Ski Fitness Benefits with Veronica Paulsen
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I first moved to Jackson in ‘94 after graduating from Middlebury College. After 3 years I moved back to VT and became a pediatric intensivist. I moved back to Jackson about 10 years ago. Now I spend my free time fishing, skiing, running and getting into the mountains as much as possible.
Q: What brought you to Wright Training?
A: A number of years ago I began suffering from bilateral knee pain at the insertion of the IT band. It was significantly hindering my outdoor activities, with pain and instability. I always felt like my knees would collapse with any movement. I was seen by a local orthopedic surgeon, had an MRI, and no injury was found. I did PT but never advanced to a specific training routine. My knees continued to be a problem, and finally last December I started looking for help. I had heard great things about Crystal, so I signed up for training sessions with Crystal. It didn’t take long to figure out what a great move that was!!
Q: How were you injured and how has that impacted your life?
A: I had a chronic injury, which began about 10 years ago. It made hiking, skinning, and skiing painful and unstable. I couldn’t trust flexing my knees without them feeling like they would collapse. I started doing less, exercising less, and even had to bail on powder days!
Q: During your rehabilitation training, what is your focus?
A: Crystal figured out early on what was contributing to my problem. Weakness in my glutes and hamstrings was causing me to have poor mechanics leading to inflammation and pain. I was also much stronger on my dominate side. We focused on strengthening my core, glutes, and hamstrings, as well as building strength on my weak side. Crystal also helped improve my mechanics to eliminate the pain.
Q: How has training at Wright Training impacted your recovery?
A: it has been life-changing! This summer I’ve been able to hike and run pain-free!! I no longer feel instability when flexing, and it’s most notable when stepping down. The trepidation of collapsing or feeling pain is gone, and I can once again trust myself. I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for years, and can’t wait for ski season!!
Q: What advice would you offer to injured individuals trying to get back on their game?
A: trust in the therapy and workouts. Consistency is key, keep up the work, and don’t give up!
Q: Anything else you’d like to share? Shoutouts?
A: I have worked with all the folks at Wright Training, and I’d like to thank them all for helping me get back in form!!
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