Physicians

For over two years, the pain in my right knee grew to where it limited a lot of my activities. It was especially painful walking and going up and down the stairs. Dr. Lewis and his PA, Libby, helped decrease the pain with steroid injections. When that no longer helped, we decided I needed a knee replacement. At the end of January, I went to TCO Chaska. In every step of the process I was treated with respect and kindness. Everything that was going to happen was thoroughly explained. I was confident in my surgeon and his team. I trusted them completely. Surgery was a complete success. I was up walking and had physical therapy the day of surgery.

I’m walking around the lakes with my friends and enjoying every step. My knee feels stronger than it has in years. The best part is there’s no pain. Thank you, Dr. Lewis and Libby, for giving me my active pain free life back. I highly recommend Dr. Lewis. Life is so much more enjoyable when you aren’t in pain.

My left knee issues started close to a year ago, so I started seeing Dr. Lewis some time ago. We tried everything we could do to avoid surgery, however in order to resolve the remaining issue with the knee, I had Dr. Lewis replace my left knee some 5 weeks ago. The whole experience in the EXCEL program has been a first-rate affair. The surgery, the after care, the physical therapy, and just today I had my 6-week review with Dr Lewis. I’m pleased to report that the recovery plan has probably put me ahead of schedule!

I’m a very active person in general and Dr. Lewis has supported me in my effort to get back to a normal life.

If I have to replace my right knee down the road, Dr. Lewis will be my surgeon, no if or buts about it!!

I’m very grateful for the surgical skill of Dr. Randall Lewis. Last May (2023). I experienced a sudden severe pain in my left hip and thigh. My walking was affected and couldn’t put pressure on my left leg. Life activities came to a sudden stop and I made an appointment to see Dr. Lewis. Within a few hours after an MRI, he called and gave me the diagnosis. A total hip arthroplasty surgery could be a choice for improvement, and that was my decision. In September 2023, Dr. Lewis skillfully performed my procedure and I am happy to report it was the correct choice. I requested physical therapy for 6 weeks post-op, and it was very helpful. As of November 2023 I am feeling very well. I am walking well and I am so grateful. Dr. Lewis, I appreciate your surgical work. Thank you!

I have been with Dr. Lewis and his PA, Libby since 2014 when I broke both of my legs. They did an awesome job of taking care of me, considering I have sever osteoporosis! Over the years, my legs gradually got very bent and I walked with a bad limp until I needed a total knee replacement on both knees. Now I have very straight legs and I’m not walking with a limp! Thank you both for doing an excellent job at taking care of me. Dr. Lewis and Libby are the #1 doctor and PA in my book!

This testimonial is long overdue. I had both knee replacements done by Dr. Randall Lewis. One surgery took place on 10/13/21, and the second one was on 1/26/23. Both surgeries were as successful as possible seeing that I have had absolutely no problems with either knee since the procedures. The surgeries went so well that with each knee operation, I was able to walk up the stairs to my second level bedroom the night I got home.

As for Dr. Lewis, other than his surgical skill, he is very pleasant to talk with and makes one very comfortable regarding the decision to go forward with the operation. I am 85 and with the new knees, I’m able to comfortably play 18 championship holes of golf, 3 times per week and all summer long.

Dr. Lewis and his staff were great. No questions or concerns were left unanswered and I was never felt like I was being rushed.

From day one, Dr. Lewis and his team of assistants and physical therapists have been “spot on” and I thank them all. You must not forget your responsibility as a patient, to take guidance from the team and exercise. I was walking with assistance early on. At day 40 I was walking without assistance. It’s truly a miracle. I have a little more work to do on my part, like exercising, but I expect that I will continue my travels as planned. Thanks to all at TCO.

I was referred to Dr. Lewis by my chiropractor and my primary physician, who evaluated my sore hip. Dr. Lewis reviewed my hip and found that I have osteoarthritis (bone on bone). He recommended that I have hip replacement surgery (THA). That is not something I wanted to do, but he guided me through the process, alternatives, result of surgery successes and life changes due to it. Needless to say, it was something that needed to be done for my quality of life. Dr. Lewis and his team guided me through the preparation, recommendations for making my recovery easier, and what surgery would entail. Dr. Lewis performed the surgery with zero complications for me. After a few days of pain relievers and Tylenol, I was up and walking. I no longer had the pain I lived with for the previous 6 months. Dr. Lewis was a man of his word when he told me my hip will be like new.

