Hi, my name is Charisse Montenegro Castillo, currently serving as a Trainee Practice Manager at M Physio and the Gold Coast Headache and Migraine Clinic.
I am dedicated to optimising clinic operations, supporting clinical excellence, and ensuring outstanding patient care.
Through my own bilateral hip replacement physiotherapy recovery journey, I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing physiotherapy and rehabilitation can be, and I hope this blog inspires others to keep moving forward.
On October 23, 2024, I underwent a total bilateral hip replacement surgery in Sydney, Australia, using titanium implants with ceramic shells, performed as a single major operation.
This life-changing decision was prompted by a rapid loss of mobility.
I could no longer perform basic daily tasks, such as putting on my socks, struggled to stand without support, and eventually could not walk unassisted.
My Role at M Physio: More Than a Practice Manager in Training: A Witness to Healing
When I stepped into my first leadership role at M Physio on the Gold Coast in May 2025, I already had firsthand experience with post hip replacement rehabilitation.
But in this new position, I gained far more than just a professional title: I gained a front-row seat to the incredible impact physiotherapy has on people every single day.
Working closely with our physiotherapists, observing patient progress, and supporting individuals at various stages of recovery, I came to understand that bilateral hip replacement physiotherapy isn’t just about restoring movement, it’s about restoring confidence, dignity, and independence.
This deeper appreciation for physiotherapy, beyond my own recovery, ignited a passion within me to help others navigate their healing journey.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
The severity of the pain led me to the ED, where I was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon and diagnosed with avascular necrosis, a condition in which bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply.
‘I remember freezing when I heard, “Both hips need to be replaced; there’s nothing we can do to save them.”’
Hearing that in my 20s was terrifying. It felt like the ground beneath me had vanished, but at the same time, a small part of me hoped this would be the turning point — the end of the pain.
Recovery Journey: From Surgery to Strength
The first few weeks after surgery were perhaps the darkest of my life.
Living alone overseas, facing pain and immobility, every movement tested my limits, and I often questioned how I could keep going.
Bilateral hip replacement physiotherapy became my lifeline, guiding me step by step, from getting in and out of bed safely to standing and relearning to walk, starting completely from zero.
Every step I regained felt like reclaiming a part of my life that had been lost.
Over the following months, rehabilitation became more than a program, it was a battleground. Each physiotherapy session pushed me to rebuild mobility, strength, and confidence.
The care and guidance of my physiotherapists carried me through the toughest moments, focusing on key areas such as:
- Gait retraining
- Hip strengthening and stability
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Functional mobility for daily activities
Just eight weeks after surgery, I was strong enough to welcome my godmother, Dr. Evelyn Abarintos, from the Philippines.
Without crutches but following strict precautions, we completed a challenging hike to Cape Queen Elizabeth on Bruny Island, a milestone made possible by consistent bilateral hip replacement physiotherapy that restored my strength, mobility, and confidence.
Life Lessons Learned
This experience reinforced the value of consistent physiotherapy, guided rehabilitation, and a strong support system. I’m especially grateful to my physiotherapists, whose care was key to restoring my strength, mobility, and confidence.
I’m also thankful for my family, my uncle and aunt, Atty. Chona Davidson, my church at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, and my godmother, Dr. Evelyn G. Abarintos, whose wisdom and guidance have supported not only my recovery but also my approach to leadership and patient care.
A year and a month later, I am living pain-free, a testament to perseverance, expert bilateral hip replacement physiotherapy, and the unwavering support of my loved ones.
What This Experience Taught Me
Going through this journey as a patient and later working within a physiotherapy clinic as a Practice Manager in training has been an incredibly eye-opening experience. It reinforced something I believe wholeheartedly:
Physiotherapy isn’t just part of recovery, it’s what makes recovery meaningful. There’s a quote that stayed with me throughout my journey:
“Doctors save lives, but physiotherapists make those lives worth living.”
Ready to Start Your Recovery Journey?
If you’re seeking support with hip replacement recovery, mobility, or pain management, our physiotherapy team is here to help, offering compassionate, evidence-based care.
Your movement matters — we’re here to help you get it back.
Book a session with one of our physiotherapists and start your recovery with a clear, personalised plan today.
