Rebuilding Strength: Surgery and Therapy That Gave Stephen His Life Back  

After years of debilitating knee pain, Stephen Raabe turned to Cumberland Orthopedics, part of Covenant Medical Group for answers. Under the care of orthopedic surgeon Darren Barton, DO, Stephen underwent a total knee replacement at Cumberland Medical Center.   With support from Dr. Barton and the therapy team, he regained mobility and strength. Now, he is staying active and living the active life he loves.  

An Unexpected Setback 

Stephen moved to Fairfield Glade from Cincinnati in 2018. He arrived healthy, energetic, and ready to enjoy everything the area offered. He quickly became a regular at the Cumberland Wellness Complex, where he says he “fell in love with the staff” and enjoyed the aquatic pool.  

Over time, his left knee began to fail. The pain grew stronger, and his balance worsened. He had to stop doing yard work and eventually stopped going to the wellness center. “It was frustrating,” Stephen said. “I have always been active. I did not want to sit on the sidelines.” 

A Decision for His Future 

Stephen had been seeing Dr. Barton for ongoing knee pain, and after months of injections and conservative treatments, they both knew a replacement was the next step. In November 2025, Stephen made the decision to have a knee replacement.  

He and his wife were planning a trip to California to visit their daughter. “I wanted to walk and be active. I wanted to enjoy that time with my family,” Stephen said. “It was time.” 

“In cases like Stephen’s, our goal is always to help patients return to the activities they love,” Dr. Barton said. “A knee replacement can be life-changing when pain begins limiting mobility, and Stephen was an excellent candidate for this procedure. At Cumberland Orthopedics, we develop individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. ” 

Advanced Orthopedic Care Close to Home 

Stephen had his total left knee replacement at Cumberland Medical Center, and he describes the experience in one word: “phenomenal.” 

He praised his entire care team, including registration, the surgical nurses, the orthopedic team, the nurses on the medical-surgical unit, and housekeeping. “Everyone who cared for me did an excellent job,” he said. His incision healed quickly, and he felt confident he was on the right path. 

Having this level of advanced orthopedic care in Crossville meant Stephen did not have to travel far or leave the community he trusted. 

Building Strength Through Therapy  

Recovery continued just minutes from his home at the Covenant Health Therapy Center in Fairfield Glade.  Stephen says having therapy so close made it easier to stay committed and positive. 

“Stephen showed determination from day one,” said Hunter Coleman, PT, DPT, CSCS. “Our team focused on helping him regain strength and confidence so he could safely return to the activities he enjoys.” 

“They challenged me,” Stephen said. “I have been through therapy before, but this was the best experience yet.” 

Their personalized approach helped him regain strength, balance, and confidence. 

Back to the Life He Loves 

Just seven weeks after surgery, Stephen is walking again, exercising in the pool, and getting ready for his trip to California.  

Stephen says he would recommend Covenant Health, Cumberland Medical Center, Cumberland Orthopedics, the Covenant Health Therapy Center in Fairfield Glade, and the Cumberland Wellness Complex to anyone. “I have been to other hospitals,” he said. “This has been the best. They didn’t just fix my knee: they gave me my life back.” 

Your Recovery Starts with the Right Care 

Your mobility matters. Covenant Health Orthopedic Services and our Covenant Health Therapy Centers offer personalized care to help you heal and stay active. Find the location that fits your needs and begin your recovery journey.