I cannot say enough about the wonderful care I received at Twin Cities Orthopedics. From the reception staff, to the nurses, therapists and the great job Dr. Lewis did on my knee, it was a great experience overall. I couldn’t imagine having anyone else do my right knee surgery when I have that replaced. I would highly recommend TCO, and especially Dr. Lewis, to everyone I know who is looking to have any surgical procedure done.

I was told I had a significant tear in my rotator cuff, with bone spurs and arthritis. Dr. Lewis was straight to the point and gave me his recommendation to have surgery, but ultimately it was my choice. I did not hesitate in making an appointment for surgery. Dr. Lewis and the staff at TCO were professional and very kind. After surgery I went to physicial therapy at TCO. My physical therapists, Chris and Amy, where great. They were very personal, made me feel comfortable, and worked with me through recovery. I am 6 months post-surgery and my shoulder is back to normal, with no pain! I am sleeping at night with no issues. I highly recommend Dr. Lewis and TCO.

I have been under the care of Dr. Lewis and Libby Witchger, PA-C for several years with knee issues. I had a very busy life for a long time and surgery was not in the cards, so I had several cortisone shots to both knees that served me well. However, both Dr. Lewis and Libby knew the correct answer all along and were very supportive in my decision. The time came where the cortisone shots didn’t last and the pain caused my lifestyle to change drastically.

Libby would listen to me and always be so supportive in helping me walk through this. She was incredibly patient. Everything they said that would happen, did happen. My knee just couldn’t get me through the day anymore. I’ll be honest, I was somewhat in fear of the surgery itself which was a huge factor for me. I was so grateful knowing I had Dr. Lewis and Libby doing the surgery. The surgery, the tremendous support (throughout all these years) and after care was absolutely amazing. I could not have asked for better care. I will always be grateful for all that these two have done for me. Eventually the other knee will have to be replaced and I will have no reservations the second time around and hope to have the same team again. Thank you Dr. Lewis and Libby. You are amazing!

At my first appointment, Dr. Lewis could immediately tell how much pain I was experiencing. He had a couple MRI’s from my primary physician and ordered a CT scan. A surgery date was set up, but after Dr. Lewis reviewed the CT scan, he called me with the info of the healing needed to happen in the pelvic bone area before he could do surgery. Surgery was canceled and he gave me suggestions of what needed to happen before surgery. He set up another appointment to see me in a few weeks. After the next appointment when the pelvic bone changes had not been resolved, Dr. Lewis contacted 4 orthopedic surgeons from around the country to discuss my situation. He then scheduled the surgery, which he had spent 4 weeks prior planning. Surgery included a bone graft and 3 screws in addition to the hip shell ball and shaft. I am 7 weeks out of surgery, walking without any aid, am pain free and planning my active life ahead!

I am so OVER THE MOON happy with my knee surgery! I’m 5 weeks post-op and I’m doing great!! Dr. Lewis and Libby Witchger, his physician assistant, are so great to work with! They prepared me for this surgery by having me go to pre-op physical therapy and that was a GREAT DECISION! Dr. Lewis is a great surgeon and my results are crazy good! I would highly recommend Dr. Lewis and TCO! I couldn’t be happier!! Thank you, Dr. Lewis, for giving me my life back!

Dr. Lewis is the absolute best as far as I am concerned. I could not walk without a lot of pain in my knee. After Dr. Lewis did my knee replacement, I have no pain at all. I’m 79 years old. My surgery, physical therapy, and after care was the best. I trust Dr. Lewis and his whole team completely.

I went to Dr. Lewis for pain in my left arm. After an exam and imaging, Dr. Lewis diagnosed a torn rotator cuff. Decided on surgery, where he discovered a complete tear. I was in a sling for 6 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of physical therapy, and I was back 100%, no pain, no limitations. I highly recommend Dr. Lewis!

