Aspiring paralympian walks again after 20 years, gets a new lease of life

Karen an aspiring Paralympic archer living with multiple sclerosis MS for nearly three decades has got a new lease of life with the help of precision AyurvedaShe arrived at the Apollo AyurVAID Hospital earlier this year with over twenty years of nearcomplete dependence on a wheelchairShe had persistent chronic pain weakness and gait imbalance and had been advised that no additional clinical interventions were likely to improve her mobility While training in Chennai Karen sought to explore whether a structured Ayurveda approach could help restore her mobility improve muscle strength and overall functionShe consulted Dr Susmitha C a specialist in neurological and autoimmune conditions at the hospital and enrolled in a rigorous Precision Ayurveda programmeFollowing a detailed assessment grounded in the principles of Precision Ayurveda Karens treatment plan combined classical Panchakarma therapiestargeted Ayurveda medication a therapeutic diet and focused neurorehabilitation formed the cornerstone of her careKarens journey was documented with clinical rigour as measurable outcomes are vital in progressive neurological conditionsStandard neurological scales including the Expanded Disability Status Scale EDSS Berg Balance Score and MSspecific functional assessments were used to track her progress at every stageDr Susmitha C Physician at the hospital said Karen presented with longstanding functional limitations and limited avenues within conventional care Our objective was to design a phased clinically safe programme that addressed the underlying drivers of her conditionEach component of her care from therapies to diet to physiotherapy was individualised to her clinical profile and athletic requirements This integrative approach to wholeperson care addresses body mind and soul supporting both immediate recovery and longterm functional maintenanceHer progress reinforces the role of a precisionbased Ayurveda approach in improving function in complex chronic conditionsShe continues with consolidation therapy and strength development and we anticipate further gains as she progresses through her longterm planKaren added Living with MS for nearly three decades I had learned to adjust to limitations but never imagined I could regain true mobility Working with the team at has been transformative not just physically but mentally and emotionally The therapies and guidance helped me reconnect with my body in ways I hadnt felt in years Standing up on my feet again feels like reclaiming a part of myself I thought was lost forever Im now able to integrate focused lower limbtraining into my archery practice and its empowering to feel my strength and balance returning This experience has given me renewed confidence andmotivation to pursue my dream of competing in the 2028 LA Paralympics knowing that my body can respond to my efforts once moreKaren who is also a pharmacist and an advocate for disability visibility and access in sports has transformed her health challenge into a purposeShe has represented the US national para archery team and competed in two world championships while inspiring others to believe in possibilitiesbeyond limitation