Wear and Tear: Stop the Pain and Put the Spring Back in your Body

Rating:
Summary: If you're over 30 - BUY THIS BOOK!
Review: "Wear and Tear" is a gem that should be on the best seller list. This book has been a real eye-opener for me and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to help slow the damage we heap on our bodies as we age. But to be honest I've been a Dr. Arnot fan since he wrote "Guide to Turning Back the Clock", another excellent book (that needs to be updated).

I bought and started reading "Wear and Tear" because he included a chapter called "Stiff Man Syndrome" which my orthopedic surgeon jokingly said contributed to my knee damage. In "Wear and Tear" there are excellent descriptions and examples of the damage you do to your joints, far beyond what my doctor told me. The "8-Ball" metaphore of a joint alone made me see what 'full range of motion' is all about. Dr. Arnot's discussion of "forceful walking" has given me better tips than my physical therapist has on how I was ginding away my joints by walking (like Godzilla in a hurry). One suggestion I would add, in addition of the examples given in the book, is imagine you're walking on rice paper. Remember "Grasshopper" from TV's "Kung-fu"? Now I notice how everyone else is pounding away as they walk, while I glide along feeling sorry for them.

Because of "Wear and Tear" I'm in the pool working on range of motion (it feels great too, all day long), practicing walking so I don't pound my joints, doing light yoga and stretching (it is remarkably easy to get flexibility back), changed my vitamins and doing the remarkably good (and unique) exercises he illustrates.

The Amazon Editorial Review gives you a good list of subjects in the book so I won't repeat them. I would just add they are covered in a clear and concise style. You don't waste any time reading the filler found in most other health books.

If you compare what you can get out of this book to what you will spend on expensive Doctor and Physical Rehab sessions, not to mention the pain and loss of income, "Wear and Tear" is worth its weight in gold. I think Dr. Arnot has also saved me from a lot of future grief as well by cluing me in before more damage is done to my poor knees and hips. I plan on using many of the principles outlined in this book for the rest of my life.

Rating:
Summary: Pain = No Gain
Review: I like Dr. Arnot's take on exercise and his caution of the use of drugs. The benefit of exercise is counterproductive if you push yourself to knee and hip replacement surgery. For me, Yoga has proven to be the best answer.

Also check out Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life by JoAnna Carey if you are looking for motivation, stress reduction and a healthier approach to the rat race.

Rating:
Summary: A cure for Wear and Tear?
Review: This book is great for people who suffer from Arthritis, who are overweight, have reducecd flexibilty, or any other pain associated with their joints. Bob Arnot, one of the authors of this book believes strongly in yoga and stretching as exercises for people suffering with pain. In his practice, he does prescribe asprin and NSAIDS, but disourages the overuse of them. He believes more in exercise. Not strenuous exercise, just exercises like bicycling, walking, or swimming. Exercise is the key to strong muscles and joints. He also gives ideas for proper footwear, no high arched shoes. The book is jumpy as you read it, but overall, it would be of good use to those who suffer with joint pain.