Brian Carroll: Provider Of The McGill Method | In-Person Assessment | Online Consulting
ABOUT THE MCGILL METHOD
A McGill Method Certified Practitioner has training in assisting clients in reducing the risk of disabling low back pain and injury, optimizing their health outcomes, and enhancing their performance. The McGill Method Certified Practitioner has studied using information from history taking and movement assessment to better match corrective/therapeutic and performance enhancement exercises. They will also have been exposed to nuances of techniques to reduce a client’s pain.
Brian has the unique opportunity to learn, coach/teach/see clients alongside Dr. McGill (Co-author of “Gift of Injury“) over the last decade, and teach courses and seminars around the World to help others recover from a back injury.
For those interested in an in-person McGill Assessment at PRS HQ (Jacksonville, FL) here are the suggested steps:
- First, read Back Mechanic. Those who are visual learners will benefit from the video-enhanced version of Back Mechanic. Most people do well following the self-assessment of pain triggers, reducing the triggers, and building the foundation for pain-free activity. Ninety-five percent of patients told that surgery is their last remaining option can successfully avoid surgery following this approach. Then, those that want a mental boost to see the tenants of Back Mechanic put to use in a real-world scenario should read Gift of Injury. Gift of Injury delves into the mentality needed to beat a serious back injury and return to sport.
- Those seeking more athleticism will want to continue the process. As pain sensitivity is wound-down and managed, move on to the book Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance. This approach has helped weekend warriors through to elite athletes to compete in golf, the majority of Olympic sports, professional sports such as hockey, football, MMA and combat sports, baseball, soccer, cycling, and professional bodybuilding and powerlifting.
- Book a Virtual Consultation. Even those that want to see Brian in-person must first book a virtual consultation to make sure all red flags are ruled out and that you have already started working on winding down your pain through Back Mechanic prior to coming to see Brian at PRS HQ.
- Unfortunately, those with complicated injury mechanisms, and or those who don’t learn well from a distance will need an in-person assessment for progressions or a hands-on thorough assessment; either way, we must start with a Virtual Consult.
What is included in an in-person McGill assessment with Brian Carroll?
- Identify the cause of back pain: A full assessment of your pain generators – postures, loads, exercises, and movements that cause you pain, as shown in Back Mechanic.
- Remove the cause of back pain: Brian then teaches you how to ‘avoid the cause or causes of your pain with customized postures and movement strategies for your specific life requirements: i.e., how to get out of bed, tie your shoes, and generally how to avoid your pain triggers to let your back pain wind down, desensitize and heal.
- Custom exercise program: Brian then uses the information gathered to create a custom therapeutic exercise program to help you work toward your goals again with specialized exercises, movements, and postures that don’t cause you pain.
- Brian also shows you how to execute ALL prescribed exercises with pristine form, including progressions and regressions (when necessary). Finally, his thoughts on your overall recovery. As well as any other suggestions he may have through his experience with his back injury recovery as documented in Gift of Injury.
Book An In-Person McGill Method Assessment
Location: PRS HQ Jax, FL
$799.99 USD
Please note this is HALF (or less depending on how many hr we go) of the payment due to reserve your appt. The remaining balance is due upon delivery of service.
Please email for pricing: Brian@PowerRackStrength.com
2hr In person one-on-one coaching with Brian Carroll
Location: PRS HQ Jax, FL
$499.99 USD
Anyone looking for hands-on coaching for the big-3 lifts, program design, exercise execution, programming progressions, form checks, etc. I do it all but in a minimum of 120min blocks.
BACK PAIN TESTIMONIALS
I came to Brian in 2021 because every Doctor I went to told me I was done lifting and would never be out of pain. I heard of McGill and Carroll, so I connected with Brian Carroll virtually first, then I flew from Austin, Texas, to see him for a 3-hour assessment in Jacksonville, Fl. Fast forward 1.5 years later, and I am pain-free and now a WBFF Bikini Pro. I appreciate your help, Brian! Thank you for your coaching, guidance and positivity.
Brian is the best of the best. My back was so bad I was legitimately suicidal. I never thought I’d be able to tie my shoes without pain let alone lift a barbell again. I’ve since surpassed my best deadlift by 40+ lbs with a 777 lb deadlift. I’ve referred many people to Brian’s books and knowledge he’s the best
I can’t say enough great things about Brian, his book and the methods he used. My back pain was terrible. I t was so bad I had to brace myself standing at times, the radiating pain was terrible. I resigned to live with it until I heard about Brian’s back issues. It made me think that “hey this might be possible without surgery” and it was! I am pain free and followed exactly what Brian told me. I cannot thank him enough nor recommend his methods and him enough. If you are in pain. Seek Brian out and read his books!
