Patient Testimonials

My procedure with Dr. Carlson was great! I really appreciated the EXCEL program since I didn’t have to go home the evening of my surgery. It was lovely to be able to use the constant ice machine. Being able to walk as often as I wanted with someone who was able to keep a professional eye on me was very nice. It also gave the nurses a chance to do some alterations to my meds before I went home. Since all my questions were answered during my stay, I went home completely comfortable with handling my own care.

I was born with a defective hip. After 11 years spent trying to find answers, Dr. Larson figured it out three minutes. Because of his medical expertise, I enjoyed 16 pain-free years. In July 2025, my hip eventually needed a total replacement. I made 13 visits to the ER and saw three orthopedic surgeons outside of TCO. Every provider told me it was sciatic pain, but I knew from my experience before seeing Dr. Larson that that wasn’t the problem.

After all this, I found my way back to TCO and meet with Dr. O’Neill. He determined that my hip was bone on bone and was ready for a replacement. The hip replacement procedure was life changing! Four days after surgery, I lost my cane because I walked away from it. I walked up four stairs with ease before I noticed the cane was missing and I wasn’t using it. From diagnosis to restoration, Dr. Larson and Dr. O’Neill changed my life. I was frustrated and depressed with the care I received prior to finding them. They gave me hope and a future I can enjoy again. Dr. Larson and Dr. O’Neill will always be my first stop from now on.

In April, I had my right knee replaced. I went into surgery confident that Dr. Bircher would work his magic again! He did my left knee replacement two years ago which went amazing. He takes time to explain, answers all my questions, and reassured me every step of the way. His entire team is so positive and caring! Within a few weeks, I was moving easier than I had before surgery. I am continuing to heal and greatly appreciate the care provided! I highly recommend Dr. Bircher and his team!

When I decided to get back into playing soccer, I didn’t think it would lead to one of the most feared sports injuries. After my fourth week in an adult soccer league, I fell to the ground after beginning to sprint after a long ball. I heard a pop from the back of my heel and it felt like somebody had kicked me but there was nobody behind me. That’s when my TCO journey began. I went to the TCO Urgent Care clinic in Waconia, scheduled repair surgery which went well, and started on the road to recovery. I started early on physical therapy. I knew a strong program and adherence would lead to a faster, better recovery. I worked with Physical Therapist John Bottoms to tailor my program with a goal to get back to where I used to be.

Prior to the injury I was strength training six days a week, along with some running. Being a former personal trainer and physiologist myself, I could tell that John was tailoring the program to my goals and timelines, not just a typical program for every person. He was able to work with me on the physical and emotional difficulties that come with an injury and rehabilitation of this nature. I kept up with the program and was able to complete it on time and ahead of typical timelines. At the end of my rehab, I asked John about the goal of running a 10K on my one year “snipaversary.” I’m proud to say that on the one year mark I was able to complete a 10K race in 56 minutes. My Achilles was not bothered or sore at all. I’m very grateful for the level of care and rehab I was given by TCO to get back to my activities and workouts that I enjoy. Keep going.

I want to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible care I received from the entire TCO team during my ACL surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery. The road back was challenging, but because of the expertise, dedication, and support from Dr. Flikkema, his team, the TCO staff, and my physical therapy team, I was able to rebuild my strength, regain confidence, and return to the sport I love. Since my surgery, I have worked extremely hard not only to recover physically, but also to improve my overall health and fitness. Through commitment, training, and dedication, I have lost nearly 60 pounds and continued pushing myself toward my goals.

I have competed in several taekwondo tournaments and continued to challenge myself. Most recently, I competed at USA Taekwondo Nationals and was honored to earn 2nd place. The championship match was a very close and competitive fight and being able to compete at that level after ACL surgery is something I am extremely proud of. It reflected the hard work, determination, and support that TCO provided to help me along this journey.

I plan to continue competing in taekwondo, setting new goals, and continuing to challenge myself both as an athlete and in my overall health and fitness. The TCO team has helped me get back to doing something that is an important part of my life. Beyond the physical recovery, TCO helped me believe that returning to competition was possible. Thank you for your skill, encouragement, and commitment throughout my journey. I am truly grateful for the role TCO played in helping me get back on the mat, improve my health, and continue chasing my goals.

I had my knee replaced in February by Dr. Bircher. I am feeling great! I am four months into recovery and just got back from an 11-day trip with my family. Knowing I had this trip planned, I diligently followed my physical therapy exercises and did as much rehabilitation as possible to prepare. We walked an average of five miles a day, often on uneven paths with many steps, and my knee felt great. After taking two trips in the last few years while dealing with so much pain, this felt amazing! Dr. Bircher, his staff, the nurses, and the physical therapists who helped me were fantastic, and I can’t thank them enough.

I cannot say enough positive things about Dr. Owen O’Neill and his team: Kaylyn, Lauren, Ann, and Hayden. My total knee replacement surgery and recovery went very well. After eight weeks, I was back to doing everything I wanted to do. I can golf, bike, and walk my dog again. I was told by the team that the exercises and physical therapy were important, so I was diligent in doing them. I am extremely pleased and happy that I had the surgery.

Thank you to Dr. Kirksson for years of continuous, stupendous care! He truly listens, discusses, and cares about the health of my spine and my wellbeing overall! His dedication to his skill makes him #1 in my book!

My whole experience was great! A booklet was sent to me in advance, and it helped me get prepared for my procedure. The surgery went well and my knee replacement has been great. Two weeks into recovery, I was walking and only hurt a little bit. I am now six weeks in and am doing wonderful. I would highly suggest Dr. Nessler and his team.