Two weeks post-op and I’ve hit a meaningful milestone: I’m back seeing clients again! After a challenging emotional low and some tough days of learning to truly listen to my body, I finally slowed down and gave myself permission to rest. That shift made all the difference.

Yesterday, I completed a full 90-minute massage session and even lifted my heavy massage table in and out of my car without increasing pain. I’m not back to baseline yet, but returning to work and regaining some normalcy has been a huge boost to my mental and physical healing.

This journey has reminded me healing isn’t about doing more, it’s about honoring what your body needs and embracing progress in whatever form it comes.

Feeling stuck in recovery? This post is for you!

1 Week Post-Op: What Recovery Really Looks Like After May-Thurner Syndrome Stenting
It’s been one week since my iliac vein stent placement for May-Thurner Syndrome, and I’m sharing a detailed update on the symptoms, setbacks, and small wins I’ve experienced so far. From abdominal bloating and unpredictable pain to learning how to truly let go of control, this post offers a real-world look at early recovery, including how it compares to my symptoms before surgery. Whether you’re preparing for this procedure or supporting someone who is, I hope this gives you helpful insight into the healing process.

The first 72 hours after getting a stent placed for May-Thurner Syndrome were a mix of small victories, unexpected setbacks, and a crash course in what post-op recovery really feels like. From managing pain, an allergic reaction, itching, and bloating to navigating a flight just days after surgery, I’m sharing exactly what those early days looked like; the honest version. I also talk about the emotional weight of recovery, the power of community, and how much support (especially from my husband, Andrew and my parents) has mattered. Whether you’re facing something similar or trying to understand what a loved one is going through, I hope this helps.

Navigating My May-Thurner Syndrome Diagnosis and Stent Procedure: A PT’s Personal Perspective
After years of symptoms I couldn’t explain and a recent uptick in pelvic pain, I was finally diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome—an often overlooked vascular condition that can impact everything from energy to mobility. In this post, I walk you through my diagnosis, the decision to pursue treatment, and what the stent placement procedure and recovery actually looked like from both a patient and physical therapist’s point of view. I share practical prep tips, recovery insights, and how I’m balancing healing with the realities of mom life, business ownership, and body awareness.

Whether you’re here to learn, support someone, or seek answers for your own journey—I hope this post helps you feel more informed and empowered.

Our careers often follow winding paths, shaped by pivotal moments, unexpected turns, and deep personal experiences. For me, the evolution of my practice has been a reflection of my own journey—one rooted in resilience, transformation, and a relentless drive to help others.

Our careers often follow winding paths, shaped by pivotal moments, unexpected turns, and deep personal experiences. For me, the evolution of my practice has been a reflection of my own journey—one rooted in resilience, transformation, and a relentless drive to help others.

Our careers often follow winding paths, shaped by pivotal moments, unexpected turns, and deep personal experiences. For me, the evolution of my practice has been a reflection of my own journey—one rooted in resilience, transformation, and a relentless drive to help others.

When I created Jewel Physical Therapy & Wellness, I wanted the name to reflect both my deep connection to the community and my holistic, inclusive approach to care.