Physicians

In 2015, my sophomore year of college, I was the starting goalkeeper for the Gustavus women’s soccer program when I took a knee to my hip in the beginning of the second half. I had sustained a hip pointer injury, but continued to play the following 35 minutes and overtime, in addition another 35 minutes of double overtime. After that, I played another full game and double overtime to end the season.

I took 2 weeks off from working out and felt able to workout again, however I battled hip pain off and on for another 8 months before seeing another doctor. After getting an MRI, it was confirmed that I had a left femoral acetabular impingement and a complex labral tear. I was referred to Dr. Larson, who assured me that all of my symptoms; pain in my joint, clicking, pinching, clenching and a shooting pain from my hips, down my leg, and up my abdomen was normal for the injury. We talked about alternative treatments but had decided surgery was my only option.

In August of 2016, I went into the OR and had a FAI decompression and labral repair and debreidment. In the same month I began physical therapy. I sat out my junior year of soccer at Gustavus but supported my teammates as they won the conference and went to the national tournament. I got strong enough and was cleared to return to play my senior year, but my heart was no longer in it and, although I completed the season, I did not have joy for the sport and I still had fear of taking a hard hit. I did not feel I had a proper comeback and I did not feel I overcame my surgery. I decided after graduation, passing my Nursing boards, and training in at the Mayo Clinic, that running a marathon would be my comeback. And that’s when I began training.

I had my 3 year check in with Dr. Larson at the new Vikings clinic just months before I was scheduled for my race. He assured me that my scans and physical assessment looked great and that running is a better choice for me. We talked about how the side to side motion and constant position changes was not good for my hip, and that a continuous forward motion like running would be better for my hip and my lifestyle.

I then ran the San Francisco half marathon in under 2 hours, continued my training, and ran the Twin Cities Marathon in 4 hours and 15 minutes without any hip pain. I plan on running many more marathons and half marathons in my future. I am signed up for a half marathon this August on the 4 year anniversary of my surgery. Celebrating 4 years without hip pain thanks to Dr. Larson, his amazing team, and his perfected recovery/rehab program.

I have always been a competitor. I love the thrill of a race and physical fitness has now been even more important to me as I am a mom. In 2017, I was diagnosed with a hip labral tear with a FAI. It was slowing me down so I sought the help of Dr. Christopher Larson at TCO. In October 2017 I had the surgery. The procedure went well and I knew it was going to be a slow recovery but I worked hard at physical therapy and counted down the days until I could get back to running and yoga.

However, life threw me a curve ball. Fast forward 4 weeks later, something started to feel “off.” My TCO team was not concerned right away, as I had been following post-op instructions to the letter. However, after a few days concerns started to grow. After an MRI, I found out somehow (still a head scratcher) I had broken my femoral head clean off my femur. I am still Dr. Larson’s medical mystery. I was rushed the next day to emergency surgery and I was crushed with the news that I would not even be able to touch my toe to the ground for 6 weeks, plus many months of physical therapy. As a mom, I was crushed – how was I going to do this? I could not drown in my sorrows so I committed hard. I took zero narcotics post surgery – I need to be able to have a clear head and drive. I went to physical therapy twice a week for 4 months – I needed to be stronger after my surgery than before. I worked hard at home even when I was tired. My daughter and husband were my rocks. Ella, who is 6, even lent me her balance beam to do my exercises on – it was a family affair. Six months to the date of my surgery, I completed a 5K pain free and beat my pre-surgery record time. I cried for the first time. I can’t even describe that moment. I still have hard days and some days I can still feel everything, mentally and physically. In the end, this journey made me so much stronger and I am on my way to completing a half-marathon this summer. Thank you, Dr. Larson, for the amazing care. Thank you TCO for getting me back to being a mom and helping show my daughter that obstacles are worth overcoming.

My name is Will M. and I am writing to congratulate and thank the team at MOSMI for making my hip arthroscopy such a pleasant and safe experience.  I travelled from out of state to visit Dr. Larson and his team and was consistently surprised at the level of competence, professionalism and care that each member of the team displayed.  From billing and assistants to front office staff and medical staff I have no higher recommendation.

Sincerely,

Will M.

Dear Mr. Simonson,

I have been coming to Twin Cities Orthopedics since it opened. There are certain Doctors and Surgeons that stand out with their personality and professionalism. Dr. Christopher Larson, MD is one of Twin Cities Orthopedics Outstanding Physicians!

