help keep him on track.
How Do I Book a 1-Hour In-Person Consultation?
1-Hour consultations will be limited to TWO INCLUSIONS. So if you want Brian to review your MRI and coach you on back pain exercises then you can! If you want to have a sit-down conversation with Brian before jumping into back pain exercise that is also an option. You will have the opportunity to choose which inclusions you want to focus on in the form you will fill out to book your visit.
Are Add-ons Available For ALL Consultation Options?
Yes. You can add to either a 1, 2, or 3-hour consultation. This will alter the time but, does not alter the inclusions that correspond to the consultation that you have chosen. For example, when booking a 1-Hour Consultation for an Interview and Back Pain Exercise Coaching, you can add on Progression Coaching. This does now bring your visit to 2 hours but, you will not get the inclusions of a 2 Hour Consultation.
What is a Written Report, Exercise plan, and findings?
Your “Written Report” is a written document that covers all of Brian’s findings during your back assessment and MRI Reviewal. For example, your results during the pain trigger tests, a list of your pain generators, and Brian’s prognosis, to name a few. Your “Exercise Plan” is specialized to you, this is NOT a cookie-cutter exercise program. This program includes directions and a daily plan, daily movement tools, strategies, a full-week exercise program, and more. These documents take hours to complete and can be very helpful in getting you out of back pain.
How often will I need to see Brian for consult or an assessment? I can’t make it to Jacksonville often.
Though some follow-ups are suggested or requested, it’s usually not necessary.
The goal of the time with Brian to help you going forward; to leave with a thorough understanding of what to do going forward, when and what not to do. This is not cookie cutter physical therapy.
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Back Pain Testimonials
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!"
"At first, I just watched Brian's (beneficial) YouTube videos, but I decided to take the plunge and hire him to coach me. It was the BEST decision. I zoom with him every couple of weeks for a half an hour. He has created a personalized PT program for me that is evolving as I heal. He has also coached me through big life changes that involve sitting and using my back more than usual--recently, I moved states, AND my husband had a big hip surgery. Thanks to Brian, I've been able to tackle those challenges while preserving the healing gains I've made to my back. I cannot say enough good things about him. I have been to many doctors and physical therapists, and none of them have been able to provide me with a sensible, step-by-step plan to help me heal my back. Thankfully, Brian has!! I highly recommend his coaching!!!"
"I have been working with Brian for about a year now. I’ve had daily back pain with two herniated discs for several years, and about 3 to 4 times a year, I would pull my back out and be down for three or four days. I started working with Brian and read his book Gift of Injury. Within a couple of weeks of following Brian’s instructions on daily movements and doing the exercises he instructed me to do, I was almost pain-free. After a couple of months, I was pain-free with just a little pain in the mornings. Working with Brian has completely changed my outlook about my back. I pretty much just convinced myself that I would not be able to function or do things I used to be able to do anymore because of my back issues. Now I am confident that as long as I continue to follow Brian‘s instructions and training I will not be hindered from doing certain things because of my back."
"Brian gave me a lot of inner strength during my rehab. He coached me towards perfecting my McGill-3 and taking other precautions to stop "picking the scab," so my lower back and neck could heal. As a result, I can start my body-building journey—my best days are ahead of me."
"The words Thank You do not say enough for an excellent training experience! Your professionalism and passion are extraordinary. As a former powerlifter and having my son, a collegiate powerlifter, training with you was an enriching experience. We were genuinely impressed with your ability to translate all your years of technical expertise on the lifts into an understandable and immediately usable application. Your coaching enabled my son to easily set two new PRs, each of 50+ pounds, during our incredible time together! Thank you for your valuable insights and advice on nutrition, recovery, and back rehabilitation. Your “10/20/Life” principles and “Gift of Injury” have enabled me to resume Powerlifting after thinking all was lost after nearly 25 years. Your techniques and coaching have allowed me to deadlift again and squat while maintaining a healthy and resilient back. Lastly, thank you for giving back to the Powerlifting community. My son and I feel blessed to have met such a knowledgeable, passionate, and approachable person. We look forward to continuing our training together. You are one of a kind, my man!"