Brian's Training and Facilities are Top Notch. Back injury? Not a problem .. Brian will show you how to strengthen your back to help Injuries heal and teach you how not to keep injuring your back.. Love the CBD also! It's literally the only CBD that has worked on my body .
I had been dealing with back issues for years. I would push through activities and deal with pain for days/weeks after. I had a lower herniated disk from sports activities and routinely reinjured that disk from pour movements and posture. After consulting with Brian I was made aware of the things I was doing wrong. Through reading his book "The Gift of Injury" as well as Dr.McGill's book I learned a great deal of how the spine truly works. I would highly recommend reading these books as they will clearly show you the proper path to recovery and regaining the use of your back once again. After reading the books you should make an appointment with Brian for an evaluation where he will give direct instruction and a plan to build your core to a point that you will no longer deal with the pain you once did. All it will take is some hard work and discipline to undo all the undisciplined posture/movements that once allowed you to constantly injure your spine.
I came to Brian about a compression fracture I got on my L3 in late February. He helped me to get on the right track with recovery but the biggest thing was hearing from a powerlifter that had been through this before to stay away from the gym even if I thought I could do a few exercises. Not just hearing it from the doctor. Brian got me on the right track using the principles of the McGill method and I am experiencing the benefits of that now. I will continue to work with Brian and recommend any powerlifter, strongman, Olympic lifter, etc. that has a back break to do the same.
I reached out to Brian after having two herniated disks in my back and being in constant pain. I had been to doctors and physical therapists but my pain never fully went away. After the doctor told me I would never lift heavy again I was in a bad place mentally and decided to reach out to Brian. From the beginning Brian was positive and assuring that he could not only get rid of my pain but could help get me back to lifting. He did a great job of laying out what to expect and what would be expected of me. His guidance was clear and concise and he was always available if questions or problems arose. After six months Brian had me completely out of pain and was helping me work towards gaining back my strength. He was especially great to work with during this time as he clearly explained what was changing and what I still needed to pay attention to in regards to back pain returning. Fast forward a year post injury and I was out of pain and had a new PR on all of my lifts. Through Brian's coaching and help my lifts significantly improved beyond where they were pre injury. Deadlift: 50 pound PR Squat: 60 pound PR Bench: 30 pound PR I can't recommend Brian enough, his help is worth every penny.
I had a McGill Assessment done after years of researching/reading/listening as much as I could about the McGill Method. I can only say, it was everything as expected and even more! After years of back pain, I never felt like I had real direction in my life on truly getting better. Nine months later, I've been able to PREVENT flairs up from coming on! It truly has been a life changing experience for me. If you EVER are feeling hopeless with any back pain, I can't recommend enough going to see Brian. I've recently started a business to pursue my true passion...that wouldn't be possible if I never saw him. Grateful to have my life and my body back!
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 a good plan forward 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, just do it. You won't regret it!
I’ve dealt with chronic back pain for over 10 years. I tried literally everything short of surgery and injections, but failed to find any long term solutions that worked for me. One session with Brian legitimately changed my life. He educated me on micromovements and was able to quickly observe bad movements I was doing. Then he showed me good alternative movements that could have a major impact on daily pain management. The handful of simple daily exercises he taught me strengthened my core in a balanced way that quickly reduced my chronic pain. One year later I'm happy to report that my chronic pain has been virtually eliminated and I'm back to playing sports and enjoying activities that I haven't been able to do for a decade. Brian is the real deal. Thank you Brian!!
I've had of and on low back issues since 2000, and lived in a prison of pain almost daily since 2015. I was on a cane to walk in 2017. I just assumed I'd always be in pain until I died. I took steroid/spine shots for a few years until they quit working. 2016-21 time frame. Degenerative disks, frayed disks, bulges etc. I was in the airborne infantry 2000-03, then a chopper pilot later 2010-15. After watching McGill and Brian Carol, and reading some, I stopped stretching, started the McGill big 3, and other simple exercise and within 72hrs I felt like a different human! The pain was almost GONE. I have more improvement from following your lead, and Reading McGill work than ever before. I'm FINALLY learning what I need to do at 40+ yrs into this fitness game. Can you imagine.. I can't thank you enough. I'm a life long boxer, athlete, high school powerlifter, footballer, and military man. And it's been a long time since I felt this healthy. It's obvious that this is the path I need to take at this point in my life. Thank you,
I had been experiencing chronic back pain for 4+ years. Before I reached out to Brian I was feeling pretty hopeless. Chronic pain will do that to you. Brian and Stuart McGill’s books were useful in helping me to understand what caused my injury and what was continuing to cause my pain, but when I started to work with Brian that’s when I really started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I worked with Brian for about 6 months. During that time he helped me to identify my pain triggers, my unique pelvic position, and we built a rehab plan that helped me to change my movement, address my pain trigger and get out of pain. If you are considering back surgery, or struggling with back pain and don’t know what to do, before you go under the knife call Brian.