I have been seeing Dr. Larson over the past 3 years with a Large Labral Tear in my right hip. Dr. Larson is personable, kind, courteous and a smile that is always calming and caring!

Dr. Larson always goes the “extra mile” with his knowledge, concern and explaining what the injury is and how to maintain it.

Dr. Larson is a “great asset” to the Twin Cities Orthopedic Team! Please pass these comments on to Dr. Larson and thank you!

Sincerely,

Betsy C.

Hi Dr Larson,

In Feb 2015 you reattached my torn hamstring.  Prior to my surgery, my fastest marathon time was a 4:20.  This past December, I ran my first marathon post surgery.  I came close to my PR, but not quite — I ran a 4:22 at the California International Marathon in Sacramento.  Yesterday, I ran my second marathon post surgery … I ran a 4:05:13 in Fargo, a 15 minute PR!  Next goal:  a 3:57 in the fall (that’ll get me into Boston!)

As you warned me before surgery, it’s been a long hard road back, but thanks to you and a few amazing Physical Therapists (Claudia Hornibrook at IAM – post surgery, and Lily Lind and Sara Conrad at  your Eden Prairie location more recently) — I am now even faster and stronger than I was pre-surgery.

I just wanted to say thank you for your amazing work in fixing my hamstring!

I can’t say enough good things about the care that I received from Dr. Chris Larson, his physician assistant Kevin R. and support staff. Dr. Larson has operated on both of my hips for femoral acetabular impingement. The condition of both of my hips was debilitating. I no longer live in constant pain and I am able to do all athletic and recreational activities that I love. Thank you Dr. Larson for your clinical and research commitment to FAI!

My introduction to Dr. Larson is rather unique as I’m not a runner nor do I compete in major athletic events. However, one of my hobbies is running agility with my Great Dane, Tess.

After two years of training, we were finally ready for our first competitive Agility Trial.   It was November 2014, the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Honestly, it was the perfect set up – our home course with my instructor at my side and our breeder videotaping my first run. After walking the course and waiting our turn, it was finally time. Wait, wait, wait for the buzzer.  Bzzzz…and we were off… Tess was over the first jump, and heading for the dog walk when she realized I wasn’t running next to her. I had tripped right out of the start gate. How embarrassing, I thought, as a hundred people were watching. I got myself up, and hobbled along the dog walk then realized something was really wrong. I had to be carried off the course and I almost passed out from the pain.

Three weeks later, I found myself sitting in Dr. Larson’s office as he explained that my hamstring had torn off the bone and surgery was inevitable. I was pretty determined that I could live without the surgery, but Dr. Larson helped me realize that there was no realistic reason not to have the surgery. My fears dissipated as he explained that even with my immobilizer, I could be driving within weeks, hobbling around on crutches for about a month and starting physical therapy within six weeks. Dr. Larson had to squeeze me into his surgery schedule at the last minute, as the time sensitivity of hamstring repair is so imperative.  That was Dec 16, 2014.

I graduated from physical therapy in Jan. 2016, thanks to Ashley at Viverant who built my confidence as well as my hamstring muscle. In February, 2016, fourteen months post-­?surgery, I ran in my first competitive Agility Trial! I was so nervous, but I didn’t fall! There was a huge standing ovation when we finished!

I shed tears of joy and gratitude and I am “back to normal!”

Thank you, Dr. Larson.

Dr. Larson and his care team are excellent! From the first visit, through surgery to now 6 plus months post-op. Dr. Larson and his team were fabulous in the care they gave me. Being an active individual, who also works as a nurse, I am on my feet all day, all the time, but thanks to Dr. Larson my days are now pain free! The work Dr. Larson and his team have done is truly remarkable and I would choose Dr. Larson again in a heartbeat!

I had surgery on January 30th.  Yesterday, I competed in my first triathlon in four years and my first race in over 18 months.  I came in 4th place for my age group.  I’m still slow (for me) on the run but my fitness is coming back quickly.  The best part?  I had no hip pain and no hamstring pain.

The day after the race, I felt regular soreness but did not experience any pain.  It was amazing!  I lived with hip pain for so long it had become “normal.” I cried when I crossed the finish line. I love competing and I’m thrilled to be feeling great.  Please give Dr. Larson a big thank you for everything he did for me.  He has helped me return to the hobby that I love.   Next year I’m going for 1st in my age group!  Ha!  🙂

One day when I was out for a training run back in 2012, I felt a sudden deep pain in my hip joint. I went to a chiropractor who diagnosed me with a hip flexor strain and sent me on my way. After many months, my hip never felt better and I was unable to run, walk, sit, and basically do anything without pain.  It became chronic and I had to cease all triathlon training except swimming, during which I still experienced mild pain. I thought I could never run again.

