Arthritic hip pain was getting in the way of Jeff Peeler’s ability to do the exercise he enjoys. Duke’s Joint Health Program allowed him not only to get back to it, but also to be in better shape for his eventual hip replacement surgery, when that time comes. “It’s a very positive program,” Peeler said. “There’s no downside.”
Seeking Help for an Ailing Hip
Jeff Peeler, 62, plays pickleball for hours each weekend, but in spring 2025, hip pain began to interfere with his game. In March, he made an appointment with Duke joint replacement surgeon Michael P. Bolognesi, MD, who suggested that he participate in Duke’s Joint Health Program. “We wanted him to be able to move with less pain and be in the strongest possible shape for when it was time for his hip replacement surgery,” Dr. Bolognesi said.
The Joint Health Program
Through the Joint Health Program, people like Peeler work with a physical or occupational therapist who acts as not only an exercise coach but also a guide, connecting participants to Duke specialists in nutrition, sleep, and emotional wellbeing as needed.
“While traditional physical therapy is great, the Joint Health Program takes it up a notch by treating the patient more holistically,” said Duke physical therapist Katie Hester, PT, DPT. “We really dive into the person's history and experience.”
“In a perfect world, everyone with arthritis would go through the Joint Health Program,” agreed Dr. Bolognesi. “It helps people delay their surgery and be better prepared for surgery when and if that time comes.
“It wasn’t her plan. It was our plan.”
In May, Peeler met with Hester at Duke Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Holly Springs, near his home in Fuquay Varina, NC. “Katie didn’t say, ‘Here are your exercises,’” said Peeler. “It was, ‘What do you want out of this? What are you trying to do? What do you think you can do?’ It wasn’t her plan. It was our plan.”
Hester taught him exercises to increase his strength and mobility. “The exercises are very user-friendly, and concise enough that I can do a couple of sets in 10 minutes,” said Peeler. Having already lost weight through a program at work, Peeler didn’t need to meet with other specialists through the Joint Health Program, but said he’s glad that it’s an option. He gets a very occasional steroid injection in his hip.
Back on the Court and on the Bike
Peeler saw Hester three times in two months. He has now returned to playing pickleball, and to spin class. “Before, it hurt my hip to get on and off the bike,” he said. “Now I just hop on and it's no big deal. And after I play pickleball, I’m tired, but I don’t hurt.”
As part of the Joint Health Program, Hester will follow up with Peeler for one year. “Sometimes we just yak a bit,” said Peeler. “Or if I need an adjustment to my exercise routine, I’ll come in for a tune-up. I cannot recommend this program strongly enough if you are struggling with joint issues. It has made a huge difference for me."
