Instant Relief: Tell Me Where It Hurts and I'll Tell You What to Do

by Peggy W. Brill, Susan Suffes

A renowned physical therapist helps you get rid of your pain in just 10 seconds.

In this one-of-a-kind book, Peggy Brill, acclaimed author of The Core Program , shows you how to find relief from chronic and everyday aches and pains as well as all those stress-related pains that can attack so suddenly—whether you’re at work, in a car or a plane, at home with your kids, recovering from surgery, or relaxing in bed. Instant Relief provides 100 clearly illustrated, easy-to-do 10-second exercises that provide immediate therapy for every part of your body—from your head to your toes.

• Does your upper body ache after hours of hunching over a report due by the end of the day?
Try doing the Brill Chicken. For extra relief,there’s the Dead Brill Chicken.

• Desperate to get rid of that tension headache?
Try the Tongue Press, the Ear Tug, the Cheek Release, or the Scalp Glide.

• Is your lower back killing you?
Do the Pelvic Rock or the Pelvic Clock.

• Feel those calves cramping up again? Do the Ankle Pump.

• Need something to relieve your aching feet?
Try the Foot Dome, the Toe Lift, or a simple self-massage.

• Does your knee hurt when you walk downstairs?
Do the Squeeze and Step.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Fitness

193 pages, Paperback

First published June 10, 2003

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be keeping this book and using it as a reference, when I need it. I have several recurring issues due to having a desk job and due to the sort of workouts that I do. This book has provided easy to understand instructions (along with illustrations) that provide effective ways to help alleviate the pain involved and lessen the frequency of the recurrence of the issues (if done regularly, as suggested).

I wouldn't call the relief "instant" exactly, but there is relief and I consider it to be much more effective than self medicating with ibuprofen and the like.

[Margot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful, do-it-yourself physical therapy book. I suffer from frequent tension headaches, and the exercises in this book have definitely helped with that. I'm also currently going to physical therapy for a hip/leg issue, and the Brill exercises are very similar or the same as some of the ones I'm doing in PT. Instant Relief also contains clear explanations of what the exercises are accomplishing anatomically, what the potential issues are that they are remedying, as well as what such problems could evolve into if not addressed (e.g., arthritis).

This book is definitely worth owning and storing on one's frequently referenced shelf.

[Fishface · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? This little paperback is terrific! You may not think you need it, but you probably do. Everybody's in pain sometimes, right? Bring on those Dead Brill Chickens, baby!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a massage therapist, I’m constantly looking for ways to increase my clients’ well being and empower them. This book has simple directions and simple depictions of the directions for each exercise/stretch. The chapters are arranged by the location of pain, which makes the book extremely user friendly, particularly for novices. I have personally used a few of the exercises and eliminated my own chronic pain. Highly recommend it to anyone fed up with chronic aches and pains looking to be proactive and take control.

[Ellen D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent self help book to keep on hand. While it obviously can't replace seeking medical help, it helps you with your common aches and pains. Sometimes, just the exercises give enough relief to get you on the way to recovery, and if not, it helps you identify what it wrong so you can give accurate information to your healthcare provider. This is especially good for seniors!

[Judith the Book Gobbler · Rating 5 out of 5]

My go-to before I began my NLP/Hypnosis journey.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always great movements for minor muscle aches and pains. I don't know how many times I have used this book to take away a nagging backache, neckache, or something else.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This sounds like second grade to someone 60+. By the time you get to my age, you can't "fix" the joint pain--it exacerbates it. Nice try but it's probably targeting the Generation Y, not the Baby Boomers.

[Foxthyme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Brill gives easy exercises to help bad pain problems.

[Becky Roper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written by a physical therapist and shows you some simple manuvers to get rid of stress-induced discomforts. It was interesting to read the "whys" of her methods.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life saver! Or simply a back-saver! Clear simple exercises and explanations! It's a back bible!
Brill!!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good go to book. My clients feel relief and the exercises are easy. I would of liked more in-depth explanation instead of just do this for that.

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, simple exercises that I have incorporated into my daily life.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazed at how many medical professionals use yoga for pain and/or stress relief....Peggy's book is well thought out and has great pictures with the explanations for pain relief...

[Penny Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to help recover from pain

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Recommend it to all my friends and have bought it for my parents. I love how quickly I can find an exercise to address aches and pains.