I was 70 years old at the time of my injury and I was on my way to work. I stopped at Panera to get coffee for my co-worker and myself. I fell on my way back to my car and landed directly on my knee on the cement. I was brought to Fariview Southdale Hospital, where it was determined that I had shattered my knee cap. Dr. Corey Wulf was the Orthopedic Surgeon on call that day and said to my daughter, “it is a really bad break.” I was in surgery the same day and spent 5 days in the hospital and was then sent to Masonic Home for rehab. Dr. Wulf had to literally put my knee cap back together like a puzzle and then used heavy duty stitches and other hardware to hold it all together. It was undetermined if I would be able to walk without an assistive device any longer.

Dr. Wulf was caring and compassionate throughout the entire process and I could not have asked for a better surgeon and team. I am happy to say that I am walking independently without an assistive device today and have returned to doing most things I was doing before the accident. I thank Dr. Wulf and his team for the wonderful care that he provided me and my family.

To: Dr. Wulf and his medical team,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help and support over the past year. To properly understand my gratitude, I feel it is important to explain my journey. About 20-years ago, I had two right knee meniscus repairs. Despite my attempts post-op to explain that my knee did not feel well, I was quickly quieted by the surgeon and told it would improve.

About 8-years ago, I was diagnosed with bi-lateral FAI, AIIS impingements, with labral tears. I was treated by a well-known physician at another facility. After four surgeries in two years (1 initial and 1 revision bilaterally), I was unable to walk a few blocks. Due to the pain, I became a patient at the United Hospital Pain Clinic and was given opiate pain medications. My mental health declined because I lost my identity and could not be the father to my two children in the way I envisioned. During my clinic exams, I again was silenced by the surgeon who appeared to struggle with his own hubris. I was told that my hips were repaired; at which time, I asked for a second opinion. It was at this time I became an advocate for my own healthcare and researched the best physicians for FAI and AIIS impingements by reading medical journals.

That brought me to Twin Cities Orthopedics, where I was treated by Dr. Chris Larson, who did my 3rd procedure on each hip. No longer did I feel like a number, I was treated like a person and my experience with orthopedics was immediately changed. After examining my right knee, Dr. Larson referred me to Dr. Wulf for complex knee issues.

Dr. Wulf, you exceeded my expectations and I have always felt cared for and treated with respect. Your humble confidence puts a patient at ease and is reassuring. The outcome with last year’s root repair on my left knee has been excellent. My left knee feels unbelievable and I was able to become free from opiate pain medication for the first time in 7-years. The improvement I was promised by the surgeon 20-years ago occurred this year with the meniscal allograft transplant by Dr. Wulf. In both procedures, I worked closely with Braidy and his knowledge and expertise is a great compliment to the treatment team.

Being a patient within a sports medicine provider, the road to recovery implies an athlete’s journey back to their respected sport. It’s been a long-time since I identified as an athlete, but this is my road to recovery as a father, husband, and son. You are part of my recovery journey and I received the best medical care an individual could have imagined.

Dr. Wulf, you have given two girls their father the ability to be active in their lives. You have given a wife her husband back and parents a healthy son. I have been off very strong opiate pain medication for 16-months, which is incredible with our society’s epidemic. I am pain-free and as I continue to heal; my goal is to be active and healthier thanks to you. My health has been a journey with 10 orthopedic procedures, and I have joy in my life again. My family and I are grateful for what you have given us. Dr. Wulf, words cannot express my thanks. Your care team,  including Braidy, is terrific.

Respectfully,
James

My brother and I were born with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition in which the body produces thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs. Growing up on a farm south of Fargo-Moorhead, we were just your typical active kids, playing softball, basketball, and football. As a girl, I loved football, and even played on the boy’s tackle football team in through 9th grade. I continued my basketball and pole vaulting careers at the University of Minnesota, Morris, while also playing numerous intramurals. During my junior year, the first devastating injury occurred while I was playing intramural flag football. I made a cut to avoid the defender and hyperextended my knee. I knew instantly I had torn my right ACL, and I was right.

I remember distinctly after the tear that my first concern was not for my knee, but my lungs. Physical activity is crucial for maintaining good airway clearance with CF, and I was worried that the long rehabilitation period would decrease my lung function to a new low and potentially never return to the pre-injury level. Within two weeks, I was diagnosed, had surgery and was in physical therapy in Morris, MN. I rehabbed diligently and sat out the entire basketball season, which was even more difficult because I had finally earned a starting role. During the rehab process, needing a way to maintain my lung function lead me to a competitive outlet in triathlons. Swimming straight, running straight and biking straight were safer for my ACL, but I missed cutting sports, especially football. The following year, I returned to basketball, playing my senior year and leading the team to a birth in the national tournament; however, my range of motion never fully returned and knee pain persisted.

