Anna Stone

Competitive Equestrian Rider

The pain in my lower back started a month before my half year lease with an amazing new horse was set to begin. For 15 years I’d been an avid and competitive equestrian, specializing in the hunter/jumper discipline- a sport which requires year-round travel, hours of practice, and of course, rigorous and high-risk activity. Waking up each morning nearly immobilized from the pain and fearful of having to abandon the sport I love left me desperate for help.

I visited doctors, massage and physical therapists, and even an ergonomic specialist, but no one was able to diagnose my problem. Refusing to postpone the lease, I was riding my horse-in pain-four days a week, risking greater injury every time I got in the saddle. Though I had initially ruled out sports medicine (assuming that they only worked with college/pro athletes), I figured I had nothing to lose. I quickly found the T.E.A.M. Clinic website, called the office, and spoke with Dr. C over the phone; he immediately identified the spinal compression problems that stem from horseback riding and encouraged me to come in for a consultation.

The turning point for me was seeing the X-ray of my lower back in the consultation appointment. I could actually see and understand where the pain was coming from, and Dr. C explained how- through a series of physical therapy techniques, chiropractic adjustments, daily exercises, lifestyle changes, and educational support from his team- I could get better without giving up riding or undergoing an expensive surgery. The multi-faceted, comprehensive approach to healing, wellness, and life-long injury prevention gave me hope and, in retrospect, proved to be invaluable.

I now have a substantial library of exercises and tips that I can use independently, a solid understanding of what helps and hinders my spinal health, and of course, an expert group of doctors who can assist me at a moment’s notice if problems return. I wholeheartedly recommend anyone in pain or with an injury- athletes and non-athletes alike- to consider TEAM CLINIC. Six months ago I was at the lowest moment in my equestrian career, but with TEAM CLINIC’s help I am back in the saddle, competing at my best, and fully-prepared to keep myself healthy and active for year to come.