Hi, I have a client with a slipped/protruding disc (L5/S1) and Sciatica down the right leg. I would really appreciate any suggestions as to what Pilates work I can do with him (mat and equipment). He is used to being very active eg marathons, cycling etc.

send him to a physical therapist.

Firstly, I am not a physical therapist or doctor. My take on your question is coming from my own experiences as a sufferer of sciatica, long-time pilates practitioner and instructor. This is only what works for me.

I tend to be a bit of a swayback in posture, and a bum gripper. My legs tend to be externally rotated and I have trouble with internal rotation. What works for me (after many, many trials, doctor visits, therâpies etc) is:

1. Gentle low back extension.

2. Focusing on internal rotation of my legs (especially the sciatic side) on rotating discs or while doing leg circles on the reformer. I need to think about keeping my lower-back wide, and focus on the rotation coming from the hips.

3.No discs or reformer = me doing leg circles with a band I keep in my bag.

I know it is different for us all. Good luck and I wish your client all the best. Sciatica sucks.