Vickie's Story - Low Back Pain Journey

Founder’s Introduction

We watched over time as her entrance into the gym turned from tears buried in crippling pain to a smile and laughter with radiant joy. The slower days filled with massage and stretching turned into days of strength training and cardio. She trusted the process of changing her muscle tissue and joint position one step at a time.

Before Align

“Everything was so difficult and painful. Standing, sitting, walking, taking steps, getting out of bed, getting dressed, all of my activities of daily living. I could no longer do the things I loved to do. I was so discouraged, even going outside was challenging. At times I had to use a walker or cane for safe mobility.” 

Vickie suffered a low back injury at work which led to a life of immobility and back pain for over 23 years. “I was in so much pain, work was getting more difficult. I had 5 orthopedic surgeries. I had some improvement after surgery but was still limited in activities and mobility. My back hurt all the time and I could not bend without searing pain. My range of motion post surgery was not within normal limits and walking was still impaired.”

Vickie would come into the gym at the pain level of an 8 out of 10, barely able to walk, hobbling to the table. She wasn't able to get out of bed in the morning. It would take her over an hour just to get up and walk. Vickie has had many serious injuries and countless surgeries on her back, knees, and feet. Simple errands like going to the grocery store would exhaust her and some days she wouldn’t even be able to leave her house. She couldn't find help, everything she had tried hadn’t reduced her pain for the long haul, it was a vicious cycle and affected not only her body, but also her mind. Before Align she was just trying to survive with a body that wasn't working. Her heart and mind didn't match her body. 

Why Align? 

“It’s hard when you can’t do the simplest little things. I knew I needed to try something different.” Vickie was out of options for her back pain; physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, injections, ablations and muscle relaxants weren’t helping. She was losing hope and wanted her life back.

“I was welcomed by my coach and group. They took me under their wings and supported me and praised me so often. They gave me incentive to keep going. I’ll never forget my first day, I was doing static back. I was in so much pain everyday that I could barely do this simple task, tears were running down my face for about a week, but then it got better. I can laugh about it now, but it reminds me of where I started my journey and where I am now.” 

Align Journey

“With my coach's knowledge and passion I continued to improve under their guidance and watchful eyes. They monitored my program consistently and modified it as I was able. I had to change my way of doing things, I put my trust in the Align program and my coach.” 

“I’ve been with Align for 3+ years and have accomplished so much in so many ways. Before Align when I had to air travel I had to request wheelchairs, now I can walk through the airports! This was a huge milestone! I am more independent, my pain has gone from an 8-10 to a 0-3. Recently, Stephen (my husband) and I were able to walk near a stream, admire nature and collect rocks. We haven’t been able to do this for about 20 years. It was a dream come true. I now have a healthier, happier and more functional life.” 

Life Now

Vickie has her body back, her body aligns with her heart and mind now. She did this through dedication and trust. She worked to bring her body back to life. She was consistently in the gym doing her program at a minimum of three days a week. At first it was difficult to get up and down off the table, but with time and consistency she could roll over without pain and even get up and off of the floor! She trusted us and trusted the process. 

Vickie can work in her garden again, she can walk around her property. The “little” things she couldn't do were actually huge things stifling her life- she can now dress herself, put her shoes on, and get in and out of her car with ease. She has come so far it is mind blowing to watch the changes in how easy it is for her to walk and move now.

She is an absolute gem. Who she is can blossom now because she isn’t suffocated by pain. She walks around the gym encouraging everyone in there. She encourages new clients on their first day, shares her testimony, and supports them along their journey every week. She is and always will be a part of the Align family.

Pass It On

“The coaches have enabled me to do so many things that I haven’t been able to do for a long time. Joining Align has been a life changer and one of the best decisions I’ve made. The dedicated, knowledgeable, passionate, loving, and fun team of professionals make me laugh and have made my program successful. It has been a wonderful, exciting, and rewarding experience. The staff has been there for me every step of the way. I’m so thankful to all of them. I’m honored to be a part of the Align family.”