Review - Judy Silvestrone, DC

Review

By Judy Silvestrone, DC

For ordering information, please see the Preferred Reading and Viewing List pages 30-31 or call 1-800-359-2289.

After reviewing a previous exercise video by Dr. Linda Nelson ("Shoulder, Wrist & Elbow" -- see the July 29, 1994 issue of "DC") I was eager to review her 1990 video exercise for the neck and upper back. As cited previously, Dr. Nelson has extensive background in dance and yoga, personal training, exercise instruction, sports medicine and chiropractic rehabilitation. Her personal (and personable) blend of stretching and strengthening exercises, coupled with breathing, prevention, and stress-reduction tips make this video extremely easy for patient to use and to keep up daily compliance.

The tape begins with warm-up stretches for the pectoral girdle and neck. Opposing muscle groups are worked successively and slowly. Muscle groups most susceptible to stress and most difficult to stretch were highlighted. Precautions regarding exercise position, pain provocation, individual pace and readiness are repeatedly interjected.

After approximately 10 minutes of warm-up, isometric and slow resistive exercises for the neck and upper back are demonstrated. She sensitively uses not only the typical physique-perfect models for demonstration but also a geriatric model demonstrating full capacity exercises as well as exercises modified to reduce strain. Voice-over in this section includes some precautions against strain as well as rationale for several of the exercises.

The cool-down section (written by Ben Benson, certified hypnotherapist) includes visual and auditory relaxation cues as well as voice-over of Alexander technique relaxation exercises. Dr. Nelson then concludes the tape with a few recommended exercises for on the job stretches and tips for daily living e.g., telephone ergonomics and the nemesis of over-the-shoulder handbags.

In summary, the tape is an excellent, practical patient education and rehabilitation tool. The voice-over is excellent and unobtrusive; audio quality is perfect, and the music stays in the background and fits the pace of the exercise routines well. Patients in my practice who have used this tape found the instruction adapted easily to their individual needs and the compliance and consistency were not difficult to maintain. This will indubitably become another "most-requested" tape on my shelf.