Gaffney elementary school music teacher Kimberly Peeler remembers the specific day in 2022 she brought a chicken to school to show her students. 

All was well until she bent down. Her knee popped, and she went to the floor. An X-ray and MRI revealed she had arthritis and a torn meniscus.  

Before long, the 51-year-old had to use a cane to get around and was essentially immobile due to constant pain. Her passions for tending to her backyard goats and chickens and cheering on a Clemson game were nearly impossible. 

“My arthritis had spread like wildfire,” Peeler said. 

Dr. Frank “Spike” Phillips, an orthopaedic surgeon with Medical Group of the Carolinas – Cherokee Orthopaedics, performed a total knee replacement surgery for Peeler in November 2023. 

“My whole life changed,” Peeler said. “I have better range of motion now than before the injury.” 

Now, Peeler enjoys everyday activities like giving her dogs a bath while on her knees and pain free. 

“I don’t even notice it anymore,” Peeler said. “We went to the beach this summer, and I was able to get down on my knees and play in the sand. It’s incredible.” 

Peeler now encourages anyone with knee pain to listen to their bodies and have Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System’s orthopaedic surgery team take a look. 

To make an appointment with Dr. Phillips, please call 864-488-3336.