Brian saved my writing career by helping me overcome chronic back pain after all other options had failed. His holistic approach also helped me with the psychological and mindset issues that come with back pain. He’s a master at his craft and pays attention to the slightest details that become leverage points to progress and sustainability. He also got me back to cycling, which I thought impossible. Above all, he’s an all-around great person and a pleasure to work with.
I've been working on my back injury with Brian since December 2023, and I must admit I never felt my back as good as I do now. I actually traveled to Florida for an in-person assessment and so far we've kept working online.. I'm basically pain free on a daily basis, although I know I might/might not even be half way through 100% recovery, results have been tremendous so far. Brian is very knowledgeable on this matter, and he will guide you and answer every question with precise details of the why, when, and how of things... I can't imagine what it is for me in the following months if I'm already feeling amazing five months into rehab... For all backpained people worldwide, if you are genuinely into getting healed, you must understand that any sacrifice is worth doing... You will have to do it sooner or later; the sooner, the better. I couldn't be more grateful to Brian for these first five months in my back rehab. I want to mention that I'm a competitive powerlifter, strongman, and martial artist. I can't wait for what's coming in the following months for my back!
Brian has been great. I wish I had seen him sooner; we may have been able to prevent things from getting worse. After following him and Stu for several years, I finally did a virtual consult with him this year and made a trip to Jacksonville for the in-person assessment. He was a pleasure to work with and treated my wife well. He has also been very generous with his time, and I appreciate how he included my wife in the process. I will be having surgery soon and will continue to work with Brian through my recovery.
Brian offered what the literature and papers could not: feedback. Brian improved and tailored the program I had started on my own (after reading the two books) by modifying the rep schemes, exercise frequencies and selection, workout timings, etc. Additionally, although we only met virtually, he was able to coach me on the big 3 and some other movements to ensure proper execution. Having someone listen to your story, provide feedback on current progress, and share personal experiences with similar troubles/successes proved vital to my recovery. Not many people can relate to the kind of debilitating back injury that I, and others, have had to face and overcome, but Brian is one of the few who can. Although I am not (yet) at 100%, my progress trend over time has been positively linear and I am confident that I will come back stronger than before.
During jujitsu training, I injured my lower back (severe L4/L5 herniation). As a member of the US military special operations community, I got advice from medical support personnel familiar with acute athletic injuries who suggested sports physical therapy. After 2-3 weeks of conventional sports therapy, the back pain began to radiate into my glute, hip flexor, and quadriceps, and I noticed pronounced atrophy of the mid quad. Not only was i not getting better but I was getting worse. After a few minutes online with Brian, I knew I was in good hands with someone who understood my mindset and how to deal with athletes, and I immediately decided to fly down to Florida. Brian's demeanor and professionalism assured me I was in the right place. He took his time and answered every question I had. I was able to get out of pain and become functional again. Most helpful was Brian explaining to me that each case was unique and that recovery is not linear. He made me understand it takes time and not to rush into failure or reinjury, which I had done so many times in the past. I am now mission-ready, have been recently promoted, and made it through yet another selection at 57 years old!
