By Professional Physical Therapy
Lauren Brzozowski is not just any athlete; she is an Olympic hopeful in the sport of bobsled. She is also a former Division I student-athlete and a post-collegiate international competitor. Lauren is a member of the 2023-24 National Bobsled Team for the USA, with dreams of helping her team qualify a bobsled for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy.
However, this past season, her journey on the ice was abruptly interrupted. Lauren suffered a severe injury on the bobsled tour, breaking her foot in two places—a painful avulsion fracture in the calcaneus and talus bones with a partially torn dorsal talonavicular ligament. Additionally, she developed blood clots in the left calf during the flight home from the bobsled tour.
“The pain was real, but the fight to come back stronger was even more so.”
Lauren Brzozowski
To overcome these challenges, Lauren teamed up with Professional Physical Therapy, working closely with Allan Roth, MSPT, ATC, and his dedicated team. Her story is one of resilience and determination. After her injury, she defied the physical odds and discovered her own incredible strength.
Background: From Track to the Bobsled
Lauren’s athletic journey began with an impressive D1 track career at Elon University. She continued to compete while pursuing a master’s degree in marketing in England. Representing Loughborough University, she competed nationally in various sprinting events. When COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill and the UK borders closed, Lauren caught the last flight into JFK and spent the following months training in any way she could. Her dream has always been to compete for her country and wear the USA across her back. When the opportunity to join the bobsled team arose, she embraced the challenge, leading her to where she is today—a member of the National Bobsled Team for the USA.
Lauren’s Treatment Plan at Professional
Over the past four months, Lauren has been diligently working with Professional Physical Therapy to strengthen her foot, improve her balance, and restore its function and range of motion. Recovery is never linear, but with the support of her team, she has made remarkable progress.
When Lauren first arrived at Professional, she was in a walking boot with limited strength and balance. Her comprehensive treatment plan included:
- Manual Therapy: To decrease swelling and tightness in the foot.
- Electrical Stimulation: To encourage bone regrowth and healing.
- Range of Motion Exercises:To prevent stiffness in the leg while the foot heals.
- Strengthening Exercises: Resistance exercises to improve foot strength.
- Balance Exercises:Â Static and dynamic balance exercises in various positions to enhance proprioception and joint mobility.
- Weight Bearing Exercises: To improve overall leg mobility.
Lauren’s intensive return to sport training regimen included:
- Sprint with Harness: To control speed and impact.
- Walking on Tiptoes: To strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the foot and calf muscles.
- Sidestep Over Three Risers: To improve lateral movement and stability.
- Squats on BOSU Ball: To enhance balance and lower body strength.
- Hops on One Foot then the Other: To develop single-leg strength and proprioception.
- Long Distance Jumps: To build explosive power and coordination.
- Jump Up to Platform: To increase vertical leap and lower body power.
“With the help of my team at Professional Physical Therapy, I feel more confident than ever to tear up the ice this next bobsled season!”
Lauren Brzozowski
What’s Next for Lauren
After many months of hard work, Lauren has progressed to plyometrics and eventually to running. She is currently at the Olympic Training Center, continuing her rehab in hopes of making the national and world championship team again this bobsled season!
As a patient at Professional Physical Therapy, you can expect the same individualized recovery plan, tailored to your specific goals. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and practices, Professional Physical Therapy aims to get you back to enjoying life to the fullest.
If you’re in need of physical therapy or wish to learn more about their services, reach out to Professional Physical Therapy to begin your journey to recovery.
