Aspiring Paralympian walks again after 20 years, gets a new lease of life following Precision Ayurveda intervention by Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals

Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals today shared the documented functional recovery of Karen, an aspiring Paralympic archer living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for nearly three decades. She arrived at the hospital earlier this year with over twenty years of near-complete dependence on a wheelchair. Karen had persistent chronic pain, weakness, and gait imbalance, and had been advised that no additional clinical interventions were likely to improve her mobility. While training in Chennai, Karen sought to explore whether a structured Ayurveda approach could help restore her mobility, improve muscle strength and overall function. She consulted Dr Susmitha C, a specialist in neurological and autoimmune conditions at Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, and enrolled in a rigorous Precision Ayurveda programme. 

Following a detailed assessment grounded in the principles of Precision Ayurveda, Karen’s treatment plan combined classical Panchakarma therapies, targeted Ayurveda medication, a therapeutic diet and focused neuro-rehabilitation formed the cornerstone of her care. Karen’s journey was documented with clinical rigour, as measurable outcomes are vital in progressive neurological conditions. Standard neurological scales - including the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Berg Balance Score and MS-specific functional assessments - were used to track her progress at every stage.

Dr Susmitha C, Physician, Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals, said, “Karen presented with long-standing functional limitations and limited avenues within conventional care. Our objective was to design a phased, clinically safe programme that addressed the underlying drivers of her condition. Each component of her care, from therapies to diet to physiotherapy, was individualised to her clinical profile and athletic requirements. This integrative approach to whole-person care addresses body, mind, and soul, supporting both immediate recovery and long-term functional maintenance. Her progress reinforces the role of a precision-based Ayurveda approach in improving function in complex, chronic conditions. She continues with consolidation therapy and strength development, and we anticipate further gains as she progresses through her long-term plan.”

Karen added, "Living with MS for nearly three decades, I had learned to adjust to limitations, but never imagined I could regain true mobility. Working with the team at Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals has been transformative, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. The therapies and guidance helped me reconnect with my body in ways I hadn’t felt in years. Standing up on my feet again feels like reclaiming a part of myself I thought was lost forever. I’m now able to integrate focused lower limb training into my archery practice, and it’s empowering to feel my strength and balance returning. This experience has given me renewed confidence and motivation to pursue my dream of competing in the 2028 LA Paralympics, knowing that my body can respond to my efforts once more."

Karen, who is also a pharmacist and an advocate for disability visibility and access in sports, has transformed her health challenge into a purpose. She has represented the US national para archery team and competed in two world championships while inspiring others to believe in possibilities beyond limitation.

Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals remain committed to advancing whole-person care through Precision Ayurveda for chronic disease reversal. By integrating personalised treatment protocols, evidence-aligned pathways, and long-term health management, the hospital supports patients seeking sustainable recovery and functional improvement in chronic and complex conditions. Karen has returned for follow-up sessions as part of a structured health management programme aimed at sustaining recovery and consolidating functional benefits.

About Apollo AyurVAID

Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals (www.ayurvaid.com) is India’s leading chain of protocols-driven, precision Ayurveda hospitals and integrative care centres for chronic disease reversal/management, and sustained wellbeing. Since its inception in 2005, Apollo AyurVAID has been committed to transforming Ayurveda into a mainstream system of medicine with Ayurveda hospitals and clinics spread across Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, Kochi, Almora and Hyderabad and soon expanding to Mumbai and other major Indian cities.

Founded in 2005 and part of the Apollo group since 2022, Apollo AyurVAID has emerged as a pivotal force in formalising Ayurveda-led integrative care, developing a unique care model that combines Ayurveda medical science with clinical rigour. The chain of hospitals has demonstrated an impactful model of seamless, integrative care across specialties including neurology, oncology, nephrology, obstetrics and gynaecology, and metabolic disorders, with a focus on adjuvant therapy, palliative care, rehabilitation. Apollo AyurVAID’s unique ‘Whole Person Care’ approach considers the whole person to treat multimorbidity, not just at symptom level but at root-cause level, and supports health across the entire life cycle, from prevention and treatment to rehabilitation, survivorship and wellbeing.

The first and only Ayurveda institution to receive the prestigious QCI DL Shah National Quality Award (2012), Apollo AyurVAID is also India’s first NABH-accredited Ayurveda hospital (2010). It is also the first to gain NABH accreditation for Ayurveda para surgery (2013) and five hospitals in its countrywide network are NABH-accredited. In 2023, it became the first and only QAI-accredited Ayurveda and integrative medicine based Transition Care Centre in India.

It has recently launched ‘Tested Safe’ Ayurveda classical medicines- a pioneering first globally whereby consumers may ascertain safety of medicine by scanning a QR code on each bottle-label and see the test report applicable to that bottle.

Apollo AyurVAID is today India’s fastest growing integrated Ayurveda health enterprise.

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