I’m a police officer, and your book, Gift Of Injury, saved my life. I’m 42 now; I had lower back issues in my late 20s from heavy lifting and wrestling… I overcame that and always made warm-up, movement prep, stretching, etc, a big priority. Then, right around the time I hit 40, I had the standard L5 S1 back pain that took its toll on my training and daily life. I’m a police officer in our emergency service unit (SWAT/HEAVY RESCUE) and a dad of two young, very active, athletic boys, so the pain, lack of movement, and explosiveness became a total mind f@&k... All of the epidurals, movement research, and decompression didn’t work. I got a hold of your book, thoroughly read it, and practiced it all. It was life-changing. I have zero pain and can move, explode, squat/deadlift, and wrestle! Anyone currently with lower back pain or who doesn’t even want to go down that road of debilitating back issues should read and study this book. Any athlete or person on a regular fitness/strength training routine will benefit from this material. This book is the real deal, legit, easy to follow, and couldn’t be any more genuine coming from someone of your immense accomplishments. Thank you,
"When I got injured, I wanted to work with someone who has had a similar experience. Someone who would understand wanting not only pain relief but also recovery and better resilience after the injury. In less than nine months, I was able almost to eliminate all pain and discomfort in regular life. I'm steadily progressing in training, and my back is getting stronger. My recovery has gone very well under Brian's guidance. Brian listens to feedback and applies his knowledge of my unique and specific injury and life. I would recommend Brian to anyone looking for help with back pain, especially those who want to be proactive in their recovery."
“Just as the pandemic hit, a lingering back injury hit an all-time high and there was really no escaping it. I purchased “Gift of Injury” and read the entire thing cover to cover in three days. I soon connected with Brian for a consult/assessment and he immediately offered 1:1 support to dive into my specific injury and determine my pain generators. I was extremely grateful for his assessment, help, advice, and guidance during this tough time in my recovery. Despite the time differences and residing in different countries, he stayed in consistent communication with me and asked for frequent updates to ensure I was staying on the right track. At the start of our work together, we started over only walking and doing the big 3, then soon progressed to carries, then goblet squats with a 14kg kettlebell; fast forward a few months – just last weekend I was able to hit near max lifts once again, but PAIN-FREE and with proper lifting mechanics and form cues I learned from Brian while starting over. I am grateful for the learnings I’ve taken from Brian, you can tell his passion is to help others. By bringing his own experiences to his work makes him even more of a unique coach.”
I am on the road back to thriving in life thanks to Brian. After a BJJ incident, I tried everything on my own to fix the issue. I tried for months with NO progress. I was defeated and worried I would never regain my normal life again. I was contemplating giving up BJJ and lifting. I couldn’t squat or deadlift with an empty barbell. Then enters Brian. He has taken the time to LISTEN to my concerns and has prescribed an ever changing plan that has continue to DELIVER results. This journey is not over but I now have hope for a life where I can continue doing the things I love. By listening to Brian’s advice and not deviating from the plan, I am seeing the fruits of my labor. Brian continues to help me become more resilient, not only with my low back but mentally as well. If you are struggling with a low back issue that is interfering with you living a life where you can thrive. Look no further than Brian for a solution that will give you your power back.
I reached out to Brian in August of 2021 after I went through Army Special Forces Assessment and Selection. My MRI showed a massive herniation between L4-L5, disc degeneration along the whole lumbar spine, with a couple of other less dramatic herniations as you moved up the spine. I had been in pain for years and tried every avenue, including acupuncture, dry needling, chiropractic, massage therapy, medication, traction tables, rest, etc. After Selection, I was going on four months of sleeping 1 hour a night at best while on my hands and knees because that was the only position I didn't have shooting pain down my leg. I was at an all-time low. I reached out to Brian to get his take on what my MRIs and symptoms might mean for my future. I trusted his knowledge and expertise due to following him and Dr. Stu McGill for years while I was powerlifting. He was brutally honest, a breath of fresh air compared to the surgeons I had seen. Unfortunately, my herniation was so bad that I decided to have the surgery, knowing it could end my career in the military. I could take no chances. Post-surgery, I took full advantage of working with Brian. The personalization of his protocol allowed me to finish the rest of the Q course to become a Green Beret. During the course, I was put through a myriad of events that are not in the slightest bit safe for a healthy back, let alone my back that was just operated on. However, Brian was with me every step of the way, adapting our program to meet the needs of the military and my personal goals. This resulted in me exceeding every maximum standard put in place before me. Thanks to his advice and support, I am now a Green Beret with a bright future. He has not only been a great coach but also a great mentor and friend. You won't find another guy like this.
