Jean, Masters Olympic Weightlifter
Experiencing enlightenment

I feel absolutely compelled to put ‘pen to paper’ so to speak as I’m so giddy and excited about my new body – created courtesy of Garry Nimmo - and co-incidentally a new lease of life – especially where my weightlifting is concerned – that’s how good it feels to me! It’s really had a deep effect on me, both physically and mentally.

Let me explain further, my name is Jean and I’m a 54-year-old Masters Olympic Weightlifter. I first met Garry in May when, 3 weeks prior to my competing in the European Masters Weightlifting Championships in Russia, I pulled my hamstring. On the advice of one of the Consultants anaesthetists where I work I ‘phoned the Aberdeen Leisure Centre and arranged an appointment. I could never have known what a profound effect this meeting would eventually have on me. I’ve been to numerous physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors over the years but never a sports therapist, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. However as pain in varying degrees has always been involved before I now associate pain as a necessary part of any sports treatments.

I have to admit that when I first saw the size of Garry with those massive shoulders my heart sank, I thought at best I’d never walk again and at worst I’d never be able to stand the pain! I thought that he’d treat like I’ve always been treated before - elbows straight into the injured muscle and you just hope you can live through it. He must have seen the look of horror on my face because one of the first things he said was ‘what do you think I’m going to do to you?’ How wrong he was to prove me, I couldn’t have been further from the truth!

Not only did he treat my hamstring, but took a totally holistic approach and definitely no digging in of elbows – what a relief! After taking a very through history he treated my hamstring and assessed my body, posture etc and showed me exercises to do twice a day. He saw me every week up to my competition and I came back from Russia the European Champion and with a very happy coach.

I’m trained and coached by John McNiven who was awarded an MBE for his services to the sport of weightlifting and John was extremely impressed that Garry also took the time and effort to come to one of our training sessions and meet him and watch me train.

Following the European Championships I continued to see Garry who straightened me up; balanced me up and showed me how to practice AIS for my whole body. I now practice these exercises night and morning and prior to and on completion of my training sessions.

However – the best was yet to come. I have had Crohn’s disease since the age of 20. Following my diagnosis I had major abdominal surgery over the next 7 years including a laparotomy, hemicolectomy, several resections and anastomosis, hysterectomy etc. So from the age of 27 I have known nothing but a very scarred abdomen – not to mention the underlying adhesions. But to cut a long story short I’ve always trained and lifted weights with these scars and to be perfectly honest 27 years later I never really think about them or the effect they may have on my lifting.

This is where I start to get all enthusiastic and giddy again – sorry – but I just cannot get over the effects I’ve had and difference I’ve felt since I walked into an appointment with Garry on Thursday 6^th August, 2009. On this particular visit Garry thought that we would try to do something about my adhesions. As I’ve said I’ve never really thought about my abdomen for years let alone think that perhaps something could be done about it - and no other practitioner has ever mentioned it before - although I really didn’t know how anything could be ‘done’ with it after so many years.

Before I continue I need to mention that by the beginning of August I had been seeing Garry at his clinic for approximately 3 months. During this time I have come to trust him completely – not only has he taught me how to stretch and explained the principles and breathing necessary to obtain the best results, he has also taught me to understand and appreciate my body. When he treats me and helps me stretch he always emphasises the breathing and relaxation – over time I now feel I’m learning to ‘tune in’ to what he’s doing and know instinctively when and how to breath – I can relax completely as I trust him totally. He once told me that he’d ‘look after me’ and I truly believe that’s what he’ll do.

So... going back to Thursday 6^th ...Garry palpated my abdomen and then began myofascial release, working on my adhesions. I could feel he was working slowly, yet meaningfully fairly deep into my abdomen and then I felt a prolonged tension and then release.I am finding it very difficult to describe how it felt for me. However, reflecting on the experience now, and knowing that I put my trust and therefore my whole self totally into Garry’s hands, my recall is one of a very powerful, purposeful feeling – but afterwards - WOW it’s meant a whole new dimension to me. It’s like being given your body back as it was over 34 years ago.

My coach has always said that I never finish the 2^nd pull on the snatch and clean. I have never really understood what he meant as I have always thought that I have extended and reached as high as I could.But now - what a difference – I pull the bar and it just keeps on going - it feels like I’m going on forever but in reality the difference on the pull is about 3 inches. But in weightlifting terms it’s a bit like the ‘chaos theory’ 3 inches on the extension equates to about 10 inches height on the bar! It’s such a wacky experience for me, in a way it’s like a death and re-birth - I’m experiencing the loss of my old lifting technique and am now having to work on learning a whole new line on the bar.

But, as I said to Garry it’s not until something has gone that you ever realise you had it in the 1^st place! I never knew how restricted and immobile my scarring had made me – I can even breath better now as well. I will never be able to thank Garry enough – I don’t think he realises what a huge difference he’s made to me. I just can’t get used to the movement, I keep stretching up all over the place - it really does feel like a miracle to me.

