From Surgery to Stage: My ACL Recovery at HSS
One year ago, I was lying in a hospital bed, wondering how I would walk, run, perform, or even feel like myself again. As a musician and performer, my body isn’t just part of my daily life — it’s part of my art. The way I move on stage, the energy I share with an audience, the connection I feel when I’m performing — it’s all tied to being able to trust my body. And in that moment, I didn’t know if I ever would again.
The days after surgery were humbling. I went from running between shows and rehearsals to needing help with even the smallest tasks. It was hard to picture myself moving comfortably on stage again. But each time I felt discouraged, there was something to push me forward — a milestone in physical therapy, a word of encouragement from my care team, or the quiet motivation of imagining myself back to performing.
Recovery at HSS was about so much more than my knee. It was about rebuilding trust in myself, learning patience, and finding strength in the slow, often frustrating process of healing. Every exercise, every small victory, every moment I stood a little taller reminded me that the body is incredible, but the mind is even stronger.
I’m endlessly grateful to my surgeons, my physical therapists, and the entire HSS team who carried me through the moments I didn’t think I could do it. Because of them, I got back to the stage — moving freely, performing without fear, and feeling the joy of doing what I love most.
This journey didn’t just bring me back physically — it taught me more about myself than I ever expected. I discovered a deeper resilience, a greater appreciation for my body, and an overwhelming gratitude for the people who helped me find my way back to the life I love.
Don't give up!
All by Physician