In 2019, after already having one disc bulge, I bulged another during a warmup deadlift and collapsed to the floor in horrible pain. For a few days I couldn’t hardly walk and during that time, ordered The Gift of Injury. I read the book over a week or so and began my rehab. To this day, the McGill big 3 is part of my routine almost every day. With the knowledge gained from the book, chatting with Brian and the rehab, I competed in my first full power meet last weekend. There, I set broke 5 state records and plan on going for more. My journey is far from finished and a lot of it is because of Brian and his story. Thank you Brian and Dr. McGill.
Started with Brian about 3 weeks ago. Went and visited him for in person training last week to check form on my lifts. Brian was super welcoming from the time I arrived. He took me through his recommended warmups and we made some changes on my form for squat, bench and deadlifts. Great experience, I would highly recommend to anybody on the fence. I can’t say enough good things about my experience so far with Brian. *Edit* I’ve been with Brian for a while now and my back couldn’t be better. Patience and consistency is key. Brian is honest, straightforward and genuine. Trust the process and get started asap!
After getting a back assessment with a McGill clinician, I wanted to get back to the activities I enjoy but didn't know how to work my way there. I have been working with Brian for a few months now and I overcame the emotional and physical hurdles of rehab. Brian is an elite athlete to the service of the common people and he has a lot to teach, as long as one be realistic with their goals and put some work in it. Personally, my goal was to gain longevity and build resilience to be able to run, bike and workout a few times a week. Thanks to Brian, I knew this was attainable and we found a safe strategy to get there. It is particularly impressive that he could workshop exercises given that we only have worked online. I believe that everyone - not just powerlifters - should incorporate Brian's tailored method in their daily life (instead of blindly trying general exercise/stretch program).
I’ve followed Brian for many years throughout his weightlifting career. I always appreciated how humble he is despite everything he’s achieved. After suffering a minor back injury myself, I figured I’d give The Gift of Injury a shot. My goal has always been to keep my body injury-free so I can lift weights until the end. And if a world champion powerlifter could heal his massive injury and go on to set more records, there must be something to it. After reading the book (and re-reading many passages), watching Brian’s videos, and working the McGill method, I’ve been pain-free for a couple of years. The insight here has completely changed how I view training, injury, and recovery. Not an easy feat after 28 years of lifting weights! But I will continue to use these concepts for many years to come.
As a competitive golfer you wouldn’t think to see a powerlifting coach for help with your back. I’m a big believer in Stuart McGills methods. And like Brian will tell you he sees people when all else fails. A chiropractor hurt me and a PT made it worse. I had been doing the MCGill big 3 for a month with no success but again like Dr McGill says the cure for one may be poison for another. I met with Brian initially via zoom then in person. Within 4 days I went from only getting 3 hrs of sleep and figuring golf was over to almost no pain! It’s now 3 weeks since our first call and I hit golf balls with no pain! Brian is worth the drive and the money. Don’t wait!
Brian is a master of his craft. My L5-S1 was trashed and I had immense back pain. He showed me proper techniques to strengthen my core, which has helped a lot. He also showed me proper ways to pick up and lift heavy items without putting unnecessary strain on my back. I also incorporated his CBD products which help alleviate symptoms when my back is aching. I used to use BIO FREEZE but Brian’s CBD Cryo Freeze is far superior and has many more benefits. I HIGHLY recommend contacting Brian if you want to learn proper lifting techniques, have back issues or are interested in his products. He is passionate about helping people with back problems and will ensure that you start a healthy and pain free path to recovery.
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 take take on their injury, but they will also just be a wiser person in general about their physical health. As Brian says “I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you this.” He truly just wants to help and pass in his knowledge. He will give you the tools to take control of your pain and to 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!
I have been working with Brian for a few months now and his methods get the job done. I have worked with a physical therapist from a large facility before and my work with Brian has given me far better and more sustainable results. Brian is passionate in the field and offers tremendous value. I would highly recommend his training to anyone that deals with back pain.
