Waking up to the realities of overstretching your workout

One sunny morning seven years ago, Norm Yip woke up in immense pain. His back hurt so much that it took him more than two hours just to struggle out of bed, and after all that effort he found himself lying on the floor in front of the bathroom.

A few more attempts and a couple of painkillers later, he was finally able to get up.

To this day, after five acupuncturists, two physiotherapists, two naprapathy practitioners, one acupressure practitioner and a new age curer, Mr Yip still does not know what caused the dramatic episode.

At the time of the incident he was going to the gym six times a week - three for weight training and another three for cardiovascular exercises to keep in shape. He could only deduce that something had gone wrong with his exercise routine.

He talked of his experiences with the various healing hands: 'I would try something for three to four times and when it didn't work, I would try the next [practitioner],' the 44-year-old photographer said. He has spent almost HK$20,000 on treatments.

One practitioner told him that he did not need an operation, but he should do some exercises to stretch his main nerves and side muscles. So he started body balance classes, which included yoga, tai chi and Pilates that trained his 'inner body muscles'. 'Yoga is for stretching muscles, tai chi is like a slow dance and Pilates can strengthen my core muscles,' he said.