Paige has played soccer her entire life and dreams of playing in college. However, when hip pain threatened her senior season, she turned to Dr. Jonathan Schiller, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at University Orthopedics. After exploring several non-operative treatments, Dr. Schiller performed a hip arthroscopy—saving Paige’s season and keeping her dreams alive.

From Knee Surgeries to Hip Pain

After enduring four to five knee surgeries and a lengthy recovery process in seventh grade, Paige was finally on the mend. However, just as she was regaining her strength, another challenge arose—hip pain. As a soccer goalie, Paige performed countless high kicks and punts, which took a toll on her body. Concerned about her future in soccer, she sought help at University Orthopedics, where her family had a long history of receiving excellent care.

Finding the Right Support

Dr. Jonathan Schiller, a specialist in pediatric orthopedic medicine, recognized Paige’s symptoms as classic signs of hip impingement. “Her repetitive kicking motion irritated the labrum in her hip, eventually leading to a tear,” he explains. Initially, they tried non-surgical treatments to manage the pain, but as the discomfort persisted, the conversation shifted toward surgery.

After playing through pain during her junior season, Paige made the difficult decision to undergo hip arthroscopy to repair the damage. “Hip surgery felt a lot more serious than knee surgery,” Paige admits, “but I knew I was in good hands.”

The Road to Recovery

Paige’s surgery was successful, and Dr. Schiller ensured she understood the recovery process. Physical therapy was intensive—starting at twice a week for the first three months before tapering down. “Everyone wants to get right back into it, but recovery takes time,” Dr. Schiller emphasizes. With a minimum of four months of rehab ahead, Paige focused on every step of the process, determined to return to the sport she loved in time for her senior year.

Back on the Field

Gradually, Paige regained her strength. She started warming up and training with her dad, hesitantly at first but growing more confident with each session. “At first, I was nervous to dive for the ball again,” she recalls, “but my dad helped me get back in shape.” By preseason, she was back in practice, feeling more like herself again.

Her hard work paid off. Paige and her team went on to win Rhode Island’s 2024 Division III Girls Soccer Championship. “Just being on the field again made me feel proud, especially after everything I had been through,” she says. The moment her team was announced as state champions was one of pure joy. “We were all just screaming and hugging—it was an incredible feeling.”

A Story of Resilience

For Dr. Schiller, Paige’s journey was a testament to perseverance. “She worked incredibly hard to get back, and seeing her win that championship was beyond rewarding,” he says. Her family shares the same gratitude. “Had she missed that season, it would have been devastating,” her father Tim acknowledges. “Dr. Schiller saved two seasons of soccer for her, and we couldn’t be happier.”

Looking Ahead

With her surgery and recovery behind her, Paige has no regrets. “I’m so glad I went through with it. I was able to make a stable recovery and finish my high school soccer career strong.” Now, she sets her sights on collegiate soccer, aiming to play at the Division II level.

Paige’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t define us—it’s how we respond to them that truly matters. With perseverance, a strong support system, and expert care, even the toughest obstacles can be overcome.