Ive been working with Brian on my back since Sept 2022. Ive got from stabbing pain with small micro movements to be substantially more resilient and almost pain free. I'm confident Brian and I will get there. I would highly recommend Brian for his knowledge and demeanor. Also love his CBD. I do the cinnamon at night during stressful weeks. Makes a ton of difference. Thanks Brian.
I came to see Brian because of a back injury I've had for over 10 years! After all this time I've never had anyone show me or help me the way he did after only a 4-hour McGill method evaluation. I am early on in working with him, but I am certain if anyone can help fix my spine (or lose the pain) it's Brian. I highly recommend to anyone struggling with back pain.
I have been working with Brian for a few months now and his methods get the job done. I have worked with a physical therapist from a large facility before and my work with Brian has given me far better and more sustainable results. Brian is passionate in the field and offers tremendous value. I would highly recommend his training to anyone that deals with back pain.
After dealing with back pain off and on for years, I was able to make a couple trips to see Brian for an assessment and some movement coaching. In just a couple short sessions, Brian was able to show me how to properly perform certain exercises and talked me through how to approach rehab and training. In a short time I was pain free and was able to begin progressing my lifts. That was a couple years ago and I'm still pain free, moving better, and able to train harder than ever. Additionally, Brian is a great communicator and a pleasure to work with.
I have had an awesome experience with Power Rack Strength so far. I have read both Back Mechanic and Gift of Injury. I have found the information and programs outlined in these books incredibly helpful with my lower back pain and sciatica. All the other methods I have tried have left me frustrated and feeling hopeless. I feel more confident than ever that a pain free life is in my future! The CBD products are definitely top of the line and I would recommend those as well. The Cinnamon tastes amazing unlike all the other brands I have tried. Brian’s professionalism definitely makes me trust the brand. Next I am planning on consulting with Brian and I am very excited about that. I look forward to continuing to do business with Power Rack Strength.
I'm an older Jiu Jitsu practitioner and cannot recommend getting the help of a McGill Master Clinician enough. I had my initial assessment with a different practitioner, and Brian has been kind enough to continue my care with advice on squatting, deadlifting, core stability, and specific programming. I've done nothing but progress since I made the McGill Method the foundation of my training. Not only has my personal health and comfort greatly improved, but so has my Jiu Jitsu practice. My game feels stronger and more technical, and my day-to-day recovery is worlds better. Working with Brian is an absolute pleasure. Not only is his coaching focused, precise, and professional, but he makes you feel immediately at home. I had both the peace of mind of being in good, knowledgeable hands and the ease of hanging out with one of the guys. It really has been the best of both worlds thus far, and I'm eager to continue learning everything I can from him. You won't make a better investment in your health than getting Coach Carroll or one of his colleagues to work with you.
I’ve been working with Brian since February of 2023 and I have nothing but good things to say. Through his in person assessment and video calls, he has effectively been able to identify why my back was hurting as well as create an effective program to get me on the road to recovery. Brian was able to figure out what 3 doctors, 2 physical therapists and 1 chiropractor couldn’t! Without Brian, my life would be one filled with constant pain but with Brian, I’ve been able to manage and progress after over a year of compounding pain. I would recommend the time and fiscal investment to go see him in person as his assessment was the most in depth care I have received for my back. Go see Brian and get healed!!
Herniated disc L4-L5, herniated disc L5-S1, and nerve impingement led to the back of my leg and foot becoming numb for a year. Chiropractic care, acupuncture, 3 rounds of steroid injections…next step was a surgical procedure. I hadn’t been active in sports, lifting, or wresting with my kids for that long. Messes with you psychologically. Divinely, I was introduced to Brian and was able to give him an elevator pitch of what I had going on. I was not a candidate for surgery(most people aren’t, they’re just told they are), and he could help is what he told me. After reading his books, 10/20/Life and The Gift of Injury, I found that Brian walked through the same issues as I was. This dude practices what he preaches/teaches, daily. I’ve gone from literally army crawling across my house to again running on baseball and football fields with my kids. The buy in to Brian’s knowledge, program, and his willingness to help is beyond worth it. It’s life changing.
Foreword by Bill Kazmaier, 3 time World’s Strongest Man:
“I implore any strength athlete, whether they are injured and at their wit’s end, or healthy and striving to achieve their best with longevity, to read this book. The wisdom in these pages has helped me and Brian Carroll, and it will help you.”