Dr. Lewis was very professional. He got right to the point and addressed all my concerns.

After much thought and several examinations by different care givers, it was clear that my right hip required replacement. I’m 74 years old and the thought of total hip replacement was daunting. I was worried about how quickly I would heal and be able to walk again without pain. I decided to go with Dr. Lewis for the surgery. The surgery went well thanks to Dr. Lewis and the care giving by the team was very good. Three weeks after surgery I was walking without any aids. I am very happy with the results; thank you Dr. Lewis and team!

I am now 7 months post-op after total knee replacement surgery from Dr. Lewis. This was done through the EXCEL program at TCO Eagan. I am a 57 year old male and am very pleased with entire process and the results. While first 6 weeks after surgery were not fun, I never regretted my decision to move forward with surgery. Except for pain directly attributed to the surgery, I have been pain-free since. It was quite a blessing. Also, I have advanced to a stage where I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about my knee. I would say that is final stage of successful surgery. I am able to enjoy all my favorite activities again. Although my interaction with Dr. Lewis was fairly limited, the results speak for themselves. I highly recommend him and the entire team at TCO Eagan and the EXCEL program. In fact, I was so impressed with the campus, my wife and I will be moving into the Viking-Lakes residence apartments this spring.

Dr. Lewis was a referral for me dating back to 2017. He and his PA, Libby, worked with me for 2 years to help me prepare for my first surgery. I had my first knee replacement in September 2019. This surgery was very successful and the continuing support of Dr. Lewis, Libby and their assistant, Angela, was beyond approach. They never went without calling me back, I was able to get in and see either Dr. Lewis or Libby as I felt was needed. I was overall very successful with this knee replacement.

I had my second knee replacement surgery in October 2021. They say never to compare yourself with any other person including your other knee. I will have to say this one went just as smoothly. Dr. Lewis and Libby communicated with me consistently when I had issues, which were only the normal course of events when having knee replacement.

I have continued working with the TCO organization with my physical therapy and I believe I was successful because Dr. Lewis and his team were an outstanding team, and they really care about their patients. Dr. Lewis came recommended by many people. He will continue to be someone that I will recommend to anyone having knee problems.

I had been having knee issues for years, starting with a meniscal tear and resulting in arthroscopic surgery twice. I was told that I would eventually need a knee replacement and when that time came Dr. Lewis came highly recommended. What a beautiful job he did with my knee. I’m 8 weeks post-op and delighted with the outcome. Thanks to Dr. Lewis and his PA, Libby.

Dr. Lewis and his orthopedic team have conducted all of my surgeries. The latest surgery was on was my right hip. I was in constant pain. On a scale of 0-10, I would rate my pain from 7-9. I had my hip surgery on November 8^th and my pain level went down to nothing. TCO and Dr. Lewis are the best. I can’t say enough praise about them. Thank you for making me pain free. I can now enjoy my retirement and get back to my volunteer work.

For 5 years, I have known I needed both of my hips replaced. I put off the surgery and dealt with the pain until it started to affect my back. I knew I had to do something and finally, I had an in-depth conversation about the surgery with Dr. Lewis. I had high anxiety, not about the surgery or recovery, but due to waiting and thinking about the process. Dr. Lewis reassured me about the process. I finally agreed to have my right hip surgery done at the Minnesota Valley Surgery Center. As soon as I checked in, I was put at ease. The first nurse I talked to (without being prompted) acknowledged my anxiety and said it would be addressed. A short time later, I met with the Anesthesiologist. He too, without being prompted, said he knew of my anxiety and would take care of me. I was given some pills and was very comfortable leading up to my arrival at the operating room. I don’t remember a lot about the surgery itself but the rest of my stay at the Surgery Center was very comfortable.

They were a great and caring nursing staff. The entire visit, from the home nurse to the physical therapist, went smoothly. My follow up visit with Libby Witchger and Dr. Lewis went well and truly, the entire process went so well. I am considering have my other hip done as soon as I can. My biggest concern was the pre-surgery anxiety but because of the caring and concerned staff, it was barely noticeable.

