Back to Kickboxing after Double Hip Replacements
Not much can slow Kristin Harry down. A kickboxing trainer, former horse riding instructor, wife, mom, and grandmother, she has had plenty to keep her active and busy. But over the last decade, hip arthritis gradually began to take its toll on her life, making each of these roles more and more difficult to carry on.
“Many hours of walking horses and cleaning stalls gave me instances of sharp pain with certain movements,” she said. “Nothing I wanted to recognize as weakness.”
By 2023, Kristin could no longer walk quickly or run. Keeping up with her grandkids became difficult. Her proficiency as a kickboxing trainer waned. Kristin tried every non-surgical option she could find: physical therapy, sports medicine consultations, stretching, and yoga. Other clinicians had told her there was no need to get an x-ray.
“I sometimes convinced myself it was all in my head and just tried harder!” she admitted.
Finding Answers at MCJR
Everything changed when Kristin’s husband, who had a successful partial knee replacement and shoulder surgery at Midwest Center for Joint Replacement, suggested she get an x-ray and consult with his knee surgeon, Dr. Berend.
“His surgeons, Dr. Berend and Dr. Peers have continued to provide insight and care to him,” said Kristin. “We felt there was nowhere else I could get better care.”
At MCJR, Kristin first met Dr. Berend, who ordered a quick and simple x-ray. Then she was introduced to Dr. Carter, who gave her some unexpected news: she had bone-on-bone arthritis in both hips.
“I couldn’t believe it, but was also so relieved!” she said. “I honestly wanted to give him a huge hug! I had spent years of self-doubt, and Dr. Carter was giving me a second-chance to continue my daily life without the pain of my sad hips!”
Dr. Carter recommended anterior hip replacements, six weeks apart, followed by ten weeks of physical therapy. Kristin approached surgery with courage, though the experience of caring for her mother through a failed hip surgery elsewhere made her cautious.
Recovery and Beyond
WIth encouragement from Dr. Carter and her physical therapist at Athletico, Kristin endured both hip replacements with confidence. The procedure and recovery went incredibly well. And her physical therapist helped her regain the ability to demonstrate core and boxing to her gym members.
“I found my hips working in ways they hadn’t in so long! Therapy challenges quickly turned into achievements.”
Just a month after her second surgery, she returned to the kickboxing gym—first working out carefully, then returning as a trainer. Kristin’s transformation has been profound.
“I really had convinced myself I would continue in the pain and need to alter my activity for the rest of my life.” she said. “MCJR gave me a renewed vision. I thank God daily for putting me in their care. The continued thoughtfulness of everyone at MCJR has been a bonus.”
Kristin’s Advice to Others
Her message to others who are hesitant? “You are in the best hands at MCJR. They are professional, honest, and don’t leave you guessing. Don’t avoid PT and don’t skip any steps. You can have a second chance.”
To Kristin, the care she received at MCJR exceeded all expectations: “Run, don’t walk! Seek help for debilitating pain. Allow yourself to be listened to, and stop doubting yourself.”
