How this Student Athlete Returned to Rowing after Herniated Disc

Each month, Iron Physical Therapy highlights a special patient to tell their inspiring story. We want to honor people who go all in - body, mind and spirit. They show us what’s possible - that you can move on from a setback to do amazing things...to challenge your body, to chase your dreams, to address future pain in a healthy way to #getbetterbebetter. Read Zoe’s story below and then click here to read more inspiring patient stories.

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Zoe came into PT on a mission to feel better and to make sure she would finally relieve her low back pain. She was open to any and all suggestions that would help her get back in the boat and rowing without pain!

Reluctantly but willingly, she took days off from training in the beginning of her rehab to focus on her PT exercises and give her body much needed rest to set herself up for success. She then threw herself into her physical therapy regimen with reckless abandon and she has been able to row again pain free!

My favorite part of her rehab process was her realization that her body is a top priority. She will now be able to rely on her new found strength going into her senior year of high school and lead her crew team to success 😀

- Dr. Taylor Payne, DPT

In Zoe’s Own Words…

1) List Three Words to Describe You:

Resilient, hardworking, and passionate.

2)  What Brought You Into Physical Therapy?

I started physical therapy at Iron after months of back pain and eventually finding out that I had a herniated disk.

3) How would you describe physical therapy to people who don't know what it is?

Hard. Work. But so worth it! It’s a way to learn about your body (not just the specific area of injury) and help you take better care of yourself so that you can get back to living your life how it was pre-injury.

4)  What exercise or technique helped you the most?

Press ups. Lots and lots of press ups.

5)  What would you say to someone who is living in pain and putting off physical therapy?

It is not normal, or at all enjoyable, to be living in pain. Making the choice to start physical therapy and committing to your recovery will truly impact your quality of life in and out of your sport.

6) What are you excited to get back to after physical therapy?

I am most excited to start my senior year of rowing pain free, and to row in college at the George Washington University!

6) What did you enjoy most about the physical therapy experience?

Everyone working at Iron was so kind and truly committed to helping me feel better, especially Dr. Payne, who made the entire process much more enjoyable!