As I have approached the four-month milestone since my hip replacement surgery, today felt like a significant checkpoint in my recovery journey. My physical therapy evaluation this morning provided a detailed overview of how far I’ve come, where I currently stand, and the next steps toward rebuilding strength and function.
The Morning Routine
I woke up early today, something I’ve been working on adjusting after weeks of late starts. By 8:45, I was officially out of bed and tending to my usual morning routine: feeding Lokah, checking the fire, and dedicating 15 minutes to breathwork from The Presence Process. It was a grounding start to a day I knew would bring both reflection and insight.
Physical Therapy Evaluation: The Core of My Recovery Update
Key Changes Over Four Months
At my evaluation, my physical therapist Brandon shared some encouraging observations about my progress:
- Improved Gait: While there’s still a slight pelvic drop when I walk, it has significantly decreased since my last evaluation. I’m gradually moving closer to a natural stride, even if a cane is still needed for transitions.
- Strength Gains: My hip girdle strength continues to improve, particularly in areas like abduction and flexion. However, these remain my weakest movements and will require continued focus.
- Pain and Sensitivity: Pain during transitional movements—like sitting to standing or initial walking—remains a challenge. The sharpness of the pain has lessened, but these movements still feel like a hurdle. Walking for longer distances reduces pain to a manageable level, offering hope for continued improvement.
Therapist’s Recommendations
Brandon emphasized the importance of pacing and mindful movement:
- Gradually reduce reliance on the cane as strength improves, but use it when necessary to prevent strain or setbacks.
- Focus on exercises like single-leg standing and hip abduction to target weak areas.
- Incorporate more stretching to release tightness in the hip flexors and surrounding muscles.
- Continue pool exercises, which have been a cornerstone of my recovery, to build strength with minimal strain.
Hearing that I’m making steady progress, despite the challenges, was deeply reassuring. Recovery often feels like two steps forward, one step back—but knowing I’m on track motivates me to keep pushing.
A Day in the Life of Recovery
Post-Therapy Sunshine and Coffee
After PT, I returned home and indulged in one of my favorite rituals: a cappuccino, sunshine, and books. Today’s reading included The Presence Process and The Enlightened Sex Manual by David Deida. I sat in the breezeway, soaking up the winter sun in my birthday suit—a win for staying warm even in 40-degree weather!
Afternoon Projects
The afternoon brought a blend of productivity and creativity. I modified the portafilter on my Breville espresso machine—a small victory in the ongoing quest for the perfect cup of coffee. Then, I spent time tending the firewood supply, a task that felt like an accomplishment given the challenges of carrying heavy loads post-surgery. Following, I made it into work from 2:00 – 5:30.
Evening Reflection and Movement
Dinner was a delicious pot of chili beans and cornbread, followed by 50 minutes of physical therapy at home. I found new ways to perform certain exercises, which reminded me how much stronger I’ve become. Wrapping up the night, I spent an hour singing and moving to music—a fun and freeing way to end the day.
Reflections on Four Months of Recovery
As I reflect on today’s evaluation and the journey so far, I’m struck by the balance between progress and patience. The milestones—like improved gait mechanics and increased strength—are encouraging, but the setbacks and sensitivity serve as reminders of the work still ahead.
Reaching four months post-surgery feels like both an achievement and a call to keep going. There’s no definitive timeline for recovery, but as my therapist reminded me today, forward progress is just that—progress.
Closing Thoughts
Today’s evaluation wasn’t just a review of my physical recovery; it was a chance to celebrate how far I’ve come while setting intentions for the future. The small victories, like walking more naturally or tweaking a recipe for the perfect chili, remind me that healing isn’t just about the body—it’s about the spirit, too.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you made it to the end, I would love to hear from you! 
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu – May All Beings Be Happy and Free 