From the Hot Room to the Recovery Room
A letter from Kendra Blackett-Dibinga, Founder of BikramYogaWorks and DRIP’T Lounge…
My Journey Through Knee Surgery and the Technologies That Helped Me Heal
I am that girl who can push through pain. As a wellness entrepreneur and the founder of BikramYogaWorks and DRIP’T Lounge, I’ve made a career out of staying active and helping others do the same. I practice hot yoga regularly—where, like many of my students, I feel strong, invincible even. But nothing humbles the body and mind like chronic pain.
For years, I threw money at my knee pain—PRP, stem cell, anti-inflammatory diets, topicals, and more. But I finally had to confront the truth: I had bone-on-bone arthritis, and it wasn’t getting better. I had to flip my mindset from “pushing through” to “healing through.” It wasn’t easy.
The Wake-Up Call
A recent trip to New York really brought it home. I took the train to visit several wellness centers, and while the experience itself was enlightening, the return trip was sobering. When I arrived at Union Station, I could barely walk off the train, let alone make it to the Uber. My mobility had deteriorated to the point that simple tasks became daunting. It was more than frustrating—it was limiting.
That was my tipping point. I made the decision to get knee replacement surgery.
DRIP’T Lounge: My Post-Surgical Recovery Lab
At DRIP’T Lounge, we’ve invested over the years in technologies that target inflammation, support recovery, and promote overall wellness. I always knew they worked, but now, I would become my own case study.
Here’s how I integrated our tools into my recovery journey:
PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field)
Before surgery, PEMF was one of the only therapies where I could feel the pulsing energy directly in my knee joint—the epicenter of my pain. Post-surgery, I no longer feel the pulse in the joint itself, but PEMF continues to play a critical role. It helps stimulate the muscles around my knee—quads, calves, and connective tissues—waking them up and encouraging circulation.
Claim: Enhances cellular repair and circulation
My experience: Great for muscular activation, but not a game changer for the sharp pain in the knee itself.
Red Light Therapy
This was (and continues to be) my go-to daily therapy—2 to 3 times a day. The impact has been incredible. After each session, my range of motion improves—I can bend my knee deeper. The scar has smoothed out, and the skin began shedding, revealing fresh, healthy tissue beneath.
Claim: Reduces inflammation, promotes tissue repair and collagen production
My experience: A winner for pain relief, inflammation control, and scar healing.
Cryotherapy
I’ve always been a fan of cold therapy, but cryo takes it to another level. It’s not just about cold—it’s about strategic, high-intensity exposure. After every session, the visible reduction in swelling is undeniable.
Claim: Reduces inflammation, boosts endorphins, and accelerates recovery
My experience: Game changer. Far more effective than simple icing.
NormaTec Compression
I started early, but the incision made it uncomfortable at first. Once it healed, though, NormaTec became a staple. The device compresses in waves, moving lymph and blood flow through the leg. It doesn’t just compress—it stretches soft tissue, which supports flexibility.
Claim: Enhances circulation, reduces swelling, speeds up recovery
My experience: Now that I can tolerate it, it’s excellent for lymphatic movement and tissue release.
Stretch Therapy & Stretch7 Techniques
Surgery doesn’t just affect the site—it shifts your whole body. I noticed lower back pain from compensating for my knee. Regular stretch therapy helped release the tension in my back and hips. We also incorporated Stretch7, a methodology we use at DRIP’T Lounge to manipulate fascia and stimulate energy centers through breath, movement, and mindfulness.
Claim: Improves mobility, reduces tension, restores fascial balance
My experience: Critical in managing compensation pain and restoring alignment.
PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Before surgery, PRP was one of the few treatments that gave me real relief. It significantly reduced pain and inflammation in my knee and helped me extend the time before I needed to go under the knife. I plan to revisit PRP again once my incision is fully healed to support continued healing and regeneration.
Claim: Uses your own platelets to accelerate healing in injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints
My experience: Highly effective pre-surgery and something I’ll return to for post-surgical regeneration.
A High Pain Tolerance Isn’t Always a Gift
I’ve given birth naturally—so I thought I could handle any pain. But this recovery? It’s tested me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. I’ve had to lean on others, listen to my body, and most importantly, allow myself to heal without guilt.
What’s Next on My Recovery Journey
Recovery doesn’t end with the incision healing—it’s a long-term commitment to rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence in the body. As I continue healing, I’ll be incorporating even more of the services available at DRIP’T Lounge, including another round of PRP therapy and strength-building through personalized training and recovery support.
This journey has reminded me that healing is not linear, and it’s okay to ask for help—especially from the tools and community you’ve built for others.
If you’re on your own healing journey—whether it’s from injury, surgery, or burnout—DRIP’T Lounge was created for you. Let’s recover stronger, together.
Why DRIP’T Lounge Exists
At DRIP’T Lounge, we don’t just talk about wellness—we live it. We created this space to be a hub for recovery, restoration, and high-performance wellness. From cryotherapy and red light therapy to PEMF, Normatec, stretch therapy, and IV infusions, we’re bringing together the tools that support longevity and optimize recovery.
If you’re struggling with pain, inflammation, or simply want to enhance your body’s performance and mobility—our doors are open.
Your body is the only home you have. Invest in it.
I’d love to hear from others navigating recovery or considering surgery. What’s worked for you? Let’s continue the conversation about healing—on our terms.
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