George Brunjes loves to dance, especially Celtic square dancing.

For the past several years, whenever he ventured out on the dance floor, he was in a lot of pain. His ability to enjoy his hobby was seriously limited, so in May 2008, George had his right hip replaced at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Now, with the help of the HHH orthopedic rehabilitation staff, George is dancing again. He just returned from a trip to Nova Scotia, where Celtic square dancing is very popular, and he was able to enjoy learning new steps and making new friends.

“I love dancing, and now, for the first time in six years, I can dance again,” says George. “I’m able to walk two miles and I’ve even climbed up a ladder to repair some loose shingles on my roof. I’m back to my old self again, with no pain in my right hip.”

George spent one week at HHH after his hip replacement surgery. “My neighbor strongly urged me to come to Helen Hayes for rehab, based on her own experience. ‘Don’t think you can do it yourself,’ she said, and she was right. I took her advice, and I am very happy that I did.”

One of the most valuable aspects of rehab was the education he received, reports George. “The staff was great. They helped me understand how my body was healing and how I could cope with my temporary limitations. Everyone was very friendly, helpful and supportive. The therapists were very patient and showed me how to adjust to my new hip. They taught me how to walk again, how to climb stairs, how to bend and how to get in and out of my car. They were with me, literally, every step of the way.” It’s been a little over a year now, and George says he can do almost everything he wants to.

“I am so grateful to my neighbor for recommending Helen Hayes. For the first time in six years, I can dance again, and that means the world to me.”