I believe the Von Latta Technique should be done with diligence and determination until you become comfortable with its various aspects. Once you recognize and develop your own power and control then you need only apply it when the need arises. Unnecessary stretching and manipulation of the back may be counterproductive. To prevent the misuse of this technique it is highly recommended that you keep all pertinent information on a calendar, as described later in this book. This will allow you to maintain a clear picture of your progress. Because this is such a personal technique it is incumbant upon you to stay in touch with your best interests. To do this, you must have the right information; hence, it is strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date, accurate account of your progress, as indicated by the information on your calendar form. BE VERY CONSCIENTIOUS ABOUT KEEPING THIS RECORD ACCURATE AND CURRENT.

The object of a progress chart is to keep a record of actual progress. We are exploring new territory with this therapy and prudence is demanded. You must, to the best of your ability, proceed with clear vision and a determination to improve or totally correct your back problems. What you do not want to do is to proceed with a program that only pretends to help or, in fact, harm you. You want to get better. To help you meet this goal, you must keep a record of the pain with which you begin the therapy and ongoing information about the controls that you gain plus the new level and frequency of pain. By comparing the original level and frequency of pain with the pain that you are experiencing at any point in the therapy, you can determine just how you are doing.

There may be the possibility of overusing this technique. Due to the tremendous psychological boost that comes with self-control of the lower back...a notion that might develop is that to exert this control is, in and of itself, good. This might not be the case.

The Von Latta Technique works if you suffer LESS...not if you gain mastery over the lower back and, in doing so, increase the amount of time involved with back problems and/or suffer increased pain.

The line between effort exerted and reduction of back problems is extremely personal and must be drawn by each of you for yourself. You must learn, grow and develop your own approach to the Von Latta Technique. I can point that way...You must take the journey!