Figure Skater Finds Relief with Sports Medicine Program
March 30, 2016
Emma, 16, wants to reach the highest level of figure skating, and she dreams of coaching the sport in the future. The hours on the ice, however, come with sacrifice. She developed back problems, specifically intense tailbone pain.
“She could not stand the constant pain, which would worsen on the rink,” says Nicole, Emma’s mother.
Emma was referred to U18, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital’s sports medicine program.
“We have therapists who are specifically trained to treat those who participate in dance and the performing arts,” said Matthew Fazekas, MD, pediatric sports medicine specialist at U18.
The experts at U18 discovered that Emma had developed an injury caused by the high-impact movements that she repeated on the ice, including jumps and landings. Emma received the full spectrum of care from U18, including exercises to strengthen her lower back and advanced therapy methods.
“I am very happy with the help and support I received at U18,” Emma said. “Today I feel better, stronger than ever.”
