Tiger Schulmann’s

Woman Overcomes Arthritis Training Martial Arts

Last Updated on September 9, 2014.

At 45 I was diagnosed with a degenerative joint disease ( Osteoarthritis).  Arthritis affects your joints by the time stiffness and pain occur, you are already in the advance stages.  Sudden catching or giving way of joints is common.  Worn hip and knee joints may become painful even to stand on.   It’s a disease that does not go away; you deal with chronic pain and inflammation for the rest of your life.

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The first orthopedist I went too advised me to stop all activities and to only walk on a smooth surface.  I was told in a couple of years I would not be able to walk and would eventually need to get a full hip replacement which would reduce my active life. I did not listen and still continued my training at Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts and even managed to compete in martial arts tournaments.   I went to other orthopedist and did various physical therapies. Everywhere I went I heard, “stop training, just concentrate on walking, doing some weights and elliptical.”

 After Hurricane Sandy I decided to leave Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts and spent the last 2 years walking, doing some weights and elliptical.  It was a big mistake!  The pain in my joints increased; there was constant inflammation and swelling.   Getting up in the morning was a disaster.  It would take me a couple of hours before I can even start my day.  I had horrible muscle spasm, my lower back would lock up, my hips would give out and walking was an ordeal.  I finally went to a pain specialist who asked me what was I doing before I had all this pain.  I knew that it was the change from my active, kickboxing filled life to my slow non-active life that brought this pain onto me.

 It’s been 3 months now and my training at Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts of Seaford with Joshu “Iron” Mike Fischetti helped me get back on track. The pain and stiffness I have now is nothing compared to the last 2 years of agony that I endured.

 Why I chose Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts?

Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts has helped me become much more aware of how I can take care of myself and how to help my body recover.  It has inspired me to break out of my comfort zone and back to believing in myself.  I now have a “can do” attitude! Chronic joint disease is no problem now.  With the support and training I get from Tiger Schulmann’s Mixed Martial Arts I can still be active and healthy. The instructors at the school always want me do the best that I can do and keep me moving forward to achieve my goals!