Dr. Lewis replaced both of my knees, one year apart from each other, and he and his staff are rock stars. He also did my wife’s knee replacement. I also want to say that his assistant,Libby, is the best. I would definitely recommend him and Libby for your orthopedic needs. I developed scar tissue in both knees and Dr. Lewis said a small number of patients get this and that it’s common. They both made noise and hurt when getting up from a sitting position. It was about a 20 minute procedure and they are perfect. Many thanks Dr. Lewis and Libby. You guys are great.

I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Lewis and his team. He did two total knee replacements for me, three months apart. Everything went exceedingly well from the first appointment to the final appointment. I experienced good communication, along with friendly and helpful staff. My recovery with PT was fast and successful. At all times during the process, the staff was friendly & helpful. Dr. Lewis is friendly, funny, & kind. He is also amazingly prompt in updating health records so you know what is going on. I recommend Dr. Lewis, without reservations, to anyone needing knee surgery.

I am passionate about teaching therapeutic horseback riding and showing my horses. During the 2019 show season, I had to have help getting on my horse because of the terrible hip pain. My performance was suffering and so was I. Dr Lewis replaced my left hip in January 2020. I couldn’t believe the relief! I was riding again by spring and showed all summer, even though my right hip was still a problem. In October, Dr. Lewis replaced my right hip. I have a matched set now. The recovery from the right hip was even easier and I was back to riding 6 weeks later. I can hardly wait for show season to start in the spring!

Dr. Lewis and his staff were wonderful. I felt like they were as vested in my recovery as I was. Every detail of this surgery went smoothly. All my questions were answered clearly and I was completely at ease with the process. These people are in a class by themselves!

I’m so lucky Dr. Lewis was on duty when I fell ice skating and fractured my right femur. He is kind and caring and has a lot of expertise. My leg has three big pins, but feels normal with no more pain. I was a lucky person.

Dr. Lewis was wonderful in the replacing and recovery on my knee. Very compassionate and always took time to listen to my concerns. I will highly recommend him to my family and friends.

Thank you, Dr. Lewis and Libby, for the excellent care! In the past year, I have had both knees replaced with great success. I am now 10 weeks post-op of the second replacement and I am already doing things physically that I haven’t been able to do in over 10 years. Dr. Lewis is kind, caring, honest, knowledgeable and competent. I greatly appreciated that he and Libby always took the time to answer my questions and provide me with options for my care. Dr. Lewis didn’t try to “persuade” me to have surgery but initially used more conservative practices to treat my knee issues. When the time came for me to proceed with replacement surgery, there was no doubt in my mind who I would trust to do the surgery. I can’t thank Dr. Lewis and Libby enough for providing such great care.

I needed a knee replacement since November of 2016. I was reluctant to do the surgery but I finally had the surgery on July 15^th, 2019. The results are amazing! I could put weight on the knee immediately with no pain. I used a walker for a week and then used a cane for another week or two as needed. After three weeks I could do almost everything. PT and home exercise really helped me heal. I want to thank Dr. Lewis and his staff for the great care!

Thanks to Dr. Lewis I am a new man! I had been suffering for quite some time. My right hip had deteriorated to the point where it was bone on bone. My quality of life was at an all-time low. I went to TCO and met with Dr. Lewis. He immediately had a plan to help me, and I was able to schedule a hip replacement surgery in no time. The surgery was a complete success, and I was home within a few days. No long recovery time. I was back to my ol’ self. I felt fantastic! No more pain! I could go back to everyday living and be able to do the things I loved but couldn’t because of my hip. Thanks to Dr. Lewis and his team at TCO! I can’t find the words to tell you how much I appreciate what you have done for me.