In 2017, three years after my ACL tear, I signed with the Minnesota Vixen, a women’s semi-professional American football team based in Minneapolis. Every practice, scrimmage and game left me feeling energized and alive, like I was playing the sport I was meant to play. I loved it and played very well in the first four games of my rookie season as an outside linebacker. I intercepted and returned three passes for a touchdown. Then, while playing our rivals in Kansas City, I made a cut to tackle an opponent and felt my right leg give way. Trainers misdiagnosed the injury as a hamstring spasm, but I knew deep down that my ACL was gone, again. I found myself looking down the long, bleak road of 9-12 months of physical therapy and possibly never touching the field again. Another period of time where I both needed to rehab my knee and somehow maintain my lung function. I did it once, I could do it again.

I remember talking to my dad on the phone right after the injury. “Maybe you shouldn’t play football again,” he suggested softly. I wasn’t expecting my gut reaction to be so strong. I just knew I had to play again. “No,” I said, “I’m going to work my butt off and be ready for the next season. I’m going to do it because I can and because I love football.” He understood and told me to get working.

I had my ACL surgery, using the patellar graft this time, with TCO surgeon, Dr. Corey A. Wulf, less than two weeks after the injury. Within a week I was on the sidelines of the football field, cheering for my teammates at every practice and every game. Beyond rehab, I devoted myself to any type of fitness I could do to keep my lung function high, including crutching to the grocery store and back. My physical therapist told me I would be back running within 8 weeks, and with her help, I was. In March 2018, nine months after the surgery, I was cleared to play football, just in time for the Vixen’s first football game of the season. I definitely did not feel fully recovered, but was able to do my job on the field. However, I suffered from excruciating knee pain stemming from the patellar tendon. This pain kept me from using proper mechanics, reduced me to tears while driving, and persisted even during sleep. After trying self-training and a few places around the Twin Cities with no luck, I feared this was a pain I would have to live with for the rest of my life.

I kept searching for the help I needed, and ultimately found the solution at Training HAUS, which had just opened in Eagan. Training at “the HAUS” has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I started going to Training HAUS four mornings a week. There, I found out that my surgical leg had barely 50% of the strength of my non-surgical leg and that I had been severely overcompensating for the entirety of my 2018 football season. I was extremely fortunate to not have torn my ACL yet again, all-while helping the Vixen reach the national championship game and earning All-American status in the process. At the Training HAUS, Chris and Michael continually worked to develop the best possible customized plan to improve my quad strength, reducing my knee pain, and to make me performance-ready for the upcoming football season, which started in April. Almost instantly, I saw a difference as the pain started to subside and my running form, cutting form, and overall explosiveness improved.

The combination of rehabilitation and performance training I continue to receive at Training HAUS is unparalleled. My TCO hero is Chris Doney, one of my athletic trainers at Training HAUS, who has devoted countless hours to creating specialized training programs focused on isolating and strengthening my quad. Using the Biodex, a machine that measures muscle strength, we were able to track my improvements from 50% quad strength when I started to over 85%. I am still working towards complete symmetry. The knee pain has subsided, something I did not think was even possible a year ago. My TCO comeback has not been a linear process, but I cannot say this enough, I feel the best I have felt in SIX years (prior to my first ACL tear), and much of that thanks goes to my hero(s) at the Training HAUS, Chris and Michael. With commitment and a whole team behind me, I am entering my third season with the Minnesota Vixen fully healthy–lungs and knee, pain-free, and ready to compete. #HAUSBuilt

In December of 2018, I finished skiing with my family and as I was walking to my car. I had to hop across a ditch and bent my knee hard in the process. As I stood up I realized my knee did not feel right. I scheduled an appointment and did a consultation with a surgeon from a different orthopedic practice. After asking around for the best knee surgeon, it was suggested to meet Dr. Corey Wulf. He was able to meet with me the next day and we scheduled surgery. This was the second bucket handle meniscus tear I have had in my left knee (the first one was 6 years ago).

The surgery went great and I was able to start physical therapy 2 days after surgery. When I met Paul Breyen, he was very friendly and listened well. He developed a PT plan for me and we were able to progress very quickly. I had a personal goal to be able to ski the first weekend of February on a ski trip to Montana with friends. Even though Paul suggested against pushing my knee too quickly, he helped develop a plan that strengthened my leg and knee. I was able push the exercises and was successful in skiing that weekend!

Paul helped me to meet my goals and has even developed a plan for me to train for the MS150 (150 mile bike ride) in June and my first ever half Ironman in July! I did all of my PT at the new facility in Eagan and the Training Haus. That facility is best in class and also, just plain awesome! Thanks TCO for helping me with my Comeback Story!

