How I Overcame My Own Pain to Help Others Heal

Hey Reader

Welcome to February! Whether you’re new here or have been following along for a while, I’m so glad you’re part of this community. As we step into Black History Month and Heart Health Month, I want to share something personal—my journey into physical therapy, fitness, and lifestyle medicine.

Why I Do What I Do

Last week, I had the opportunity to be part of our second “How to Prioritize You” panel discussion at Serenity 824 Massage Therapy Services in Southfield, Michigan. Collaborating with other wellness professionals and engaging with the audience always reminds me why I started this business—to empower people to take control of their health.

One question I received that really stuck with me was: “What motivates you? With such a busy life, how do you prioritize your own well-being?” My answer? Movement.

Now, I know what some people might think: “Well, that’s easy for you—you’re in the field!” But the reality? It’s not easy. Between managing a full patient caseload, running a business, and taking care of my family, time is limited. But I learned firsthand that prioritizing movement is non-negotiable—because neglecting it almost cost me my health.

My Personal Wake-Up Call

Eight years ago, my health took a turn. After having two children within 2.5 years in my late 30s, I started losing patches of hair. At first, I chalked it up to postpartum hair loss, but when the patches grew uncontrollable, I knew something was wrong. A dermatologist prescribed strong medications, but I wasn’t comfortable with them—especially while breastfeeding. That’s when I turned to Integrative Medicine.

Through this holistic approach, I learned how inflammation, stress, poor sleep, and diet were contributing to my autoimmune-related alopecia—and my chronic pain. Looking back, I realized that before pregnancy, I exercised consistently, ate clean, and managed stress well. But after becoming a mom, I stopped prioritizing my own health. I was sleep-deprived, overworked, and eating whatever was convenient. My body responded accordingly.

This was my turning point. I had to take responsibility and make changes. I cleaned up my diet, prioritized breathwork, stretching, movement, and quality sleep, and set boundaries with work and family obligations. That’s when I truly experienced the power of lifestyle medicine.Black Star Physical Therapy & Wellness was born out of my personal healing journey. As I reclaimed my health, I started noticing how many other women were struggling with joint pain, exercise discipline, fear of injury, or simply not knowing what to do.

Now, I combine my expertise as a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist and fitness coach to help women over 40 manage pain, avoid injury, and build strength through movement. My fitness coaching is specifically designed for women over 40, while my in-person physical therapy and body recovery services are available to everyone. Whether it’s through in-person care, virtual coaching, or online fitness programs, my goal is to make safe, effective exercise accessible for all—especially those who feel left behind by traditional fitness programs.

Your Health is in Your Hands

I hope my story resonates with you. If you’re feeling stressed, in pain, or struggling to stay consistent with exercise, I want you to know that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

This isn’t about a quick fix. It’s about creating a lifestyle that supports your long-term health.

If you need support, I’m here to help! Reply to this email to connect, or schedule a free mini-consultation via phone or Zoom. Let’s work together to build strength, reduce pain, and create lasting habits that serve you.

Here’s to moving better and feeling better in 2025!