The Challenge: A Pelvic Stress Fracture
Lauren began running after college and worked up to completing three marathons in two years.
While preparing for the 2013 Columbus Marathon, doctors diagnosed Lauren with a pelvic stress fracture. Her doctor encouraged her to rest and stop running for six months.
During this time, Lauren kept active through swimming. After months of little improvement, she wanted to get back to running.
The Path to UPMC Sports Medicine
Thanks to a recommendation from a coworker, Lauren visited the UPMC Sports Medicine in April 2014 to see Aaron Mares, MD, of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
She felt comforted by the care she received and became emotional when many members of the Sports Medicine team reassured her that she was going to be okay.
“They truly listened to me and told me they'd do everything they could to help me reach my goals.” — Lauren
Repairing her Stress Fracture
Dr. Mares conducted an exam that identified the weaknesses in her pelvis. These results helped him develop the best recovery plan for Lauren.
He also referred her to Ron DeAngelo, ATC, director of Sports Performance Training at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Ron helped Lauren realign the imbalances in her hips and maximize her training.
Maximizing her Performance
To help with Lauren's marathon training and get her back to her athletic best, Ron assembled a team of experts from many areas of UPMC Sports Medicine.
Lauren learned about optimal sports nutrition, strength training, and more. This comprehensive, educational, and active approach helped her start running again.
Lauren has now completed multiple marathons. Her most recent time — a personal record in Columbus — qualified her for the 2016 Olympic trials.
Lauren continues to train with the experts at UPMC Sports Medicine in hopes of performing at her best in upcoming races.