From Pavel Tsatsouline, Chairman, StrongFirst, Inc.:
“Gift of Injury is an extraordinary book that proves the adage that safety is not the opposite of performance but a part of it. Packed with priceless cues, it is a must for every serious strength athlete and coach.“
Hear What Readers Have To Say About Gift of Injury
“As a doctor working out of Pasadena, I have been studying the work of Professor McGill for the past two years. I can say with the credentials and authority of a medical insider that McGill’s teachings are light years ahead of the conventional medical approach. And I can attest to this effect from my own professional experience in the demanding domains of both pain medicine and occupational medicine. I’m now able to consistently restore bad backs with what I learned from Professor McGill’s books and courses. One intriguing aspect of Professor McGill’s clinical practice is his work with elite athletes with low back pain. Many of these athletes have seen “top” spine specialists around the world and been told they had career ending injuries. They are lost–until they find Professor McGill.
The story of Brian Carroll is one such story. It is the story of an improbable comeback from a devastating spine injury. As a world-record setting lifter, Carroll loaded his spine to extremes that boggle the imagination. When a host of injuries and excessive training and competition broke his spine down, the conventional medical establishment said all that was left for him was surgery, athletic retirement and probable lifelong disability. (For the medically inclined: he had a complete fracture of L5 with a deep split fracture in his sacrum.) The journey from that nadir, with Carroll contemplating suicide after a particularly depressing visit to a back surgeon, to his return to a champion lifter again seems miraculous.
Except it’s not a miracle–it’s what happens when science combined with clinical wisdom meets an athlete who who will not give up on the dream. Professor McGill discusses the scientific principles and specific program he used to restore Carroll to elite form. In these pages you will find a story told in alternate parts by McGill and Carroll. It is part memoir of Carroll, part primer for how the McGill method works, part instructional guide for lifting and spine recovery all told through the prism of one man’s injury. It is a story of ambition, loss, healing, friendship and overcoming the odds to become better than you ever were–after you’ve been left for dead. What is the gift of injury? The possibility of resurrection of not just a spine and a career, but of a man. This masterpiece tells you how.”
— Medical Doctor – Pasadena, CA
“It’s a brilliant, fantastic book, one that should be the standard of the fitness industry! It’s a rare book that honestly confronts, analyzes and fixes the athlete. Oh, sure, you can find books with little band stretches, mobility work and some time in the tub, but Stu McGill and Brian Carroll take us inside both the athlete’s and the therapist’s minds. Section Two alone is a book in itself; it is more of a weekend workshop showing what the best and brightest do in their approach to training.
There are so many insights throughout the book, but this little hint really made me think: Brian walked 15 minutes a day with free swinging arms before every meal as part of his back injury fix. It just struck me that this simple point was the culmination of so many tests, discussions and hands on work…and it is so simple, logical, and practical.”
— Dan John
“This book is a must have for all athletes and coaches alike, the best of its kind.”
— Ryan
“If you have suffered from back pain (as I have) and have begun to give up hope of ever getting out of pain then you MUST read this book. If anything, Brian Carroll’s story will give you hope.
The book if chock full of information and ways to take control of your life, back and pain. It’s especially geared towards the powerlifter, but I suspect most athletes can relate and will benefit from the information contained in this book. This is the kind of book you read and wish someone would have put it into your hands years ago!”
— Dan B.
Claudia is back pain-free and currently training to compete in physique
From Claudia:
“I went to see Brian last July (2021). I was in pain (low back) for almost a year straight. Brian did a thorough assessment to explain how to heal my injury; He also explained the process and the importance of stepping back from lifting. I followed his guidance. For seven months didn’t touch a bar. Then, I did the same exercises for seven months to build a resilient core. Finally, 2.5 months ago, I started to lift again. I could not recommend Brian more. He is super knowledgeable and passionate about helping others. He also has a tremendous understanding of the human body and weightlifting. I am now pain-free and pushing toward competition again! Thank you, Brian!”
Sawyer has returned to lifting back pain and symptom-free.
Sawyer Levy: “I came to Brian about a compression fracture I got on my L3 in late February 2021 due to an accident sustained outside lifting. Reading Brian’s story in Gift of Injury drew me to seek his help. Brian helped me get on the right track with recovery, but the biggest thing was hearing from a powerlifter that had been through this before to stay away from the gym even if I thought I could continue to train. Not just hearing it from the doctor. Brian got me on the right track using the principles of the McGill method, and I am experiencing the benefits of that now. I will continue to work with Brian and recommend any powerlifter, strongman, Olympic lifter, etc., that has a back break or any back injury to do the same. Thank you, Brian.”
