Body
The Camino De Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that wind through Spain and end in Santiago de Compostela. Today, the Camino is enjoyed by those seeking spiritual nourishment, as well as others seeking to clear the mind, get exercise and take in the beauty of Europe’s cities and countryside.
Chicagoan Sol N., 69, decided to embark on the Camino De Santiago for the first time in 2022 — with an aim of traversing nearly 70 miles on foot — despite living with chronic knee and hip pain, arthritis, sciatica and other issues in her joints.
Unfortunately, Sol experienced a fall while in the middle of her first trip that left her in significant pain.
“I was scared after the fall because I was in so much pain. I really didn’t think I could do the Camino De Santiago again,” said Sol. “But, after you do it once, it calls you back.”
Sol hoped to make another pilgrimage but first she needed to recover from her fall, learn to move better and gain tools to control her chronic pain.
Managing Pain through Exercise
Body
When Sol returned to the United States following her first attempt, she was weak and was experiencing significant pain in her knee and hip joints.
Her doctor referred her to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for outpatient physical therapy to build strength. Then, after six months of physical therapy, Sol started going to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Adaptive Sports and Fitness Center once a week to work with an exercise physiologist.
Sol has learned how to manage chronic pain through exercise, including stretching, strength-building and balance exercises. By keeping up with consistent physical activity over time, the bone density in her hips and lower back has improved, and she does not need to take medication for pain.
“I’m a fixture at the Fitness Center now. I go once a week to work out and it’s never the same. My exercise physiologist listens to what is hurting, and then she shows me how to do different exercises,” said Sol. “I wouldn’t be able to do it on my own without guidance and coaching on proper alignment. Coming here has made a world of difference.”
Sol Gets Back on the Trail
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Through her experience at the Adaptive Sports and Fitness Center, Sol said she feels stronger than before and can walk long distances without knee pain.
Beyond the physical improvements, Sol has traversed the Camino De Santiago two more times. On her most recent trip to Spain in 2024, she covered part of the Camino along the Spain and France border, nearly 100 miles in nine days. She hopes to do it again next year.
“I walked with a knee brace as my exercise physiologist suggested,” said Sol. “I didn’t experience pain, and my balance was significantly better.”
Sol offers advice to others who may be living with chronic pain or who are at the start of their own rehabilitation journeys.
“Exercise works,” she said. “If you work out and keep it up — it works.”
