Personal trainer undergoes hamstring surgery to restore physical fitness

Katie, a 28-year-old fitness enthusiast, has always pushed her physical limits. As a certified personal trainer, she enjoys netball, skydiving, running, hitting the gym and has even won bodybuilding competitions! However, in 2022, while working in China, Katie overstretched during a training session and suddenly experienced intense pain in her buttock area. Seeking medical help in China, she underwent a steroid injection and physiotherapy but neither provided relief, and the pain persisted.

Soaring through the skies: Katie's passion for adventure takes flight during a thrilling skydive

Upon returning to the UK, Katie’s struggle continued. The pain was so severe that she couldn’t even sit for more than five minutes without discomfort. She carried a cushion everywhere and was unable to exercise, which had a significant impact on her daily life. Desperate for a solution, Katie explored a range of treatments, including shockwave therapy, deep tissue massage and another steroid injection, but nothing worked.

Frustrated and feeling hopeless, Katie decided to consult with several specialists and undergo another MRI scan. She was diagnosed with severe tendonitis and bursitis. Despite undergoing treatment, the pain remained and it seemed as though there were no further options. Katie, not one to give up, turned to online research and discovered Mr Randeep Aujla, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Sports Surgeon at Spire Leicester Hospital, who had experience treating cases similar to hers.

Katie recalls, “I couldn’t believe how amazing it was when I walked in. I sat down, explained my troubles, and after looking at my MRI, he said he could help me. I left that day thinking it was the best day of my life."

It was confirmed that Katie had suffered a hamstring tendon avulsion, where the hamstring tendon had torn away from the bone in her buttock. Within just three weeks, she was scheduled for surgery to repair the tendon. The process from pre-operative assessment to anesthesia and surgery went smoothly.

Katie’s recovery was a long journey but she was fully committed to her healing. She followed a physiotherapy plan at Spire Leicester Hospital, initially attending weekly sessions, and gradually reducing her visits as her strength improved. As time passed, she regained the ability to exercise and even sit comfortably again.

Katie stands outside Distinct Fitness, dedicated to helping others achieve their fitness dreams

Today, Katie has made an outstanding recovery. She is not only back to her physical activities but can also sit and enjoy meals without pain. Her perseverance paid off in a big way and she recently co-founded Distinct Fitness in Corby with her partner, which is a gym focused on transforming lives through accountability, support and real results. She’s also been cleared for skydiving and is planning to complete an advanced course later this year, something she could never have imagined prior to her surgery.

Mr Randeep Aujla commends Katie’s commitment: "Katie was an exceptional patient. She had a significant problem that failed non-surgical treatments. Her surgery went well, but even more important was her dedication to high-quality rehabilitation."