Moving with the Current: A Patient’s Journey Back to the Life They Love

For Christina Montiel, outdoor recreation isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life. Having grown up in Jackson, her connection to this landscape runs deep. Christina’s days are split between teaching as a K–5 math specialist at Munger Elementary School, being a devoted mom, and chasing adventure in the mountains. Whether it’s snowboarding in the winter or paddleboarding whitewater rapids in the summer—she’s always on the move.

But years of splitboarding and other outdoor activities eventually took a toll on her body. Christina developed labral tears in both hips, leading to persistent pain she had hoped to avoid. “The pain started while I was splitboarding—an uphill repetitive motion,” she shared. “It became so intense that at one point I wondered if I’d have to give up sports altogether.”

Determined to maintain her active lifestyle, Christina sought guidance from orthopedic surgeon Dr. Drew Lighthart. “Dr. Lighthart not only explained my options but also shared that delaying surgery could lead to arthritis and potentially a full hip replacement later on.” Encouraged by his advice, Christina decided to have arthroscopic procedures to repair both hips, two years apart.

While Christina was initially nervous about surgery, her experience at St. John’s Health quickly put her at ease. “The process was straightforward and easy, but I did have that fear—what if it made things worse instead of better?” she admitted. Dr. Lighthart listened to her concerns, answered all her questions, and provided the reassurance she needed. “He walked me through every doubt I had,” Christina recalled.

On surgery day, Christina felt confident and prepared thanks to her compassionate surgical team. “Everyone made me feel comfortable,” she said. “They were patient, kind, and made sure I knew exactly what to expect.”

The road to recovery hasn’t been without its challenges. Christina balanced healing with being a mom to her two children, now 9 and 10. “It was hard to sit still and let others take care of me,” she shared. “But I had a strong support network, including my family and even my older child, who’s been so thoughtful and helpful.” Physical therapy and adhering to a gradual recovery plan were key, and within three months of each surgery, Christina was back to light activities. By a year after her first surgery, she was again back on her paddleboard in the Snake River Canyon.

Looking back on her journey, Christina offered advice for anyone considering orthopedic surgery. “Weigh the impacts on your everyday life and think about the long-term benefits,” she said. “Once you decide to go for it, make sure you have everything in order so you can sit back, relax, and recover without worrying about all the things you need to get done.”

While Christina is still just a few months out from her second surgery, she hopes to return to her favorite activities by summer. “Knowing I’ll soon be out on the river again means everything to me,” she said. “Thanks to Dr. Lighthart and St. John’s Health, I’m not just healing—I’m getting back to the life I love.”