Sincerely,
Art

Hello! My name is Ann and I’ve been a nurse for 40 years now, started when I was 6! I manage the MN Veterans Home Adult Day Center, where a group of “angels” care for our nations Veterans who mostly suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. We call it, “the Vet’s Club”. I got up at 4am on the morning of December 7th, 2018 (D-Day) – should have known, and was so excited because we were having a holiday party for our Veterans and their families, and all the staff dress up silly. Well, coffee cup in hand and still half asleep, I tripped over a boot in the hallway at home, and went airborne landing on my left shoulder. All I saw were stars and felt pain like I’ve never felt before, made labor pains feel like a walk in the park. I crawled to my phone, called for help, and ended up at Fairview Ridges ER. Long story short, shattered neck of my humerus (not humorous to me!) and was sent to Burnsville TCO to see Dr. Lewis, who felt I had fallen the correct way and could possibly heal without surgery – I fell the right way! Yaay! Was he kidding? I could hardly move and about wanted to die from the pain. It’s funny how you take simple, everyday things for granted, like fixing your hair or brushing your teeth, until you can’t do them by yourself and have to rely on others – nurse’s are not good at asking for help! I, of course went back to work after 9 days, way before Doc Lewis said I could (don’t tell him!). Nurse’s make really bad patients! When Doc Lewis gave the okay, I was put into the wonderful hands of a physical therapist, Alex Niznik, who made me feel I could get my life back – no whining allowed! I worked with Alex every week and was doing so well, I graduated early! It’s been almost five months now, and nothing can stop this old nurse, daughter of a Marine – pain is just weakness leaving the body! I told that to Alex all the time. I really learned from Alex that if you think you can, and stay positive, you can do it! Alex – you ROCK! All my thanks, always, Ann.

In August of 2018 I shredded my patellar tendon jumping trying to win a $2 t-shirt for hitting a volleyball. 10 days later, Dr. Lewis was performing the first surgery to repair the damage. After surgery, I was in an immobilizer for around 12 weeks. During this time, I met with Tegan and Hannah to start physical therapy. During this time therapy went fine. I was able to do straight leg raises fairly quickly and progressed as expected.

The next phase is to start to bend the knee. I equate it as the tendon is like a frozen bungee cord, has to stretch it out. Along the way there were many hurdles, swelling in the knee, tightness in the hamstrings and t band slowed progress as well as the knee already being arthritic . At 1 point I was measured at 80 degrees and was stuck there. After a follow-up with Dr. Lewis he said he believed that scar tissue had built up on the repaired tendon and was keeping me from progressing any farther, so back under the knife I went to clean up the scar tissue and knee manipulation. After that we continued PT 3 times a week and made some progress but again because stuck but now at 90 degrees.

Back to Dr. Lewis for another follow-up. Dr. Lewis was not unsure what was keeping me from bending past 90 degrees and proceeded to give me the bad news. He was unsure if I would be able to walk normal again let alone play sports. This was difficult for me to hear as sports and being active have been my life. If I’m not playing a game I’m coaching a game. At this time this is where Tegan shined! Not only did she continue to push me during my therapy, she helped me with my mental and emotional state! And to be honest that was probably the most important therapy she provided. We continued to work hard, bending and pushing until I couldn’t do more. In my next follow-up I’m proud to say Dr. Lewis said in a couple of months you should be able to run and jump again!!!

Tegan stayed with me the whole time, assisting me to trust my knee as I ran, made cuts and jumped! Last week I played volleyball for the first time since August 27th and it was great! Being able to compete again is such a huge accomplishment for me!!! And without Tegan I strongly believe that I would not have been able to accomplish this!

Thank you Tegan, Hannah and of course Dr. Lewis for helping me get right!!!

I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Lewis and his staff! I’ve had very painful elbow and knee conditions that were addressed with the most conservative care practices first — both of which were highly successful. I’ve been to doctors who go right to surgical options first, but Dr. Lewis guided me to cortisone, physical therapy, and ergonomic solutions that worked wonders. Not only that, he seems genuinely interested in me and has a very kind and reassuring manner.

Dr. Lewis – We want to thank you and your staff for all you did for Mason in surgery on March 13th enabling him to be able to set out on two goals he had going in to that day. He had a personal goal to be back for his first game of his senior football season, August 30th. He also had a team goal to be playing in the Prep Bowl.  He was able to achieve both of those goals, not missing a snap along the way as Lakeville North’s starting left guard. Below is a picture from that first game and then two from their state championship win.

