For Pastor Ed, slowing down has never really been an option. At 66 years old, he leads an active life filled with faith, family, and a passion for helping others. After founding and pastoring a church in Grove City, Ohio, for 30 years, he has spent the last five years focused on global missions, humanitarian aid, and helping churches grow around the world.
When he’s not serving others, you’ll likely find him on the golf course, umpiring a fast-pitch softball game, camping with his wife, Tammy, or spending time with their three children and nine grandchildren. He’s also committed to staying physically active, hitting the gym four to five days a week.
But when persistent knee pain began interfering with his active lifestyle, Ed knew it was time to find a solution.
When Knee Pain Started Getting in the Way
About two and a half years ago, Ed began experiencing discomfort in his left knee, particularly after spending long days on his feet. Despite undergoing a meniscus repair in 2024, his symptoms continued to progress.
His knee became increasingly painful and stiff, and he noticed something even more concerning: his leg was beginning to bow.
“The real problem for me was that the leg was bowing,” Ed shared. “I didn’t like the deformity that was starting to happen, and I started walking with a limp.”
For someone who values staying active and independent, the changes were difficult to ignore.
Ed was ready to take the next step toward getting his mobility back.
Fortunately, he already knew exactly who he wanted to trust with his care: Dr. Brian Cohen
A Relationship Built on Trust
Ed’s relationship with Dr. Cohen began years before his own knee replacement.
When his son suffered an ACL injury while playing football at Teays Valley High School, a coach recommended Dr. Cohen for the repair. The experience left a lasting impression on the entire family.
Not only did his son successfully return to football, but he went on to become an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper and a sergeant in the Army Reserve.
Since then, Dr. Cohen has become a trusted orthopedic provider for the family, including Ed’s wife, Tammy, who underwent a reverse shoulder replacement.
For Ed, that trust goes beyond successful procedures. It’s about the way Dr. Cohen treats the people behind the injuries.
“He really makes you feel like he cares about you as a person and treats you like a friend,” Ed said. “And he does great work.”
Having previously worked as an X-ray and cardiovascular technician before entering ministry, Ed understands the importance of choosing a skilled surgeon. But he also knows that great care involves more than surgical expertise.
During appointments, Dr. Cohen took the time to sit down, listen to Ed’s concerns, thoroughly examine his knee, and explain his treatment options in a way that made sense.
“He’s listening to what you have to say and not just pushing you through as another patient,” Ed explained. “It just makes you have a lot of confidence that he’s going to do what’s right by you.”
Compassionate Care Every Step of the Way
From the moment he walked through the doors for his knee replacement, until the moment he headed home, he felt supported by the entire care team.
Ed described everyone he encountered, from reception and security personnel to nurses and discharge staff, as friendly, attentive, and genuinely invested in his experience.
“All throughout the day, they just make you feel like they’ve got you covered,” he shared. “I never felt like I was just being pushed through as another number. I felt like they all cared about my care and that this was a big deal.”
That attention continued through discharge, as staff carefully explained his instructions, checked on him frequently, and made sure he was ready to safely return home.
For Ed, the experience reinforced what he already knew: having the right team makes all the difference.
A Remarkable Start to Recovery
Dr. Cohen performed Ed’s knee replacement using the Back in Action Knee with Stryker’s Mako technology, incorporating a muscle-sparing subvastus approach. This approach allows the surgeon to access the knee joint without cutting through the quadriceps tendon, helping preserve the surrounding muscles.
For Ed, the early results were encouraging.
Within just a few days of surgery, he began transitioning away from his walker and cane. By day five, he was walking without an assistive device.
At the time of his interview, just 10 days after surgery, Ed reported virtually no joint pain and was already making impressive progress in physical therapy.
“I have no joint pain,” he shared. “I’ve been walking without any device since then.”
While every patient’s recovery is different, Ed was thrilled with his progress and grateful for the care he received.
Even when he experienced swelling a few days after surgery, Dr. Cohen remained accessible. Ed reached out directly, and Dr. Cohen promptly responded to address his concerns and recommend treatment.
That personal attention meant just as much to Ed as his physical progress.
More Than a Surgeon. A Trusted Partner in Care.
After years of experience with Dr. Cohen, Ed has no hesitation recommending him to friends and family.
He appreciates not only his surgical skill but also his honesty, responsiveness, and commitment to making decisions based on what’s best for each individual patient.
“He takes the time to get to know you and really do what’s best for you,” Ed said.
For a man who has dedicated much of his life to serving others, being cared for with that same level of compassion has made a lasting impression.
And with his recovery off to a strong start, Ed is looking forward to continuing the activities he loves, from golfing and umpiring to traveling, serving others, and making memories with his family.
At Cohen Orthopedic, patients are more than a diagnosis or a procedure. They’re people with families, passions, and lives they want to keep living. Ed’s experience is a reminder of why personalized, patient-first orthopedic care matters.
Because getting back on your feet isn’t just about moving without pain. It’s about getting back to the life you love.
