Additional Coverage:
- I went to a medical clinic in Portugal — thousands of miles from my NYC home. I saved $500 and found an answer for my back pain. (businessinsider.com)
Lisbon Longevity Clinic Helps NYC Runner Tackle Persistent Injuries
New York City resident and avid runner Cheyenne Buckingham found relief from nagging injuries and back pain at a longevity clinic in Lisbon, Portugal. Frustrated by a year of injuries, including a torn MCL and tendonitis, Buckingham sought a more holistic approach to her recovery. She found it at MetaClinic, a wellness center offering a range of services, including body composition scans and osteopathic treatments, at a fraction of the cost of similar services in the US.
Buckingham underwent two key tests: a DEXA scan, which measures bone density, muscle mass, and body fat percentage, and an indirect calorimetry test, which assesses resting metabolic rate. While acknowledging these tests offer only a glimpse into overall health, she found the results valuable.
The DEXA scan revealed a healthy level of visceral fat but also a higher than ideal total body fat percentage, a finding she attributed to reduced strength training due to her injuries. The calorimetry test, a somewhat more involved process involving a head dome and plastic wrap, determined her resting metabolic rate.
A last-minute decision to consult with the clinic’s osteopath proved particularly insightful. The osteopath identified a muscle imbalance between Buckingham’s calves, suggesting she incorporate exercises for both legs, even the uninjured one, into her physical therapy routine.
Furthermore, the osteopath linked Buckingham’s persistent lower back pain to tight hamstrings, a connection her New York City physical therapists had not made. This new insight prompted Buckingham to focus on addressing these muscle imbalances upon her return to New York, resulting in significant improvement in both her back and heel pain.
The total cost for all three assessments in Lisbon was just $224, a stark contrast to the $400-$1,200 she might have expected to pay in the US. Buckingham credits the experience with providing a fresh perspective on managing her discomfort and preparing for the upcoming New York City Marathon. She highlights the affordability of these services abroad as a key factor in her decision to seek treatment while working in Lisbon.