With all of our thanks,

Brian & Jennifer M.

I cannot say enough about how well my experiences were with my knee replacements. From my initial evaluation, developing a plan of action, the cortisone shots, the actual replacements, all the way through to post surgery pain management protocol and follow up visits, Dr. Lewis, Libby, PA and staff were professional yet personable, experts at what they do, and extremely skilled. I am 5 months out from my last knee replacement and just finished a 5.7 mile organized hill-filled walk which I have not been able to do in 3 years. I highly recommend this team!

Would like to thank Dr. Lewis and the excellent staff and especially Nurse Peggy for the care they provided to my brother Jon while having his hip replaced. Amazingly, he was home 24 hours later and is doing very well.

Hi Dr. Lewis and Libby,
A big thank you! The removal of fluid from my right knee and the following injection has been wonderful. We just returned from our trip in France and my right knee continues to be “pain free!” I was amazed at how well my left knee and right hip replacements felt, but more so, how the right knee responded to heavy days of walking in Normandy, the Loire Valley and Paris. Keep up the great work of helping to make people’s lives better!
Jim M.

Thank you Dr. Lewis for the amazing service today.
I have never received as great of service in the past as I did today.

Extremely happy with the care I received from Dr. Lewis and the entire staff at Twin Cities Orthopedics. Five stars all around! From the receptionist, to the nurses, to the doctor and especially to “Libby” (Dr. Lewis right hand women), I felt in great and confident hands. I run a small business and understand good service, and would strongly recommend this kind and qualified group of medical staff.

On June 26th of 2017, I checked in to The Ridges in Burnsville and Dr. Lewis performed a total knee replacement on my right knee.  My recovery from this surgery has been easier than I expected. The care I received at The Ridges was wonderful. All of the TCO providers, including the Physical Therapists at the Eden Prairie location have been awesome. I couldn’t be happier with my recovery and my follow up visits with Dr. Lewis. I have recommended him to many people.

I was very fortunate to select Dr. Randall Lewis to perform my knee replacement surgery. He is a skilled surgeon that takes the time to listen to your concerns and does his best to eliminate any anxiety you may have. He leads a team of well trained professionals that clearly care for the well-being of their patients.  I am an ordinary guy that was treated like the most important person on earth on the day of my surgery.  From the time I checked in until the time I was discharged from the hospital things could not have gone better.  I am forever grateful to Dr. Lewis and his entire staff!

Absolutely love Dr. Lewis. So easy to talk with and always explains thing in terms I can understand. There is no other knee surgeon I would recommend to friends and family.

Dr. Lewis develops a great patient relationship and is a great surgeon. I have been a patient of his for many years and I highly recommend him.

Today I am 5 weeks post-surgery for my knee replacement. Dr. Lewis did a fantastic job on my knee and of course, we can’t forget about his PA, Libby. The two of them always give me excellent care. Since my progress has been superb, today is my last day of physical therapy. What a team. They have taken care of me for years. Thank you.

Dr. Lewis and Libby Witchger replaced one of my knees in 2008 and the other in 2015. Dr. Lewis is extremely adept at what he does. He is accurate, skilled, caring, and compassionate. He is a patient’s partner in the process of identifying the problem and solving the problem. Both of my surgeries were very successful and I am pain free! Libby and Dr. Lewis are a great team. Libby always returns calls and stays with the patient through the entire recovery process. I highly recommend both of them!

Dr. Randall Lewis is great person and terrific surgeon. He listens carefully, answers all your questions, and then delivers the exact surgical results he promises. We have 4 new knee replacements between my wife and myself over approximately 2 years. He restored our ability to walk again without any pain and in reality gave us back our quality of life, as well as a healthy body, positive mind-set, and the ability to participate in all activities we enjoy. He is compassionate, caring, confident in his abilities, and has a fun personality and sense of humor. We recommend him very highly. His PA Libby is also outstanding helping in surgery, recovery, with medication direction , and other post-surgical answers and direction. Her follow-up is flawless with a caring and fun personality and a finely-honed skill set. The two together are a winning combination at the top of their game. Calling them to help you would be one of the best calls you make this year.

