https://community.usms.org/swimming/f/general/9831/swimming-with-herniated-diskI am working with a triathlete with a herniated disk (L5-S1) who experiences a lot of back pain when doing the rotational movements of freestyle. So far I have gotten him to lower his head position and am having him do his main set with a pull buoy (whichen-USTelligent Community 12https://community.usms.org/thread/159241?ContentTypeID=1Sun, 27 Mar 2011 04:41:58 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:428552bc-e025-464b-a401-5594176559bbaquajockThanks for the suggestions. The pullbuoy worked very well with him, Craig. I also suggested training in a full suit for some compression. He didn&#39;t have a snorkel with him, but I suggested he get one because that would reduce rotation as well.<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/159214?ContentTypeID=1Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:27:13 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:797cb6ba-8867-4087-a080-d84703c03371StevepowellI like vertical dolphin kicking for my back with three disks herniated. Just take it easy at first.<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/159199?ContentTypeID=1Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:49:53 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:c88947a7-ee41-4090-8bdc-67e002d237cbCraigHI went through this several years ago. My advice: Freestyle and backstroke are ok. Avoid ***/fly. Limit kicking, absolutely no fins. Pull buoy is great. Physical therapy, exercises to strengthen back and core muscles. I haven&#39;t tried a swim snorkel, but have heard this may help as well.<div style="clear:both;"></div>