“After summoning up the energy to take part, I joined Kimberly’s online session and I’m so glad I did! Last night was the first night that I slept without waking with a bad back! I love that I can log on and take part when it’s convenient to my juggling mum act due to watching on demand!”
Why is a Pilates Teacher Having 3 Back Surgeries?
Someone actually asked me this. Here is the true story behind my spine, my surgeries, and how brokenness became my greatest clinical superpower.
Chapter 1 of 9
‘What’s a Pilates Teacher doing having 3 back surgeries?’
Yes, someone actually said this to me. It hit a nerve for about two seconds — until I realized they had it completely backwards. I didn’t become a Pilates specialist and then get hurt. I became an orthopaedic specialist because my spine was shattered, and traditional medical advice failed me.
8 years old: I fell off a zip wire and fractured my spine
My back vulnerability didn't start with poor posture in adulthood. At just 8 years old, an innocent childhood fall resulted in a serious spinal fracture that threatened my ability to walk normally.
Learning to walk again with intense physio
I had intense physiotherapy and needed help to take my first steps again. I had to move to a school with no stairs. But 4 months later, through fierce determination, I was playing cricket with the boys. I made a full recovery — but my spine remained structurally sensitive.
Studied dance at university & masked the pain
I went on to study dance at university, pushing my physical body to its absolute limits. I suffered recurrent, terrifying flare-ups — but like so many active women, I masked them with paracetamol and ibuprofen. I thought I was invincible.
Herniated a disc during labour with a newborn in my arms
In 2012, during the birth of my son, my lower spine gave out completely. I was nursing a newborn with blinding sciatica shooting down both legs. The pain was so acute that I physically could not lift my baby boy out of his cot. I had my first emergency spinal surgery (microdiscectomy) to shave down the herniated disc and free the compressed nerve.
Discovering Pilates over painkillers
I took up Pilates to rehabilitate my post-surgical spine. I discovered that intelligent, clinical movement was far more effective than handfuls of painkillers. It became my non-negotiable daily habit: Consistent > Addicted > Fully Qualified Orthopaedic Movement Specialist.
When surgery didn't go to plan
In 2024, I underwent revision surgery that unfortunately led to post-operative complications and nerve neuropathy. But let's be 100% clear: adapted Pilates is the exact reason I was able to stay mobile, walk, work, and mother my children. It gave me back control when surgery alone couldn't.
Making lemonade from lemons 🍋
Through targeted strength work, clinical adaptations, and 10-minute daily morning mobility, I became a true rehabilitation veteran. I understand the exact mental terror of a flare-up, the mum-guilt of not being able to play, and the frustration of being told to "just rest."
My lived experience isn't weakness... It's expertise!
Thank you to that person who questioned why a Pilates teacher had back surgery. Because of that journey, I know exactly which movements are safe, which are dangerous, and how to scale every drill for real mums with vulnerable spines. If you feel "too broken" to start — let me be your proof: You can start over. Even 3 times over.











