For Joan Thompson, living an active, independent life means more than simply staying busy. It means enjoying time with friends, staying involved in her community, and having the freedom to do the things she loves without pain holding her back.
A retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, Joan spent 20 years serving her country before continuing her career as a human resources specialist at a VA Medical Center. Throughout her life, she’s faced her share of physical challenges, including health conditions that once left her relying on a wheelchair and walker.
After returning to Ohio in 2022, Joan settled into Bristol Village in Waverly, where she enjoys exercising in the pool, taking walks, spending time with friends, and staying involved with her church.
But for years, persistent right hip pain made even the simplest activities difficult. Eventually, Joan knew it was time to find a solution, and she was determined to find a surgeon she could trust.
When Everyday Activities Become a Challenge
Joan had been dealing with right hip pain since she was around 50 years old. Over time, the discomfort became increasingly difficult to manage.
The pain was sharp and constant, often radiating into her groin. Walking long distances became a challenge, getting out of chairs required extra effort, and even finding a comfortable sleeping position was nearly impossible.
“I couldn’t even roll over at night,” Joan recalled. “I always had to lay on my back.”
Despite the discomfort, Joan was hesitant to pursue surgery. Having spent years working in healthcare, including participating in hospital accreditation reviews and helping hire medical professionals, she understood the importance of choosing the right provider.
She wasn’t willing to rush into a procedure without feeling completely confident in her surgeon.
“I didn’t want anybody but a good surgeon,” she explained. “I’m very, very picky.”
After researching orthopedic surgeons in the area and hearing positive experiences from family and friends, Joan decided to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brian Cohen.
Finding Confidence in Compassionate Care
Joan first learned about Dr. Cohen through her brother, who had undergone shoulder surgery with him. She also heard encouraging feedback from a friend who had received a hip replacement.
But it wasn’t just those recommendations that earned her trust.
From her first appointment, Joan appreciated Dr. Cohen’s straightforward approach, honesty, and willingness to listen to her concerns.
During her evaluation, Dr. Cohen examined her hips and explained the extent of the damage.
Although surgery was a recommended option, Joan wanted to try a more conservative approach first.
Together, they moved forward with an injection, giving Joan an opportunity to explore a nonsurgical option before committing to a hip replacement.
When the injection didn’t provide the relief she needed, Joan felt ready to take the next step.
For her, the decision came down to more than surgical expertise. She wanted a physician who would treat her as a person, not just another procedure.
“He truly cares about his patients,” Joan shared. “I can really see that.”
A Team That Puts Patients First
Joan received her orthopedic care in Chillicothe before undergoing hip replacement surgery in Grove City.
Throughout the process, she was impressed by the compassion and professionalism of Dr. Cohen and his entire team.
Having worked alongside healthcare professionals for much of her career, Joan knows that a positive patient experience takes more than one great surgeon. It requires a team committed to communication, trust, and making patients feel supported.
She found exactly that at Cohen Orthopedic.
“Very personable, very caring,” Joan said of her experience. “All of the staff is absolutely the same way.”
She also appreciated Dr. Cohen’s accessibility and willingness to provide patients with a way to contact him directly after surgery.
For Joan, that level of personal attention reinforced her confidence that she had made the right choice.
Getting Back to the Life She Loves
Following her hip replacement, Joan began noticing improvements that she hadn’t experienced in years.
Within approximately a week of surgery, she was walking a mile. Although she initially used a cane for stability, her mobility continued to improve.
And before long, she was doing things she once thought might be out of reach.
When a longtime military friend visited from Georgia, the two traveled to the Ark Encounter and the National Museum of the United States Air Force, walking through both attractions.
For Joan, those experiences represented something much bigger than a day out with a friend.
“I’ve been able to do things that I just haven’t been able to do for I don’t know how many years,” she shared. “It really totally changed my life.”
Today, Joan reports no hip pain and no longer needs a cane for everyday walking.
“I have no pain whatsoever,” she said. “I just don’t need it.”
She’s able to enjoy walks around Bristol Village, spend time with friends, and continue her regular pool exercise routine, which includes walking and exercising in the heated pool nearly six days a week.
While every patient’s recovery looks different, Joan’s experience has been nothing short of life-changing for her.
More Than Pain Relief. A Renewed Sense of Independence.
For someone who has spent years navigating physical limitations, the ability to move freely again means everything.
Joan’s hip replacement didn’t just relieve her pain. It helped her regain confidence, independence, and the freedom to participate in activities she loves.
And when she reflects on her experience, she credits both Dr. Cohen’s surgical expertise and the genuine compassion he brings to his patients.
“I think he’s a very compassionate man, and he wants to help as many people as he can,” Joan shared.
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dr. Cohen to someone experiencing orthopedic pain, especially because of the trust she’s developed in him and his team.
For Joan, choosing Cohen Orthopedic was about finding a surgeon who understood her concerns, respected her decisions, and was committed to helping her move forward.
At Cohen Orthopedic, patient-first care means looking beyond the injury to understand the person, their goals, and the life they want to live.
Because sometimes, the biggest success isn’t simply getting rid of pain. It’s being able to say yes to the walks, adventures, friendships, and everyday moments that make life meaningful.