During my first treatments it was the therapist and me – two separate people. Garry explained clearly what he was going to do, instructing me as he went along on when to breathe and how. Now I feel that we work together, communicating far less through speech, but through touch and breath, thus making the hands of the therapist not only a very powerful tool for treatment but also a sensitive medium for communication.

However, it is not only the physical treatment that has come to have a profound effect on me recently, well yesterday actually, Garry was treating me and this time for some reason when I was sitting up part way through the treatment I felt really dizzy and lightheaded. During this particular session I felt as if I was falling into endless weightlessness, yet the further I fell the more aware I became of touch, breath and movement. It felt as if 2 separate people meet together to become a continuous stream of energy flowing through my body. By the end of the session when Garry asked me: ‘how does that feel?’ I really felt that I wasn’t able to think – let alone answer. I went straight home fell onto the bed and slept solidly for 14 hours. I’ve never felt such peace in all my life.

Tuesday 8th September – night before Garry’s hols! I’d been squatting for high reps last night and my legs were feeling fairly sore. But I’m sure things will get much worse, I’m training for the World records next year and they have to be earned. Anyway Garry did whatever he does and by the time I was lying on my front I was starting to feel very relaxed and then for some reason I felt as if I was watching what he was doing from somewhere high up looking down – obviously I wasn’t as I was lying face down with my eyes closed!!  When Garry got to my legs, especially my calves I started to feel the soreness – but from where I was looking down it started to feel as if he was taking the pain out of my calves with his hands – just pulling it away somehow. And after that I didn’t feel a thing, in fact I’m sure he could do major surgery and I wouldn’t feel it - it really is one of the most fantastic experiences I have ever felt.

It’s as if I’m totally aware of everything around me yet totally unaware of myself as a being. It was great to be left to lie still afterwards -totally relaxed- I can’t explain the feeling of total peace and nothingness, words just aren’t able to describe it.

I’ve been talking to Annie - Prof Topping - as she has a background in psychology. She says that to be able to ‘leave your body’ so to speak you have to absolutely & without question feel entirely safe - both within the environment in which you’re in and the person or people who are around you - only then will you feel safe enough to ‘let go’ of your physical self as you no longer feel you need to protect it – Annie described it as ‘transcending’, She says that many people spend a life-time trying to achieve it & never do!!

This is just a short reflection over 3 months, but Garry has made such a difference, not only to my weightlifting, but to me as a person, I feel so strongly that I have to share this experience – it’s just too good not to.

I personally feel that Garry possesses the ability to blend the science of anatomy with the art of massage, manipulation & stretching whilst, at the same time, bringing to the whole experience an approach, sensitivity, instinct and intuition that is uniquely his. I feel very privileged to have Garry as my therapist. Thank you just doesn’t seem enough...

Elite athlete
I am delighted to be given this opportunity to relate the numerous benefits I have received as a result from Garry’s treatments.

I am 20 years old and have been running and racing competitively since I was 9 years old.  In spite of my young age I have suffered numerous injuries in my athletics career.  These constant setbacks have severely halted my progress.

When the mental side of things has always been strong, it was always my physical capabilities which withheld me from achieving my goals…not now.

In 2007/2008 I had been suffering from what I thought was a stomach muscle problem for many months.  It was a horribly tight feeling down the right side of my stomach and it would come on in the later stages of races as I began to tire.  Also, I found it impossible to lie on my back when I was in bed.  At times I even found it difficult to stand fully upright as I felt it was pulling me forward.  I had been to various therapists but not got the problem fully solved.  One occasion was an extremely painful treatment in Edinburgh.  Following the treatment I couldn’t sleep properly for 2 nights due to bruising around my stomach and pubic areas as result of the therapist constantly digging into the problem area.

I had heard from a friend that there was ‘this genius therapist’ who worked out of The Beach Leisure Centre in Aberdeen, so I booked an appointment to see if he could help.

My first appointment with Garry lasted 1 hour.  I was used to physiotherapists and other therapists just going straight to work on the troubled area of my body but Garry spent around 45 minutes getting all my background information with regard to injuries, stretching, training and racing before attempting any treatment.  He identified that he thought my problem was due to my psoas muscle being far too tight.  Garry then released psoas with hands-on treatment which lasted only around 1 or 2 minutes.  There was no pain at all during the treatment and I stood up after and felt totally reborn.  There was no tightness, no pain, I felt much more relaxed and it was much easier to breath.  That day I went out for a long tempo run and felt zero discomfort!

This is just one example of the various treatments I have had from Garry.  Each time I have gone with a problem which I had expected would take a few treatments to solve but each time.  The only problem now is – the expectations are at an all time high! Despite this, Garry never disappoints.

