Dan DiGrazia is an Army veteran, scuba diver, and grandfather of three who has always enjoyed staying active. When shoulder and knee pain began limiting his lifestyle, he initially assumed it was something he simply had to live with. "I spent so much time thinking pain was just part of getting older, that you just push through it," Dan said. "But I was at a point where the pain was a 9 or 10 and keeping me up at night. I realized it wasn't supposed to be like that." Having previously had a positive experience with Dr. Craig Phillips, Dan returned to Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, where Dr. Phillips treated his shoulder and referred him to Dr. Sean A. Sutphen for his knee.
Dan underwent a reverse shoulder replacement in March 2025, followed by knee replacement surgery. From the start, he felt supported by every member of his care team. "I felt like I had a whole team behind me," he said. "Not just the doctors, every single person I came into contact with. I always say, I felt like a Chicago Bear or a professional athlete. I wasn't just a number. I felt valued." His recovery exceeded expectations. "My shoulder surgery went incredibly well. I never even finished my pain meds," Dan said. Before surgery, he struggled to swim and even climb out of the pool. Afterward, he returned to the YMCA, swimming comfortably again and regaining the strength needed for knee replacement. "That was a huge moment for me."
Today, Dan is enjoying the simple things he once took for granted, from taking the stairs to walking without pain. "Now, I don't even think about my joints unless it's to think about how far I've come," he said. He credits IBJI's commitment to patient success, from in-home physical therapy to ongoing follow-ups and support. For others considering treatment, Dan offers simple advice: "You have to look at your options. Doing nothing is a choice too." He adds, "If pain is what's holding you back, don't let it. Go in with a positive mindset and be willing to do the work." Looking ahead, Dan is excited to get back to diving, ride his bike, spend time with his grandchildren, and enjoy life. "I'm excited again," he said. "I'm turning 65 this year, and I really believe I'm heading into the best half of my life."
