Having experienced Sciatic pain in my right leg for 3 months, and following a diagnostic MRI scan showing a disc extrusion at L4/L5( causing neural compression), I had given up my regular swimming, Pilates and walking activities. I had received treatment from a Physiotherapist and an Osteopath( prior to diagnosis) and had also had a referral on the NHS. I am generally an active, outdoorsy sort of person and wanted to regain my activity levels…

Over many years I have struggled with chronic and debilitating back pain, and tried all sorts of treatments, including surgeries and physiotherapy. Eventually, the time came for further surgical intervention. The surgeon erred toward an interbody fusion (a surgical procedure used to stabilise and fuse vertebrae in the spine, often to relieve pain and improve mobility). But he decided first to undertake another spinal decompression surgery….

I’ve always thought of myself as being reasonably fit, but I’ve never been big on regular exercise, so finding a personal trainer felt a little unusual to put it bluntly! However, after some searching online I discovered Ophelia‘s personal training and saw that she was a specialist in lower back rehabilitation, which was exactly what I needed. I went to see Ophelia for an initial consultation and she explained all about the McGill technique and finding my pain triggers…