Customer Reviews

The Permanent Pain Cure

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Permanent Pain Cure covers the system that Ming uses to supplement the manual techniques he uses in his physical therapy practice. His methods comprise myofascial stretching and release techniques adapted largely from Guy Voyer, MD, DO and Mike Leahy's Active Release Techniques (ART). This is the only widely available book that I know of that teaches Voyer's myofascial stretching and ELDOA techniques (Ming does not use the term ELDOA, but rather spinal decompression stretches, which is basically what the French acronym ELDOA stands for). While the book does not cover the entire ELDOA and myofascial stretching system, it does teach key stretches that are probably of most benefit to the majority of readers. The ELDOAs that are shown appear to be selected according to the nerve roots that pass through the vertebral segments in question, e.g., delts, biceps, quads, hamstrings, etc.

Many of the myofascial stretches are slightly modified from Guy Voyer's original versions (at least the versions I know). However, I also think some of Ming's modifications are nice improvements. Another reviewer commented on the difficulty of the stretches. Having practiced many of Guy Voyer's stretches for the past three years and having attended his myofascial stretching seminar, I can attest to the difficulty of many of the stretches. This difficulty comes from the fact that many stretches require the simultaneous co-contraction of several muscles to create a properly targeted stretch. Another factor is that for many people, these stretches will target tissues that have never been stretched before, producing considerable resistance from the tight tissue. Consistent practice does make the stretches easier, and the payoff is well worth the effort. Some of the modifications Ming has made to the stretches make them easier to perform and give the user better leverage in some cases.

The middle section of the book covers a strengthening and conditioning program. There is nothing particularly remarkable about this section. It's good solid advice but nothing you can't find elsewhere (unlike the myofascial techniques).

The last section of the book teaches self soft tissue release techniques that are clearly modified from ART. These techniques are fairly easy to perform and in many cases can save the user the hassle and cost of seeking out an ART practitioner for minor issues. They are also excellent self maintenance techniques that can complement ART and other soft tissue work.

Overall, it's an excellent book and covers techniques that are hard to find without traveling to a few specialized (and expensive) seminars. I highly recommend it.

I have tried many, many things as most chronic pain sufferers have. I have been working at a computer for years and years and despite all the things I've tried for a very stiff/sore back, neck, etc. I've never gotten any significant relief. I saw this book at a local bookstore and thought I'd try it as the program wasn't too time consuming. It took awhile as I was in pretty bad shape fascia-wise and this is the only program I've seen that addressed that, but I stuck with it. I took the systemic enzyme supplements that Mr. Chew suggests, along with some other joint supplements (MSM, chondroitin, glucosamine) and the EFA oil. Well Mr. Chew saved my career....!! I'm virtually pain free and am now ready to start the strengthening portion of his program with kettlebells. I will also say that Mr. Chew has kindly taken the time to personally answer two emails I sent him with questions I had, which I really appreciated. This man is definitely onto something and everyone will benefit from his knowledge! By all means, put in the time and effort (and it isn't all that much) and avail yourself of this amazing healing program.

I fell upon Ming Chew's book while perusing at a book store. I read through it multiple times before committing to his program (which by the way starts out with simply drinking proper amounts of water).

Every person with chronic pain, or acute pain is going to assume they are unique and and their problems are unique. Ming's book does an excellent job of covering diet, supplementation, habits, and what I think is the most effective and life changing - his stretching methods.

Ming treats the body as a complex machine - with all parts relating to the effectiveness of other parts. At the very least, by following his methods you will become more embodied and able to read your body more effectively. What appealed to me was that he focuses on starting small and building on your improvements. Some of the poses are challenging at first - and he mentions this throughout the reading - he makes it very clear that the majority of people can't manage a 30, or 60 second pose when they first begin!

Coming from a very pragmatic person with regards to health and well being, Ming's mixing of diet consciousness, fluid intake, flexibility standards as a pre-cursor to strength training appealed to me.

The title of this book is completely fitting - if everyone took the next 6 months to follow his regiment - a health revolution would take place. I find myself asking my friends and associates "Do you know about the Ming Method?"

I've been doing triathlons for 25yrs. and have experienced about every injury, and pain related to overuse. I've had almost daily Knee pain so long I was convinced it was arthritis.I can honestly say Ming's Permanent Pain Cure has given me a new lease on youth, and I'm 64.My flexibility,and range of motion has improved to the point running and swimming take less effort
I have recommended this book to all my friends and family,and received very positive feedback.
Ed LeTourneau

I train Brazillian jiu-jitsu, muay thai and do a lot of conditioning. Hence my body is pretty beat up all the time. However Ming Chew's book has helped me heal my body and reduce my level of pain a great deal. This is a fantastic book for anyone who is dealing with chronic pain, or even for someone who is just looking to live a more healthy life style. Five stars all the way!

I was disappointed with the book. Although I have profound respect for Ming Chew's expertise, and would love to take the training from him, I found the self-exercises too challenging alone. Excellent auggestions for diet and preparation, but overall not as helpful as expected.

I found a lot of great info that helped me with an ongoing problem of neck and shoulder discomfort. One suggestion: the author should consider putting together a companion DVD that leads the viewer through the exercises. It was a bit challenging trying to refer to the book and do the movements a the same time, some of them are fairly involved and the subtle points of doing them correctly are important.

I found this book extremely informative and running along the lines of my own stretching regimen. Most athletes and lay persons miss the entire concept of stretching by focusing on the muscles. They do not realize that their exists a cellophane envelope in the entire body and being a teacher of flexibility with my own unique approach I have to honor Mr Chew for his emphasis on the fascial system.It is the first book that has placed significant importance on the connective tissue proper. I am an avid reader and researcher into the art and science of stretching. I recommend this book for professionals and encourage an open mind and a willingness to comprehend and perform his exercises.

I purchased The Permanent Pain Cure after several weeks of pain due to a pinched intercostal nerve. The spinal stretches stopped the pain after two days and it has not returned. The exercises, stretches and treatment directions are clearly explained, with good illustrations. An outstanding product.

i think this is a very different way to work on pain.adifferent way of understanding how pain works in the body