Natalie Gulbis winner of Evian Masters LPGA title and also member of three victorious U.S. Solheim Cup teams – 2005, 2007, and 2009. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You started playing golf at a very young age of four years and reached the pinnacle of success in July 2007 by winning the Evian Masters in France and part of US winning team of Solheim Cup in 2005, 2007 and 2009. What factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Natalie Gulbis:
The main factor that led to my victory was years of hard work! I went seven years without winning an individual title. I never doubted that I would win – I was just patiently waiting for when it would all come together for me. Consistent, dedicated work always pays off. I still strive for that daily and know that I can win again on the LPGA.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
In college you were diagnosed with a degenerative disc disorder and was forced to pull out of the last six events of the 2009 season. You opted for surgery after finding out about Laser Spine Institute, the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery. Your surgery was a success, rendering you completely pain free the very same day. One month post-surgery you were back on the golf course playing again. Your surgery not only salvaged your career but also enabled you a pain free come back. You finished T9 at the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Tell us more about this surgery experience and how you were able to overcome such a physical injury/disorder setback and what advice you can give to fellow sports person in a similar situation?
Ms. Natalie Gulbis:
My back pain became so increasingly severe that it got to the point where I was in constant pain, both on and off the course, ultimately putting my golfing career in serious jeopardy. I heard about Laser Spine Institute from my mentor and fellow professional golfer, Peter Jacobsen, who had a successful surgery with them. Wanting to continue my career in golf, I reached out for a consultation.
From the first time I visited Laser Spine Institute, I knew I would be in good hands. Laser Spine Institute took the time to diagnose the source of my pain by doing something that had never been done before: performing my MRI in a golf posture to fully understand what my condition was and how to correct it.
The surgery only took a couple of hours and I felt incredible afterwards. I was able to walk home the same day and I remember thinking how amazing it felt to be living life without back pain again. I started putting after a week and was playing again within one month, without any pain or limitations. It’s truly remarkable how good I feel now, I haven’t felt this good since my rookie year when I was 18!
I think it’s important that people know that there are alternative options to major open back surgery. Laser Spine Institute has not only helped me become pain free and continue my golf career, but has also increased my overall quality of life by enabling me to do things I hadn’t been able to do in years before I had my surgery.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Natalie Gulbis:
Back when I was in pain, my symptoms were concentrated in my lower back and hips, so I would do a lot of hip and core strengthening exercises. I also found exercises that improve hip and hamstring flexibility helped alleviate some of the pain. Taking the advice of the experts at Laser Spine Institute, I still train as if I were a back pain patient, so these types of exercises are still very important parts of my workout routine. I’m constantly working on improving my flexibility and strength in key areas such as my hips, core and hamstrings. I also get massages and physical therapy on a regular basis to avoid injuring my back again.
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The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