Garry has also revamped my stretching programme.  In the past I used static stretching methods, holding each stretch for around 30 seconds, which the majority of the country use whilst preparing for exercise.  It was all I knew and therefore I swore by doing it before every training session and competition.  I would hold each stretch for around thirty seconds and I often felt over-stretched and suffered from severe stiffness after a tough training session or race.

Now that I use active isolated stretching, my overall performance levels have risen considerably.  I hold each of the new stretches for around 2 seconds and do 10 repetitions of each, twice a day.  After doing this routine I feel so loose and it is much more comfortable to walk around.  I am now also sleeping comfortably on my back.

After each session with Garry I feel physically more efficient, capable and also more inspired than when I hopped onto the treatment table.

I have responded to Garry’s treatment like no other and it has made my running much more efficient and enjoyable than before and he has fixed every single niggle or injury I have gone to see him about.  Any success I achieve in this sport will be down to many factors, including hard work and determination as well as the inspirational team behind me including my Dad, my coach and without a doubt, Garry Nimmo.

With so many differing views on how to stretch your muscles and whether or not it is best to stretch prior to exercise, after exercise or both, it is hard to pinpoint which is best for you.

Active Isolated Stretching is a method of fascial release developed by Aaron L. Mattes.  It identifies specific muscles to be stretched and isolates those muscles using precise localised movements.  Each stretch is sustained for one and a half to two seconds and is repeated ten times.

It can reduce muscle spasm, the risk of muscle strain and tear while also promoting growth and repair by getting more oxygen and nutrition to the muscles.  This form of stretching can also improve lymphatic flow, flexibility and health of muscles, tendons and ligaments.

It is a stretching method which can improve people’s lives, their health and their ability to become more flexible.

Since discovering Active Isolated Stretching (A.I.S.), in 2007, my general movement, training capacity and middle distance running performance levels have been boosted to new heights.

I was introduced to Active Isolated Stretching by Garry Nimmo, a Manipulative Therapist based in Aberdeen.  Garry is one of a handful of therapists using this stretching method on patients.

In the past I used static stretching methods, holding each stretch for around 30 seconds, which the majority of the country use whilst preparing for exercise.  It was all I knew and therefore I swore by doing it before every training session and competition.  I would hold each stretch for around thirty seconds and I often felt over-stretched and suffered from severe stiffness after a tough training session or race.

In spite of being 20 years of age my athletics career has been plagued with injuries.  When the mental side of things has always been strong, it was always my physical capabilities which withheld me from achieving my goals…not now.  After each session I feel physically more efficient, capable and also more inspired than when I hopped onto the treatment table.

My training capacity is at an all time high thanks to this stretching method which, I believe, is set to revolutionise the sporting world and beyond.

Myles Edwards
Finding Nimmo is answer to success

With so many differing views on how to stretch your muscles and whether or not it is best to stretch prior to exercise, after exercise or both, it is hard to pinpoint which is best for you.

Active Isolated Stretching is a method of fascial release developed by Aaron L. Mattes.  It identifies specific muscles to be stretched and isolates those muscles using precise localised movements.  Each stretch is sustained for one and a half to two seconds and is repeated ten times.

It can reduce muscle spasm, the risk of muscle strain and tear while also promoting growth and repair by getting more oxygen and nutrition to the muscles.  This form of stretching can also improve lymphatic flow, flexibility and health of muscles, tendons and ligaments.

It is a stretching method which can improve people’s lives, their health and their ability to become more flexible.

Since discovering Active Isolated Stretching (A.I.S.), in 2007, my general movement, training capacity and middle distance running performance levels have been boosted to new heights.

I was introduced to Active Isolated Stretching by Garry Nimmo, a Manipulative Therapist based in Aberdeen.  Garry is one of a handful of therapists using this stretching method on patients.

In the past I used static stretching methods, holding each stretch for around 30 seconds, which the majority of the country use whilst preparing for exercise.  It was all I knew and therefore I swore by doing it before every training session and competition.  I would hold each stretch for around thirty seconds and I often felt over-stretched and suffered from severe stiffness after a tough training session or race.

In spite of being 20 years of age my athletics career has been plagued with injuries.  When the mental side of things has always been strong, it was always my physical capabilities which withheld me from achieving my goals…not now.  After each session I feel physically more efficient, capable and also more inspired than when I hopped onto the treatment table.

My training capacity is at an all time high thanks to this stretching method which, I believe, is set to revolutionise the sporting world and beyond.

Sciatica recovery
I take great delight in being given the opportunity to recount the successful treatment and advice I received from Garry this year for a severe case of sciatica.