I am writing to express my appreciation for the outstanding care I received from Dr. Randall Lewis, Orthopedic Surgeon and my entire TCO care team including Libby Witchger, PA. For several years I suffered with serious knee issues from sports injuries and arthritis. Initially Dr. Lewis cared for me using non-surgical options.  Ultimately I decided the optimal option was to replace both knees and Dr. Lewis performed the surgeries. Throughout my care experience both Dr. Lewis and Libby impressed me with the personal and genuine care I received. I always received all the information I needed to make informed and clinically sound care decisions based on all options. My surgeries went so well I am now back to walking the golf course, road biking and hiking the national parks. I simply could not recommend a physician and care team more highly.

Really impressed by the movement I have and how pain free I am since the replacement just 12 weeks ago. Been in Arizona playing golf while carrying my bag just as I did last summer only its now pain-free! Back on the elliptical in the gym with no problems with the leg and knee getting stronger all the time. Thank You Dr. Lewis, you have my vote of confidence!

Going into my TKR I was nervous but could barely walk and desperately needed the surgery. Dr. Lewis and Libby were fabulous! I had no swelling or bruising and was up and walking around pretty independently by the end of second day. I totally love these two as I have gotten my life back….I can walk again!! Thank you!!

Most people are aware that physical therapists play crucial roles in helping patients recover following injuries or orthopedic surgery. But therapists also work with patients to help them get into better shape before surgery, to shorten the post-surgical recovery time and expedite healing. Eighty-two year old Ann B., of Savage, is a good example. For several years, Ann had been plagued by steadily worsening pain in her right knee (four years earlier, she had undergone arthroscopic surgery to repair her left knee). “The pain had become terrible. I couldn’t walk through the living room without having to brace myself on furniture. I put off the surgery for two years, until I couldn’t bear it any longer.”After consulting with her orthopedic surgeon, Randy Lewis, MD, of Twin Cities Orthopedics, Ann decided to undergo knee replacement surgery, and an Oct. 1, 2010 date was set for the surgery. Dr. Lewis told his patient to expect a recovery period of about six months.In the packet of pre-op information the doctor gave her, Ann read about the importance of exercising prior to surgery, in order to enable a better, quicker recovery. She checked with Mark Froemke, PT, the director of physical therapy at Twin Cities Orthopedics’ Burnsville Clinic, who prescribed a daily exercise regimen she could do at home in the five weeks leading up to her operation.“In two visits prior to surgery we identified her limitations and gave her specific exercises,” Froemke explains. “She went home and did them consistently and that obviously made a difference.”Why are pre-surgical, prescribed exercises so important? “If you can go into surgery with a good range of motion and ability to straighten the knee, that makes rehab easier, quicker and less expensive. For example, if you go into surgery with a loss of 10 degrees in being able to straighten the knee,  having surgery doesn’t mean you will have good extension of the knee,” Froemke notes. “But if you do exercises to stretch the muscles around the knee, that will make it much easier.”Froemke’s examination of the knee indicated she lacked the ability to straighten the knee and also lacked strength in the quadriceps muscles, which support the knee. He suggested gentle, repetitive exercises to increase the knee’s flexibility – extending and bending the leg, and some mild resistance training using an exercise bike, with the amount of resistance appropriate for her physical condition and age.From his perspective, Ann proved to be an ideal patient, Froemke notes. “If you go into surgery with the attitude that you are going to do the exercises the therapist recommends and are consistently motivated – as Ann was – it makes a big difference in recovery.”“The therapists at the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at the Masonic Home in Bloomington were also surprised at my recovery and I was released early from rehab to home”, Ann recalled. Post release from the TCU, she returned to the therapy clinic at TCO in Burnsville for three more exercise sessions to stretch muscles and improve her flexibility. She walked with a cane for about a week, and then was able to walk unaided, enjoying her annual vacation in Florida with enthusiasm. “I’m better than I thought I could be!”