After one year of no answers and another flare-up, I went to TCO’s Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic and was lucky to see one of Dr. Larson’s partners who quickly diagnosed my labral tears and FAI.  After my initial appointment with Dr. Larson, I knew surgery was my only option to get back to racing triathlons again. My left hip was done in November 2013 and right hip done August 2014. My PT Emily Beyer, a gifted soul and skilled therapist made a tremendous impact on me and my recovery.

 In June 2015 I finally was able to compete in my first race since the onset of my injuries, and finished 19th out of 96 women and 1st place in my age group! And NO HIP PAIN!  Today I am running and biking just as fast as I was before my injuries, having just started training a few months ago.

I am filled with the utmost gratitude for Dr. Larson and all his staff, and will forever be grateful. What Dr. Larson does really changes lives, and now I can continue chasing my dream of being a competitive triathlete. Thank you!!!!

 .  

Dr. Larson is the absolute best! 7 weeks post op from hip arthroscopy. I haven’t sat like this in about two years! So unbelievably grateful!

Dear Dr. Christopher Larson,

I would like to thank you and your staff for all the help you gave me with me hip.  Two other orthopedics suggested a hip replacement.  But at the age of 38 (at that time) the doctors didn’t want to perform a replacement on me.  You were able to repair the damage without  replacement.  Hip surgery was March 2014.

For almost 2 years, I had a hard time making it through a 50 hour work week.  I had to avoid some of my activities (hiking, rock climbing, & boating).  Riding in a vehicle was difficult, also.  But after my hip surgery and physical therapy, I am almost 100%!!!  I am very excited to say, I am back to hiking and rock climbing.

My husband and I are currently vacationing in Arizona.  Here is a picture of me (circled in green) climbing the Bell Rock in Sedona AZ, 1 year after surgery. I was able to make it half way up this rock (I didn’t want to push it too hard). With a couple more months of training, I will be able to climb the entire rock.

Thanks isn’t enough for what you and your staff have done for me!!!

Sincerely,
TW

The services I received from Dr. Larson and his staff were superb. I have never been treated as well as I was there. From his staff at Twin Cities Orthopedics over to Crosstown Surgery Center; are all very considerate and made this whole ordeal as good as it could be. I’m continuing PT at one month post-op currently. Look forward to gaining my physical health back and living pain free again.

Hi Dr. Larson and care team, and Emily Beyers!

I have been thanking you all every day since the surgery was performed, but these past weeks I felt the need to reach out and send you some photos of some of my most recent activities out here in Oregon to share my joy and my awe at being here. Just today I hiked 6 miles and 1400 ft elevation on one of the local mountain trails. I am going to the Desolation Wilderness in Calif in Mid July and am “training” to climb Mt McLaughlin with new friends in August- its about 9600 ft. The photos enclosed show my first few hikes here in Oregon, which I took in the first week of June- they seem pretty easy now!

I can’t thank-you all enough, but I’m trying… every hike I carry you all with me. I’m working on the internal and external rotation, plus basic core strengthening and continued pelvic stability exercises. My PT says I’m doing great- my new goal was to hike 10 miles, and I’m already at 7, so I changed the goal to hiking Mt McLaughlin.Ha ha!

I hope you are all well and getting some great summer time in, and if you EVER wondered about your vocation, please take a look at these photos and accept the gratitude and joy I send you.

Julie A. has taught horseback riding and trained horses for a living for over 25 years in Saline, Michigan. After she began to experience hip pain, she was diagnosed with Femoralacetabular Impingement (FAI). Following an unsuccessful arthroscopic surgery with a local surgeon, she learned that Dr. Christopher Larson of Twin Cities Orthopedics specializes in treating FAI.Julie traveled from Michigan to Minnesota through a winter snowstorm to have surgery with Dr. Larson and couldn’t be happier with the results. “From the pre-operative nursing staff and OR team at Fairview Southdale Hospital to Dr. Larson’s staff, I can only give praise for the wonderful care I received before, during and after surgery,” said Julie. Two years after her second surgery, Julie is pleased to report that she has been able to continue her career “with minimal pain and a greater range of motion.”