I'm fairly new to Pilates and would like some advise on taking a client who had cervical stenosis surgery 6 months ago. How appropiate is pilates for him and what type of exercises should he avoid.

If you have not had any experience working with post rehab patients, the best thing to do is to refer him out until he reaches a level in which you are familiar & comfortable working with. Spinal cord issues can be tricky and surgery does not necessarily mean something is FIXED. The client can easily be re-injured and require more medical attention. If you not had any experience in this area, you could possibly be opening yourself up to liability you may not want to take on.

If you are comfortable and willing to take the risk, the best thing to do it to read up on Cervical Stenosis. Following is a link to better help you understand. HOWEVER, this is not the do all be all article - do more research. First you need to find out if he is released from his doctor/PT. Then find out if there are any restrictions/limitation. Next, ask the client to show you what he did in PT and then find appropriate BASIC pilates exercises to closely match that of which he did in PT. Do more exercises that do not involve the surgery sight, be very clear on exactly what surgery entailed and where it was & most importantly give your client permission to be verbal about what he is feeling and be willing to make modifications.

http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/neurosurgery/csten.cfm

I would strongly recommend that you determine if he/she has been released to "general" exercise. Then, I would consult with his/her Physical Therapist (and/or MD if the prospective client did not see a Physical Therapist) regarding exercises that are specific to this situation. You can then select a repertoire of Pilates exercises that closely reflect those that were part of the rehab/post-rehab process and also familiarize yourself movements to avoid. However, once again, if the client has been cleared for non-rehabilitative exercise, you should be OK and I agree strongly with Kelly that you can do some self-directed education about cervical stenosis and the procedure this individual underwent.

I had cervical stenosis surgery about eight years ago and that's how I found Pilates! I was unable to do any impact exercises (I am a former step and aerobics teacher). I agree with everything that has been posted. I would like to add that using a sponge ball under the neck for all work (reformer, mat) is a good tool until your client has developed a strong enough core and can do the exercises without any neck strain at all.