Runner Christina Works doesn’t like to slow down. Hitting the pavement since she was 10 years old, the need for speed has been a part of her life for almost as long as she can remember.
This early interest greatly benefited Christina’s running career. She ran cross-country and track for the University of Nevada, Reno, and is a member of the Cupcake Pirates, the record-breaking women’s Reno Tahoe Odyssey team. However, running at such a young age may have also contributed to a hip impingement injury that she sought treatment for during her fourth year at UNR.
“It was from running at such an early age, while my body was still trying to mature and grow,” Christina explains.
She was a part of the UNR track team, and the school referred Christina to Great Basin Orthopaedics and Dr. Christopher Dolan — a member of the University’s orthopaedic consultancy team. Christina suffered from femoralacetabular impingement, also known as hip impingement. Dr. Dolan worked with her to develop a treatment plan that would keep her running while trying to avoid surgery. As it turned out, Christina ultimately needed surgery to help her perform at her top level and without pain.
“I really liked working with Dr. Dolan because we did explore all the options before opting for surgery, and that was really important to me. We tried everything else first.” Christina recalls.
Christina’s recovery process went just like her running — quickly. Her surgery was scheduled after her cross country running season was over, and she was back ready for spring track competition and able to run without pain. “It doesn’t hurt anymore, it feels really good,” Christina says.
As for her running career, it’s still picking up steam. Christina’s team won the Reno Tahoe Odyssey race for the fifth year in a row this past spring. Post surgery, she shows no signs of slowing down.
“I take great pride in getting my patients back to their active lifestyle and peak competitive level,” explains Dr. Dolan. “I experienced this pride first hand when my former patient sprinted by me during the Reno Tahoe Odyssey this past June. She ran by so fast, she barely had time to say ‘hello.’ I did finally catch up to Christina — at the finish line.”