My PAO Recovery Journey
Recovering From PAO Surgery Doesn’t Have to Feel So Overwhelming.
Real-life recovery notes, weekly updates, honest symptoms, and the routines helping me stay grounded through a long rehab season.
Start Here
If you’re navigating PAO recovery, here’s where to begin.
My PAO Story
In 2018, at the peak of my fitness journey, I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.
To say I was devastated is an understatement — it felt like a core part of who I was had been ripped away.
This is the story of how I faced surgery, rebuilt my strength, and learned who I was beyond movement.
Week-By-Week Recovery
Follow my real-time healing progress, milestones, setbacks, and honest updates.
Recovery Essentials
The products, preparation tips, and practical things that made recovery easier.
My Diagnosis
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In 2018, at the peak of my fitness journey, I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.
The news felt like losing a part of my identity. Movement had always been strength, therapy, and confidence — and suddenly, it felt uncertain.
Why I chose PAO
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After years of managing pain and weighing options, I chose periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) surgery.
It wasn’t an easy decision — but I wanted long-term strength over short-term comfort.
What Recovery Has Taught Me
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Recovery has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect.
It’s forced me to slow down, rebuild patiently, and redefine what strength actually looks like.
This space is where I document that process — honestly and week by week.
Latest On The Blog
PAO Recovery Week 7: First Steps and Driving Again
Monday PAO recovery week 7 has officially arrived, and this week marked some of the biggest milestones since surgery—first steps, first drive, and my first real taste of independence again. According to my physical therapist, this is when I could start putting weight...
PAO vs Hip Replacement: Key Differences
If you’ve had a PAO, you probably know the experience of being asked:“What happened—did you get your hip replaced?” But what actually IS the difference between a PAO and a hip replacement? Let's compare. Hip Replacement What is a hip replacement? According to...
6 Weeks After PAO Surgery: Recovery Update, Pain Setbacks & Starting Weight Bearing
I struggled to sit down and write this week’s update because, honestly, there hasn’t been a whole lot to share. I had a lot of visitors this week, which was so nice and definitely helped pass the time—but I’ve also felt really unmotivated to do much of anything...