Home / Health / Ohio Woman Recovers from CRPS to Conquer Bodybuilding Stage
Ohio Woman Recovers from CRPS to Conquer Bodybuilding Stage
22 Feb
Summary
- A cheerleader's career ended due to a severe leg injury in 2018.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome caused debilitating burning pain.
- A spinal cord stimulator led to significant pain relief and a new goal.
Shae Eichele-Gawry, a 26-year-old from Ohio, experienced a life-changing injury during cheerleading practice in January 2018. A severe leg injury led to debilitating chronic pain and a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Initially told she would never cheer or run again, Eichele-Gawry endured years of extreme burning pain and tried numerous treatments without success.
In 2021, nearly three years after her injury, a significant turning point arrived with the implantation of the Abbott Proclaim DRG System. This device, which interrupts pain signals, provided approximately 80% pain relief, enabling her to walk without limping and regain her life. With her pain managed, Eichele-Gawry fulfilled a promise to herself to become a competitive bodybuilder.
She has since competed in four bodybuilding events, securing second place in two. Eichele-Gawry credits her coach, Alex Toplyn, for tailoring a program to her specific needs, and emphasizes the unwavering support of her husband and parents throughout her challenging journey.
