Ease Back Pain at a Top Aspen Wellness Center

Does chronic back pain limit your golf swing or prevent you from being as athletic as you used to be? Even worse, does it interfere with everyday activities like carrying groceries or lifting your children? Then start planning a trip to Aspen, where you can get out in nature and work on healing your back while staying in comfort of the St. Regis Resort Aspen, at the base of Ajax Mountain. The Aspen Back Institute is an innovative holistic wellness center that was founded in 2005 by Clint Phillips, a young South African whose own problems with sciatica caused by a rugby injury inspired him to study physiotherapy, chiropracty and personal training. “I had a dream of a 5-Star destination where people could change their lives by changing how their bodies felt, looked and functioned,” says Clint. By no means is this your average physical therapy business—the first clues are the working fireplace, the polished hard wood floors and safari print pillows scattered about, not to mention that it's located on the ground floor of the St. Regis and has views of the mountains. The vibe is very cozy and friendly; Clint's mother greets visitors at the door, and his wife and sister-in-law are both on the staff of top-notch trainers and therapists. Although you can sign up for individual appointments, for optimal results you'll want to enroll in a more comprehensive one- to three-week package (offered during low-seasons), that includes accommodation, some meals and use of the hotel gym and fabulous Remède spa. After an initial assessment that involves analysis of a postural photograph and strength tests, each client is given a personalized program incorporating a range of treatments, such as Gyrotonic and balance exercises, massage, stretching, Pilates, yoga and sessions on the Hydro Track—an underwater treadmill. Depending on the season, hiking, skiing or snowshoeing outings might also be on the menu. Sarah Shields Horton of Charleston, South Carolina, first went to the institute in fall 2006 for an intense, three-month program to help heal injuries from a horseback riding accident. “I couldn't ski or hike to the top of the mountain when I first got there,” recalls Horton. “But by the end of my stay they took me hiking and skiing. I especially like how they mix traditional therapies with yoga, exercising on the Hydro Track and outdoor excursions.” Now she goes back annually for “tune-ups.” The center is so successful that it recently opened an outpost in nearby Snowmass. If you can't make it to Aspen anytime soon, order ABI's Heal the Back DVD ($29.99) to get started at home.

Week-long packages start at $4,195, depending on season.