As a sophomore in college, my life is extremely busy. Balancing sports, class and extracurricular’s is a lot to handle, and now I have to work in time for an injury. I tore my ACL and partially tore my medial meniscus while playing soccer at my university. I have never had a serious injury before that prohibited me from playing the sport I love, so the whole injury recovery process is very new to me. I was completely lost on what the procedure was, where to find a surgeon, what physical therapy entailed and recovery time. Thankfully, Dr. Corey Wulf works closely with my university and he was able to explain the procedure to me and make me feel comfortable with the unfortunate situation I was in. After surgery, I felt even more worrisome on when I would be able to return to playing my sport. An injury as serious as an ACL put me at a recovery time for 9 months. I still have about 5 months until I am able to play again. However, my physical therapist at TCO, Karie Nash, has been extremely helpful. She has made the recovery process so much easier. Her insights and exercises have made a noticeable difference. Thanks to Karie, I am more confident in my knee and I look forward to continuing to work with her to guide me along with my recovery. With the help of these two TCO employees, I am continuing to get better and now I am a little closer to returning to the sport I love.

Thank you! Had my knee replaced by Dr. Wulf on May 8^th, 2017 and I am hiking and biking daily without a single issue. This is now my “strong” knee. I climbed mountain trails with no problems – I’m so pleased (San Jacinto Mountains in Palm Springs). Not bad for a 71 year old!!! Thanks again – Linda K.

I’m so very grateful to Dr. Corey Wulf, Brittany W., and Becky S. at TCO that I had the opportunity to participate in the DeNovo NT clinical trial. The result has been a literal God-send!  Having been a serious marathoner for the past 20 years and a marathon coach for the last 6 years, I was devastated when I reached a point of knee pain that wouldn’t allow me to run a step.  At the time, I was diagnosed by both TRIA and TCO with a medial chondral defect in the right knee. 

I ultimately elected to have my surgery done by Dr. Wulf at TCO for several important reasons: Dr. Wulf was recommended to me by other runners and running professionals.  More importantly, Dr. Wulf is also a runner and so I knew he truly understood how much it meant for me to get back to my sport.  At age 50, most places would have considered it a success if I could just walk without pain, but Dr. Wulf was committed to helping me race again. And the great thing was that it was not just my goal – it was Dr. Wulf’s and his entire team’s goal as well!

My first surgery was a microfracture surgery. I elected to have this surgery because it was a shorter recovery and being fit I had a reasonable chance of it being successful.  A year post I still could not run without pain and was fairly discouraged.  In one of my follow up appointments as we were talking through next options, Dr. Wulf talked with me about a new type of cartilage transplant surgery that he felt I was a good candidate for and that he had had good success with it.  At the time, Dr. Wulf was one of a very few orthopedic surgeons that was experienced performing this surgery.  It was a long recovery (a solid year) but I followed Dr. Wulf’s protocol to the letter. Everyone I worked with at TCO and the Institute of Athletic Medicine was so encouraging and supportive through the process.  Finally after reviewing my MRI one year post surgery, Dr. Wulf gave me the all-clear to begin training again on April 10^th, 2015.  I continued to work with PT at the IAM and joined Orange Theory Fitness in Eden Prairie in May and got stronger as the length of time I could run got longer.  Then on August 1, 2015 I ran my first race – the Minnesota Half Marathon 5K.  It felt so wonderful to race again!  I ended up finishing 4^th in my age group with an average chip pace of 8:16 min/mile!  Words can’t come close to describing how great it felt to be back in the game.  I owe it to Dr. Wulf and his team for working so hard to help me achieve such a great outcome after that devastating diagnosis.  I am so very grateful that I was selected to participate in the clinical trial.  I want to be sure others have the opportunity to benefit from this type of surgery.  For me, it was a clear success.  While I may not run marathons any longer, the surgery enabled me to run and race again without pain. As a runner, that is life.   I’m forever grateful to Dr. Wulf and his team at TCO.  THANK YOU!

I have been a patient of Dr.Wulf’s for a few years.  I had a total knee done this past summer and recovery has been long with some ups and downs.  But Dr. Wulf and his staff are awesome.  Their communication and follow through is very good.  He listens and makes a patient feel at ease.  He has very high expectations on recovery, he is honest, he is a perfectionist and that’s what makes him a phenomenal physician.  His staff is very understanding and patient.  The Physical Therapy group in Eden Prairie is awesome, and unbelievable as well.  Kevin, Nate, the other trainers  and the entire front desk staff really do care and push you until you are at your BEST! They ALL go above and beyond.  There were many tears shed and a lot of pain but they always gave a hug and a smile.  Thank you to all at TCO.

