Reaching New Heights

NORTHAMPTON, Pa. — The journey for Alexis Rogers, a former competitive figure skater and avid traveler, began in May 2020, shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alexis noticed pain and discomfort on the outside of her right hip. At the time, the Northampton County resident transitioned from working an active job to sitting all day at a remote position. Initially, her doctor thought the pain resulted from the sudden change in activity.

But the pain grew worse, moving into her inner hip and groin area.

Determined to find relief, Alexis began physical therapy at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation’s Outpatient site in Northampton.

Starting The Road to Recovery

Despite the expert team’s best efforts, the pain and discomfort persisted. In July 2020, an MRI revealed a labral tear in her right hip, leading to surgery. Just a week after surgery, Alexis returned to Good Shepherd to begin the long process of healing and regaining strength and mobility.

“It was really frustrating, but the team at Good Shepherd gave me hope and confidence in the healing process,” she said. “I trusted that [site manager Renee Jones] and her team would help me get stronger so I could get back on my feet.”

About a year later, familiar symptoms appeared, this time in her left hip. Alexis grew certain she had another tear, and an MRI confirmed her thoughts and fears. In September 2021, she had her second surgery. Her doctor discovered Alexis had an extra piece of bone in each hip. The congenital condition, it turns out, caused both tears.

Once again, Alexis turned to Good Shepherd for post-surgery physical therapy.

“Renee and her team helped make it as enjoyable as possible when you’re in pain and dealing with a frustrating injury,” she said. “They helped bring a smile to my face and made me as comfortable as possible.”

From Therapy to the Top of the World

Those surgeries didn’t stop 28-year-old Alexis from living out her dream of traveling around the world and conquering mountains she never imagined. In 2025, she traveled to Peru and completed her first-ever mountain climb, a 300-meter (more than 900 feet) Via Ferrata in the Sacred Valley.

“It was the most physically and mentally challenging thing I’ve done since being a competitive figure skater,” she said. “But I was on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and I felt confident in my body. While it was a bit scary, it was a huge adrenaline rush and the most incredible experience. Once you start, you have to keep going.”

Alexis credits Good Shepherd’s expert care for making that climb possible.

“Without the quality care at Good Shepherd, I truly believe that I would not have been able to climb that Via Ferrata in Peru,” she said.

When Alexis had the first surgery, let alone the second, she never imagined she’d return to such challenging activities.

With the strengthening exercises and guidance from the Northampton team, Alexis regained her mobility and confidence. Because of that, she can travel with confidence and try activities she never imagined possible.

“I am so thankful for Good Shepherd, Renee and her team for helping me get back on my feet,” she said. “It feels great to be active again and pursue my passion for traveling the world. It brings me comfort to know that if I have any other injuries or issues, I can go back to Good Shepherd and get the same quality care I received during my hip recovery.”

From recovery to adventure, Alexis is living proof the climb is worth it.

Photo credits: Jazz Zamb