Brooke’s Story - Knee & Shoulder pain
Before Align
I came to Align during one of the most intense seasons of my life. In 2023, on the same day that my younger brother entered hospice, my body responded immediately and my right knee flared into acute pain. Within a week, I developed shingles, and my hormones escalated into hourly hot flashes. I had always been active and regularly pushed through discomfort, but suddenly it felt as though the weak links that had been holding me together couldn’t do it anymore.
I’ve always loved moving my body. Hiking, biking, swimming, dancing and other forms of movement have always been an easy way for me to keep my head clear. When I suddenly stepped into this stage of intense physical pain and emotional grief I had to start implementing some deep system regulating tools. Align was able to meet me right where I was and support this transition beautifully.
The Journey
What followed was a two-year journey of grief, reorganization, healing, and learning to truly listen to my body. At the start, I had to say no to the adventures I loved and, for the first time in my life, allow rest to lead. At one point, I couldn’t even go for walks. My knee was so inflamed that surrender was the only option.
Starting at Align was challenging because in the past I never asked for help. It took working through emotions and physical pain to release the patterns I had created of holding it all together for myself. I really needed a full reset and a foundation of strength.
Align supported me in slowing down, modifying, and listening rather than pushing through. Emotions would often surface during movement, and I felt held and supported as my body continued to process. As the grief softened over time, more space opened to navigate perimenopause, healing my gut, and rebuilding strength in a sustainable way.
Recently, an old shoulder injury from volleyball, never fully rehabilitated, resurfaced during the time I laid my brother’s ashes to rest. It was an intense period, and my coach, Jaylee, was an incredible support as I worked through both the physical injury in my shoulder and the emotional layers coming up.
Life After Align
I’m beyond happy to share that my knee is holding strong, and I’ve been able to jog again for the first time in over two years. My shoulder is doing much better and continues to heal as I strengthen my body while honoring my nervous system. Align has been an amazing part of my journey.
Pass It On: What would you say to someone who is considering starting their Align journey?
Make it a priority to do your strength training at Align at least two or three days a week. For me, it has also been about choosing me as the priority in my life. I have been a mom for 18 years and I wear a lot of hats. It was time for me to put ME at the top of the list and ask for help with the other obligations in my life. Don’t be afraid to get the help that you need to heal your body.