Roger Hawkins

“I developed back pain in 1987 after fracturing a disc resulting in severe back pain and sciatica. After a discectomy operation in time, I was able to resume my work, but with many limitations severely limited my work and nearly all my leisure activities. Despite help over the years from physiotherapists, I was still severely movement restricted and advised to improve my posture and core strength. I was taking daily strong morphine-based painkillers (my various meds were 24 tablets daily) before I started Pilates back in 2017 with Cordelia to help me after my 3 previous back operations.

Cordelia is very professional and welcoming to new members. Six months after my latest operation in 2018, I had a relapse and was unable to walk more than 100m. After seeking more help from my consultant, I was diagnosed with a further prolapsed disc. After having a discussion with Cordelia, she recommended that I should begin to have 1-2-1 sessions and not have a 4th operation unless the exercises did not work but she felt sure that it would if given a proper chance for 6 weeks. She gave me a personalised, safe and graduated 15 minute programme. She took into account my historical medical history and life habits. I have now been able to reduce my meds to a milder painkiller to use when needed, have not needed my 4th back operation and have recently completed a walking half marathon!!! Cordelia has been fantastic, and is now running weekly Pilates classes on Zoom.”