My 11 year-old daughter was recently seen by Dr. Wulf after a soccer injury to her knee. We went to Dr. Wulf because my nephew had seen him several years ago for knee surgery and I had Dr. Wulf perform microfracture surgery on my knee as well.

Dr. Wulf quickly diagnosed her with a contusion on her knee and a mild ACL sprain. He was exceptionally understanding of her athletic nature and desire to safely get back to playing as soon as possible. He was wonderful to work with and connected well with my young daughter.

If you are unlucky enough to have to have a family knee doctor, Dr. Wulf is a great choice.

Thank you Dr. Wulf!

Both before and after I had my ACL replaced, I had and continue to have physical therapy through TCO. I can’t believe what a difference it is making. The therapists are incredibly knowledgeable, encouraging and effective. They helped get me ready for the surgery and then they have been with me post-surgery to help manage the pain and make the healing process go faster. I can’t imagine not having their support, so I sing their much deserved praises.

In the fall of 2017, I was tackled hard in a high school soccer game. Little did I know what I was in for when I heard I tore my ACL. Tearing your ACL is probably the worst possible news any female soccer player could receive. I knew that I was going to have to fight hard to get back to where I was and that I had a lot of work to do. Luckily for me, I was already working with such great strength trainers, Scott Schriever and Kirk Olson. Kirk called me shortly after we told him the news and he allowed me one day to cry but then he said to me, “it is grind time from here on out”.

The day of my surgery, I was stressing because I had never gone under or even had surgery before. Kirk called me while we were in the parking lot of TCO to reassure me that everything would be okay and that I was in great hands. Scott and Kirk then introduced me to my phenomenal physical therapist, Mike Shirilla, who helped me make my great comeback. When I arrived for my first PT session a few days after surgery, Mike, Scott, and Kirk were all waiting for me at the front door. From that day forward I knew I would have my own personal team and that I would be okay. Mike not only helped me physically but mentally as well which is a huge turning point for this process. Every week he would provide me a new video or podcast to listen to from elite women soccer players, as well as having me follow an ACL club on twitter to inspire me. He made me become a better version of myself.

My surgeon, Dr. Wulf, also helped me feel tremendously better and confident that my recovery would make me stronger. Every visit with him made me feel better about my progress. I worked for 9 long hard months with almost no days off. I had to give up a lot to reach my goal. At the time, it was very hard but I persevered through it and now I’m a lot stronger because of it. I was strength training 3 times a week and doing physical therapy 2 times a week, as well as the athletic competition enhancement (ACE) program through TCO. Tonia and Nate, who ran the ACE program, provided me with a customized return to play routine to get me to my highest potential. During this long, hard process, my TCO team became my family for 9 months and counting.

A key to staying strong is my strength trainer, Scott Schriever. He pushes me every day to keep working harder and improving myself. Having a trainer like Scott, who dedicates a lot of his time to his athletes, is very motivating. A bonus to my recovery was the new biomechanical lab at the Training Haus. I was lucky enough to be one of the first to be tested in this lab. Michael Kiely, who ran the lab, helped me realize what specific things I needed to work on to prevent re-injury and to stay strong.

I was then fortunate enough to be cleared by July of 2018 and had the opportunity to play my first soccer games back from my injury in Iceland and Sweden. It was my goal to play before I got back into high school soccer and, thankfully, we made that happen. My club, Minnesota Thunder Academy, played in the Gothia Cup in Sweden which is compared to as being the Youth World Cup. We got to play against some of the best teams in Sweden and other countries — and all thanks to my wonderful team at TCO I had the trip of a lifetime. Exactly one year after my surgery, October 16th 2018, I scored the winning goal, which was a header goal in double over time of the section final for my high school soccer team (Minnetonka High School) to punch our ticket into the state tournament. That was the best feeling in the world especially since it was exactly one year post surgery. It just reminded me of how far I’ve come both mentally and physically and how I’ve grown from my injury. Once we got into the state tournament, our first game was at Prior Lake High School, the field where I tore my ACL. That was a big day for me mentally and physically, in addition to the fact that I was about to play a game on the field that ended my sophomore season. I turned that awful memory into a happy one because we ended up winning and were guaranteed two games at the U. S. Bank Stadium for the first time. We then went on and won the Minnesota State High School Class AA Championship. I want to give all my thanks to TCO and the Training Haus for the amazing care team I had that made them my TCO Champions. Without any of them I would not be where I am today and would not be able to share my story.

Here is the link I’ve included to my header goal that advanced us to the state tournament: HERE