By Radley West
Life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs, doesn’t it? For me, that curveball came in the form of persistent hip pain. At first, I chalked it up to the usual wear and tear of an active lifestyle. After all, as a gym owner, personal trainer, and competitive athlete, I’m no stranger to the occasional ache or discomfort. But this pain was different. It lingered, it nagged, and it wouldn’t let up.
The beginning of my hip journey
When the pain first started, I did what I always do: I got proactive. Mobility work became my new best friend. I added yoga sessions to my routine, focused on corrective exercises for squats, and incorporated plenty of stretching. In addition, I did physical therapy and chiropractic care. While none of these things made my hip feel better, they didn’t make it worse either. And that, to me, was progress. At least I wasn’t losing ground.
For an entire year, I committed to my own version of therapy. I experimented with different techniques, listened to my body, and tried to find a solution that would let me avoid surgery. But as time went on, it became clear that no amount of stretching or corrective exercises could fix what was happening inside my hip.
Facing the reality of surgery
Eventually, I decided it was time to get some answers. I scheduled an appointment for X-rays and met with an orthopedic specialist. When the results came back, the news wasn’t surprising—I needed a total hip replacement. While part of me felt defeated, another part of me was relieved. Finally, I had a clear path forward.
My orthopedic surgeon and I agreed on a plan, and before I knew it, surgery day was on the calendar. Leading up to the procedure, I made it my mission to prepare my body as much as possible. I continued with upper-body and cardio workouts until two days before surgery. I knew that staying active would make a huge difference in my recovery, and I wasn’t about to let my hip pain rob me of that.
The surgery and early recovery
The day of my total hip replacement came and went without a hitch. While the idea of major surgery is intimidating, I went into it with confidence, knowing I had done everything in my power to set myself up for success. And that preparation paid off in a big way.
Just one week after surgery, I was walking without assistance. I can’t overstate how incredible that felt. To go from months of debilitating pain to walking independently in just seven days was nothing short of miraculous. Two weeks after surgery, I was back in the gym doing a light workout under the guidance of my physical therapist. It wasn’t about pushing myself to the limit but rebuilding strength and mobility, one small step at a time.
The role of pre-surgery preparation
Looking back, the work I put in before surgery was the key to my quick recovery. The year I spent doing mobility work, yoga, and corrective exercises may not have resolved my hip pain, but it laid the foundation for success. My muscles were strong, my body was resilient, and my mind was ready to tackle the challenge ahead.
Even the simple act of staying active in the days leading up to surgery made a difference. Keeping my upper body and cardiovascular system in good shape meant that I wasn’t starting from zero after the operation. Instead, I was able to hit the ground running—or, in this case, walking—much sooner than expected.
Lessons learned
This journey has taught me a lot about resilience, preparation, and the importance of listening to your body. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re dealing with chronic pain or facing the prospect of surgery. But what I’ve learned is that every small effort you make counts. Even if it doesn’t feel like you’re making progress at the moment, you’re laying the groundwork for a stronger future.
It’s also a reminder that there’s no shame in seeking help. As a trainer, I’m used to being the one guiding others on their fitness journeys. But this experience humbled me and showed me the value of leaning on others—whether it’s a physical therapist, a surgeon, or a supportive friend.
Moving forward
Today, I’m back to doing what I love: helping others improve their health and fitness. My hip replacement was a turning point, not just in my physical health but in my perspective as a trainer. I’ve always believed in the power of movement, but now I’ve seen firsthand how preparation and perseverance can make all the difference.
If you’re facing a similar challenge, my advice is simple: don’t give up. Keep moving, keep preparing, and trust that the work you’re putting in now will pay off in ways you can’t yet imagine. Whether it’s a small step or a big leap, every effort you make is a step closer to recovery, strength, and the life you want to live.
Radley West is married to Dr. Andrew West and together they own Anytime Fitness Lake Murray and 33/18 Chiropractic Associates. She has more than 20 years of experience helping people achieve non-traditional health goals. She and her team approach fitness by teaching clients to build better habits and create sustainable, feel-good fitness and nutrition routines—no need for intense six-pack aspirations (unless that’s your thing).
Though she’s a competitive athlete, she’s the first to say that fitness should be fun, and she never takes herself too seriously. Her passion lies in empowering clients to lead healthier, more active lives, whether that means easily climbing stairs or improving posture.
