Ashley

Soccer has always been my passion. From the time I was a little girl, the game has been a huge part of my life. I’ve played through middle school, high school, and into college, but a few years ago, something changed. I started feeling a nagging pain in my hip during practices and games. At first, I brushed it off as muscle soreness, the kind every athlete feels, but over time, it got worse.

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It wasn’t just the usual post-training ache anymore. Running became uncomfortable, and pivoting or kicking the ball made the sharp pain flare up. Soon enough, I was struggling just to keep up on the field, and off the field, even simple things like getting out of bed or walking became painful. I tried to push through it because, for me, soccer was everything. But the pain eventually forced me to step back and take it seriously.

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I was devastated. I couldn’t imagine my life without soccer, but I knew I had to get help. I reached out to a hip specialist who immediately understood what I was going through. After a series of evaluations and imaging, I was diagnosed with hip impingement. Thankfully, my case didn’t require surgery, but I needed a dedicated treatment plan to get back to doing what I love.

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My treatment involved a combination of physical therapy, strength training, and targeted exercises. I also learned that part of the issue was how I moved on the field. My therapist and I worked on improving my biomechanics—something I had never really paid attention to before. The goal wasn’t just to reduce the pain but to prevent future issues and keep me playing for years to come.

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The recovery process wasn’t easy, but it was empowering. I committed myself fully to the exercises, both in and out of therapy. The first time I completed a full training session without pain, I was almost in tears—it felt like I had my life back. Bit by bit, I regained my strength and mobility. And most importantly, I started trusting my body again.

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It took a few months of dedicated work, but now I’m back on the soccer field, playing without pain for the first time in years. I have more awareness of how I move, and I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. I know my limits, but I’m also more confident in pushing them, all thanks to the expert care and the support of my team.

This experience has taught me so much about patience, perseverance, and the importance of listening to your body. I used to think that pain was just part of being an athlete, but I’ve learned that taking care of yourself is just as important as training.

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Today, I play soccer with a new mindset. I’m grateful for every game, every practice, and every moment I get to step on the field. Pain is no longer holding me back, and I have the right care team to thank for that.