By: Meredith Staley
Lily Grace Freeman is a 16-year-old high school student, cheerleader, dancer, and Statesboro local. After a major hip surgery in March, she attends physical therapy each week to support her recovery efforts.
Warming up week is one of the most crucial parts of her PT routine. Exercising on the bike allows Lily Grace's tight left side to move, pushing her leg and hip abilities.
Lily Grace next transitions to the leg press. This exercise is especially hard for Lily Grace because it causes her left leg to pop out with each movement.
A small scar remains on Lily Grace's left leg. The road to recovery is difficult, and this scar is a visible reminder of the struggles she has gone through with her hips.
Lily Grace chats with her physical therapist. This exercise requires a lot of strength, so LG talks through how to correctly do the movements since her hip often pops out.
Lily Grace struggles to maintain her balance on the balance board. With a weaker hip on her left side, this exercise requires a lot of mental and physical strength.
Lily Grace concentrates on keeping her body balanced through her PT exercise. As a competitive dancer at a local studio, these PT exercises are much different than her typical dance warmups.
Lily Grace prepares for exercises on the bar. As a ballet dancer, she is very familiar with dance-like stretches such as these.
Lily Grace focuses on gaining strength in her legs and hips. Coming once a week after high school, PT has become a part of her every-week routine as she recovers.
Lily Grace utilizes a blue band to work out her hip and leg muscles. Lily Grace loves pink and athleisure, as told by her outfit and Hoka running shoes.
Lily Grace stands on her tiptoes as she completes her exercise. After not being able to dance for so long because of her surgery, doing exercises like these often brings on nostalgic emotions for LG.
Lily Grace pushes to finish her tiptoe exercise. Having to recover has caused her to put her busy, athletic-driven lifestyle on hold, especially over the past couple of months.
Lily Grace next sidesteps with the same blue band. This exercise given by her physical therapist, works to build up muscle in her weak upper leg areas.
Lily Grace faces away as she does step ups onto a wooden block. She spends around 45 minutes each week doing these exercises, with this week focusing extra on strengthening her weak hip.
Mind over matter is something Lily Grace deals with as she exercises. Because moving her hip is a struggle, LG has to remain focused while she exercises.
Lily Grace has a serious conversation with her PT assistant about future PT/surgery plans. Her road to recovery is still long, and by June, she may have to have another surgery.
Lily Grace walks out of Optim Orthopedics after another PT appointment. She'll come back next week for another round of exercises.
Lily Grace gets into her car to head home to homework and other activities. Adjusting to a slower lifestyle has been a struggle, but LG is hopeful for her recovery ahead.
