Over the past 7 years, I’ve faced more than my fair share of challenges.
It all started when I was 14, after a diagnosis of Scoliosis (a curvature of the spine), which led me to undergo major spinal fusion surgery, which involved the insertion of titanium rods and screws into my spine to straighten it.
To say it was tough would be an understatement. I had to learn how to walk again and the road to recovery was long and painful. But I’m pleased to say, I did it.
Last year, I was diagnosed with not one, but two chronic pain conditions. This flipped my world upside down and sent me on an emotional roller-coaster as well as a physical one. My pain was taking control of my life and I felt lost. Lots of questions were swirling around in my mind, ‘what do I do now?’, ‘who can help me?’ I struggled to find anyone who could.
If that wasn’t enough to deal with, in March, I developed foot pain which quickly worsened, so I sought the help of a foot and ankle orthopaedic consultant who referred me for an MRI scan to help us get to the root of the issue.
The MRI revealed that I unfortunately had sustained a stress fracture which primarily affected my cuboid bone, along with other bones in my foot.
I was advised to protect the area and avoid overloading it whilst it began to heal. For around 2 months I wore a protective boot and used crutches to get around. When it was safe for me to bear weight, my consultant referred me to Pure Sports Medicine for rehabilitation.
In May of 2024, I hobbled through the doors of the Canary Wharf clinic, where I first met Physiotherapist Anthony La and Exercise Physiologist/Strength and Conditioning Coach, Finn Kenny.
My sessions with Anthony initially consisted of soft tissue massages, basic foot and ankle exercises, and the use of Compex (an electrical stimulation machine.) Within just a few sessions, Anthony had already worked wonders — the severe swelling I had in my foot finally decreased after months, and I started to slowly regain my mobility. We worked together once a week, and over time, through stretching, strengthening and balance exercises, along with taping techniques, we’ve been able to ‘retrain’ my muscles. Anthony has helped me back on my feet, literally — I can walk without crutches for the first time in months and climb the stairs independently again.
Of course, being on crutches and losing strength in your foot and ankle has a domino effect; muscles higher up in the leg lose strength too.
As I progressed with my physiotherapy rehab, my strength work with Finn would develop at a complimentary pace. Finn carried out strength and fitness testing with me and used this information to create a personalised exercise program to help me manage my chronic health conditions, and to strengthen my foot and ankle following my injury. He makes exercise so fun, and I genuinely look forward to my sessions with him.
Finn has not only transformed my physical strength and health, but also my confidence. His support and words of encouragement have made such a big difference during my rehab journey, and I don’t know where I’d be today without his support and expertise.
In just 3 months, I already feel so much stronger and happier, my chronic pain has significantly reduced, my foot is slowly making progress. I feel the best I’ve felt in a long time.
Anthony and Finn have helped me to achieve things far beyond my wildest dreams; I recently cycled 7.5k and I’m now planning to do a 10k cycle for the Scoliosis Support & Research charity, under the guidance of Finn.
Pure Sports Medicine is a truly exceptional place. Every single member of staff has your best interests at heart and the whole multi-disciplinary team works seamlessly together to provide the best outcomes for patients.
They say every cloud has a silver lining, and I honestly, hand-on-heart, believe that finding Pure Sports Medicine is my silver lining.
Comments from Katie’s team #
“Katie’s level of conditioning wasn’t where she wanted it to be due to some unlucky circumstances with her health. It didn’t appear Katie trusted her body’s ability to tolerate even light to moderate activity.
However, with Katie’s dedication to her exercise plan, she has come leaps and bounds from where she was and now pushes me to push her even further. Very inspiring for me to listen to Katie’s ambitions to participate in an upcoming charity event for Scoliosis Support & Research. It is an ongoing pleasure to be on the journey with Katie!”
“Katie has come a long way since starting her physiotherapy journey.
From the beginning she has been highly motivated and has been diligent with her rehab exercises.
She has come a long way since the start, and I look forward to further working with Katie on the rest of her physiotherapy journey!”
Are you experiencing a chronic pain condition and wondering how to manage it? Or a subsequent issue that has happened because of an ongoing injury or condition? Get in touch today to speak to a specialist and find out what your options are.
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