Client Success Story
David Shepherd
Champion Pole Vaulter
A concerned father reached out for help regarding his son David, a champion pole vaulter. David was facing a challenging situation that threatened his athletic standing and mental well-being.
The Challenge
David’s condition was characterized by:
- Severe back and leg pain due to a herniated disk
- Immobility
- Insomnia
- Depression and feelings of hopelessness
As a fifth-year college athlete, David feared his lifelong dream of competing at nationals in May was slipping away because of the diagnosis he received – a herniated disk.
David’s inability to move freely, coupled with persistent pain, resulted in sleep issues and depression. The combination of physical discomfort and the looming loss of his cherished dream created a perfect storm of hopelessness.
For a dedicated, accomplished athlete like David, the prospect of missing the national competition was particularly devastating.
A comprehensive approach addressing both his physical injury and mental health challenges was essential for his overall well-being, whether he qualified for the nationals or not. We had just five months until the qualifying event.
Solutions
David was eager to commit to The Healing Partnership, embracing a holistic approach incorporating energy psychology and healing, yoga, performance conditioning, nutraceuticals, referrals, and other strategies to aid his recovery.
I also recommended acupuncture and chiropractic care, as physical therapy and medical treatments had not yielded significant improvements.
Addressing sleep and pain management was crucial. I suggested Nutritional Frontiers Sleep Time, the Emotional Freedom Technique, essential oils, and yoga to help manage his pain. Committed to a daily yoga and tapping practice, David experienced increased mobility within days.
We worked to reframe his negative thinking, break harmful emotional patterns, and neutralize underlying trauma and hardships. Daily practices of gratitude and mental visualization became integral to his recovery.
Week by week, David regained confidence. He gradually returned to his workouts and pole vaulting, rebuilding strength and resilience.
Results
David’s persistence and dedication to his workouts paid off in a big way. A key factor in his success was implementing a specialized routine that prepared both his body and mind for vaulting while also helping him realign afterward.
On the day of qualification, David was fully prepared to compete. His impressive track record, including breaking high school and college records and winning a Florida championship – set the stage for achieving his ultimate goal: qualifying for the NCAA.
David’s performance at the NCAA competition was outstanding. The beaming smile on his face not only reflected his excitement at qualifying but also symbolized the remarkable journey he had undertaken.
It was a stark contrast to just six months earlier when he had been bedridden and feeling hopeless. This transformation underscores the power of perseverance, proper training, personal empowerment, and a positive mindset.
“Sanna, you helped me achieve a life-long dream. I am forever grateful for your help. I cannot thank you enough.”