10/10/2026
“My knees were killing me.” That's how Nick Connavino describes the severe arthritis that made everyday movement increasingly difficult. He needed knee replacement surgery but first had to improve his health and reduce the risks associated with the operation.
Referred by physician assistant Colin Bilski, Nick joined a personalized exercise program with sports and exercise medicine specialist Dr. Matthew Kampert and exercise physiologist Brad Heiss.
“I started on it right away and I couldn't do much,” Nick says. “By the next week, I felt better walking across the gym. I've been coming back ever since. This program and the team that works with me have changed my life.”
For much of his life, Nick struggled with his weight and the health challenges that often came with it. Over the years, he tried numerous approaches without long-term success.
“This program is different,” he says. “The data shows you exactly how you're doing, and the physiologists are really supportive. It's a great community. We help each other.”
Over time, Nick lost 40 pounds and built the strength needed to safely undergo two knee replacement surgeries with orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Nicolas Piuzzi.
“Nick's story illustrates how joint replacement and multidisciplinary care can work together to transform a patient's life,” says Dr. Piuzzi. “While surgery addressed his arthritis, our exercise medicine partners helped him prepare for surgery and build lasting strength.”
Dr. Kampert says the benefits extend far beyond weight loss. “People are getting stronger and improving their cardiovascular fitness,” he says. “When they see their progress, they're motivated to keep building on it.”
Today, Nick continues working out three times a week at our Langston Hughes Center. He's spending more time in his garden, singing with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and staying active in ways that once felt out of reach.
He's also inspired by Walk of Joints, our annual event celebrating recovery and supporting orthopaedic research.
“The stars really aligned for me when this care became available,” Nick says. “It's hard work, but it's worth it. My life is so much better.”
More: https://cle.clinic/3VyxriM