Earlier this year I awoke one morning as normal but as I started to walk down the stairs I thought I just had a bad case of cramp in my right leg, within seconds the pain became so intense that I must have passed out (something I do not do). As I regained consciousness I found myself at the bottom of the stairs, it became impossible for me to stand up due to the pain and feeling faint. I crawled to the phone and managed to call the doctor who diagnosed sciatica* and he told me to get someone to collect a prescription for strong painkillers and anti-inflammatory tablets.

For two days I took the prescribed medication which made me violently sick. I could not eat or sleep and could not go to the bathroom unaided and I was still in terrific pain. My husband had meanwhile consulted with the doctor again who said there was nothing else he could do for me. Thankfully some friends heard of my situation and recommended that I immediately contact Garry as he had successfully treated them. This I did and received an appointment that day.

I hobbled into Garry's treatment room in great pain and discomfort and one hour later I managed to walk out unaided greatly relieved and in much less pain. After three more painless treatments I was better than I had ever been. I had received an education about my condition and given helpful instruction about what I could personally do to prevent my sciatica from returning. I am thrilled to report that because I continue to follow the gentle stretching and strengthening exercises regime that Garry recommended I have not had a reoccurrence of sciatica since.

I was so delighted with my recovery that I sent a personal letter to my doctor with the details of my treatment and recovery and asked him to please help other patients with a similar complaint by referring them to Garry.

*About ten years ago I also suffered an attack of sciatica and it took three to four painful months to recover. How I wish I had been informed about Garry then !!

Please be assured Garry that those of us (and I know there are many) who have greatly benefited from your treatment are deeply grateful. Long may you continue to practice your profession. (LB)

Neurological condition
In December 2004, I started to get pins and needles in my arms and hands. I went to my GP in April 2005 as the pins and needles had got worse, I had headaches, was always tired and continually dropping things. My GP thought that I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and referred me to the plastic surgery unit at the hospital. I got an appointment at the plastic surgery unit in June 2005 and they arranged for me to have nerve ending tests in August. I then returned to the plastic surgery clinic on 26th October 2005 who told me that it was not Carpal Tunnel, but arranged for an x-ray on my neck. I returned to the clinic on the 4th November 2005 to be told that they needed to refer me to neurosurgery unit. By this time my arm was not moving very much and it was taking me 40 minutes to get dressed. I was unable to wear a jacket unless someone helped me. I had to use a disabled car-parking space at work as I was unable to put socks on or zip up my boots. I also had trouble putting on a seat belt. I had also been unable to have a bath for 6 months as my arm went dead and I had difficulty getting out. I was unable to do simple things around the house such as hoovering, making beds and cooking. I was unable to be flat on my back as I got pains and I had to sleep with 5 or 6 pillows due to my asthma. I had returned to my GP during this time but was told that I was on the hospital waiting list and would have to be patient. I was also having difficulty remembering simple things like telephone numbers.

In December 2005 I was picking up my son from the Beach Leisure Centre and I picked up a leaflet advertising the Active Balance Massage Clinic. I was desperate for help by this time and was thinking of going to my GP to get signed off work. I made an appointment to go to the Active Balance Massage Clinic in January, not really expecting to get help, but willing to try anything. After a few weeks of being treated by Garry Nimmo, working on my back shoulders, neck and arm, I was able to wear my seat belt, lie on my back, move my arm, get dressed in ten minutes and sleep all night! At all times Garry offered helpful advice such as drinking water to avoid dehydration and getting measured for underwear to relieve some of the pain in my shoulders and back. He also advised on how to increase the amount of exercise I did by starting doing small amounts and gradually building up what I did. Garry also did some work on a recurring problem I had with my ankle due to falling down stairs two years ago. Since this work was done I have had no further problems.

Garry asked me continually about the hospital appointment, telling me that even though my arm was showing improvement all the time, I had to keep the appointment. I chased the hospital and after several attempts they advised me that they had lost my notes. I eventually got an appointment on 21 June 2006, and they arranged an MRI scan. Garry continued to treat me during this time and by the time I got the scan on 12 September 2006 I had no headaches and no pins and needles. My asthma has also improved greatly. Instead of using three inhalers I am now only using one and I sleep with three pillows instead of six. On 16 November 2006 I went back to the neurosurgeon who advised that the scan had shown that I had Chiari malformation in my neck which would cause the headaches and pins and needles. He advised that if I had severe headaches that they would operate but that they would only do this if they had to as there is a danger that I would end up paralysed. He advised that as I had no headaches at the moment that he would not operate and that they were unable to give me any treatment for the pins and needles as it was a side effect of my condition.

I have had many recurring problems with my arm and this is mainly due to the fact I work full-time, run two youth organisations and help at four others. Garry pointed out why some of the problems were recurring and I have now cut down some of the voluntary work that I do. Garry has continually been helpful and encouraging and has always managed to keep my arm moving. I have been able to lose 4 stones 6 pounds in weight and have managed to learn to swim. I think that Garry has done a tremendous amount in helping me when I was unable to get help from my GP or the hospital.