Chronic Back Pain Relief

3 Back operations & my specialist predicted I would be wheelchair-bound by 50 

Deidre Viljoen - member since 2014

In 2003 I had a laminectomy, my first back op. At the time I had two small kids, worked full time, and was mid-30s so I was able to continue my hectic life within a few weeks.

What I didn’t do was get back to a routine of exercising and more importantly stretching.  Nine years later, with a few hospital stays in between for rest when my back spasmed , I ended up back in hospital for more surgery. Unfortunately, the first operation to do a fusion was not successful and I required 2 more surgeries to correct the damage.

I met Nicole after the third operation, whilst in hospital and she slowly helped me through my rehabilitation of learning how to walk again. By the time I went back to work after 5 months of rehabilitation, I could attend Pilates classes under Nicole’s guidance.

I have stayed with Nicole because of her knowledge, patience, motivation, and her continuous support throughout the years. Without her, I am sure I would not be active and probably in a wheelchair like the dr said I would be before my 50th.

In the last 2 years, despite the lack of in-person classes, Nicole has continued to motivate me with her online classes and personal messages and guidance. My goal for 2021 was to be able to climb Table Mountain again, I managed it 5 times. I have 100% faith in Nicole’s programs and would highly recommend Rethink Health to anyone requiring rehabilitation or guidance in getting into a routine of exercise and healthy eating. 

Back problems and Fibromyalgia, this is the BEST rehab program I have ever come across!

Jennifer Wallace (Physiotherapist)

As a Physiotherapist, I have not been spared from inheriting back issues. I have narrowed, degenerative discs in my lumbar spine as well as Sacroiliac dysfunction with a tethered Sciatic nerve, and combined with my Fybromyalgia I have struggled a lot with pain over the years.

Nicole is a very talented and professional Biokinetisist and Pilates Instructor. I have come across many different programs in person or on the internet to help rehabilitate painful and restricted backs and necks, but this is by far the best!!

I have found her Spinal Rehab Programme really helpful. What a joy to tune into Nicole’s positivity and encouragement during all those lengthy lockdowns!!

I also joined as a Premium member from the UK and have enjoyed the great variety of exercises each week. They really kept me going during our long winters here!

If I am short of time or struggling with a lack of energy, her top-up classes are really good too.

I like the way Nicole gives alternative levels to her exercises and always stresses the importance of avoiding pain ( other than muscle “burn” in some of my untrained muscles!!) I usually attempt the easiest levels for each exercise and find that is right for my age and level of fitness, but she won’t allow me to become complacent!!

Nicole uses good visualizations to ensure that I am exercising correctly. She always encourages participants to private message her if they experience any pain.

From back surgery, back to competitive hockey

Dereck Marnewick

(Director at Learning Lab Apps and Owner of EvaluNet)

"My hockey career started at high school, and while at University I attained u21 Provincial Colours. I continued playing until the age of 47.

Then one of the discs in my back ruptured, necessitating back surgery. The neurosurgeon made it very clear that I was to play NO sport.

A few years later, Nicole, said to me,  'You must start moving and exercise. But first we need to strengthen your core and teach you how to mobilize and protect your back'.

For the past 7 years I've been back playing competitive hockey!  I've even represented South Africa at the Grandmasters Hockey World Cup held in Barcelona. This, testimony to the value of receiving correct advice from a qualified medical professional AND following an appropriate regular exercise program.

Best of all, is that I can enjoy a really good and UNEXPECTED quality of life."

 Imbalanced back muscles, balanced and back to setting World Records

Tyrone Venter

(Holder of 12 long-distance swimming World Records)

"I've been blessed with the opportunity, ability, and will to swim far a lot faster than anyone else.

In 2018 I developed a recurring injury in my groin and back and it was taking longer and longer to recover after each big swim.

Fortunately, I got to hear of Rethink Health and with the help of Nicole, and her knowledge of anatomy, we found that the source of my pain was due to not engaging (activating) my core at the correct times. I had a strong core, but the muscles were not engaging at the best exact moment, this causing an imbalance.

Nicole’s guidance, patience and the exercises she gave me to do, enabled me to learn how to switch on small stabilizing muscles in my core at the correct millisecond required for my core to protect my back and function correctly."