07/16/2025
Going from hiking, kayaking and participating in karate to not being able to walk, it was quickly apparent Craig Jayson's lower-back arthritis and sciatica in his left leg needed significant attention.
At the start of his physical therapy journey in November, Craig was preparing for a physically demanding trip to Patagonia, an outdoor wonderland situated at the southernmost tip of South America. He was experiencing limited mobility and decreased flexibility and couldn't walk long distances without pain and reduced flexibility. He knew each would be a problem for his trip.
Craig turned to Physical Therapist Josh Kudo for help. "He was experienced, and tested my limits during therapy sessions," Craig said.
With his adventure approaching, he had to put in hard work. If any pain arose, Craig would make an appointment with Josh immediately.
Craig took what he learned in physical therapy home with him so he could continue to improve.
By the beginning of February, Craig turned a corner in his recovery. By mid-February, he finally felt confident that he would be able to handle the 130 miles of kayaking and trekking he would be undertaking at the end of February in Chile. A few months later, he is in full speed ahead.
"Now, I am at a point ... where I can race in Spartan races and have my life back to where I was pre-injury and back issues," Craig shared.