Patient Testimonials

My journey with the Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) team began in February 2017 when my wife gave me a Valentine’s Day gift: a new hip. I had put it off for so long because I was afraid. Dr. Brian O’Neill performed the surgery and helped soothe my fears. The surgery went well, and I was up and walking with the assistance of a walker within an hour or two of the operation thanks to the TCO EXCEL program. His advice was simple: walk. He said it was the best thing for a new hip, and he was right! Since my surgery, I have participated in the TCO personal training program, where I meet with Laurey Heinrich twice a week for 30-minute sessions focused on strengthening. Laurey’s sessions have provided motivation, accountability, and the support I needed to stay committed to exercising.

Over the past couple of years, I have developed some knee and shoulder “maturing issues.” These have become the focus of my training and have led to a few physical therapy sessions with the TCO team. Dr. David Hartigan and his PA-C, Aaron Hulsebus, have been realistic about my physical challenges and have helped create a care plan that takes my personal goals into consideration while improving my mobility.

Where has this journey led me? Over the past year, I have lost 20 pounds and successfully kept the weight off. I have been able to travel and enjoy hiking in the Red Rock area of Sedona, Arizona; explore the beaches and trails of Maui, the Big Island, and Oahu; and enjoy many trails throughout Minnesota. I can even play golf again. Most importantly, with the birth of my granddaughter, I am now able to get up and down from the ground to play with her, which is a major accomplishment. I can hold her, read books to her, and go for walks with her and my family. Having that mobility back is a true gift!

My shoulder and knees may still have their “maturing issues,” but the TCO team has provided me with the tools, guidance, and care I need to maintain my mobility while reducing discomfort, all without the need for additional surgery. For my mobility and the opportunities it has opened up for me, I am deeply grateful to the TCO team.

Dr. Nessler and his team are the best! He replaced my right hip in November 2024 and just did my left hip July 2026. The entire process is very smooth. The EXCEL program and cares sites at the Omni Hotel is a very pleasant experience from surgery to recovery. I always felt well cared for and comfortable. I can now get back to full range of motion in both my hips and become active again. Thank you to Dr. Nessler and his team.

In April 2026, I went to TCO Edina Urgent Care for my right hip pain. I saw Dr. Eric Bobel, who specializes in sports medicine. I had an X-ray taken, but it had shown very little. He ordered an MRI which indicated bone on bone deterioration. I was able to have my hip replacement scheduled six weeks later with Dr. Carlson. I cannot say enough about the care I received! Dr. Carlson, Dr. Bobel, the nurses at the EXCEL Care Suites, the follow-up care with Jacob Szalat, PA-C, has been phenomenal through and through.

I had a second successful anterior hip replacement with Dr. O’Neill. I had them done two years apart. The procedure is minimally invasive and a game changer in joint replacement. While it required following post-op medical protocols, the payoff was evident in my quick recovery, and I was able to return to doing all my favorite activities.

Below are multiple reasons why I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill and his team at TCO:

• Dr. O’Neill is an expert and perfectionist in doing anterior hip replacements. He is supported by a seasoned team of staff that make the process easy and stress-free. Dr. O’Neill is more than an excellent surgeon. He is a great person, and he will make sure you receive the best care.
• TCO’s EXCEL program is amazing! The procedure is done at one of TCO’s surgery centers, which is an excellent experience. The program includes an overnight recovery at its nearby care suites, and they have an awesome staff! The EXCEL program also bundles the procedure’s components and costs for easier insurance processing.
• Renting a NICE machine for a few weeks to cold wrap your hip area and manage swelling is very helpful during post-op recovery. Following the prescribed walking and exercise schedule is also a must in getting the best results. I could truly notice the progress I was making everyday!

I first sought chiropractic treatment and then physical therapy for my left hip pain. My X-rays revealed severe arthritis. At 67 years old, I was hoping to avoid surgery, but when I could no longer walk more than two blocks, I knew it was time. A co-worker recommended Dr. O’Neill, and he performed my left hip replacement using the anterior approach in July 2025. My right hip was also severely affected by arthritis, and Dr. O’Neill replaced it in October 2025. Recovery from both hip replacements was easy, consisting mainly of walking and a few exercises at my kitchen counter.

Meanwhile, I had been dealing with various right knee injuries for decades, including a fractured patella in three pieces, arthritis, and pain. I consulted with Dr. O’Neill about my knee and my X-rays showed it was also in rough shape. We went forward with a right knee replacement in April 2026. The recovery was more intense with regular physical therapy and home exercises to achieve the best possible outcome. But if I can do it, anyone can! If you are looking for a skilled, knowledgeable surgeon for hip or knee replacement surgery, look no further than Dr. O’Neill. He and his team are wonderful! I want to give a big thank you to Ann, Lauren, Kaylyn, the pre-operative staff, Randy, Mary, Lindsey, William, the EXCEL Care Suites staff, and my physical therapists. I am very grateful to have had such skilled medical and surgical professionals!

Twin Cities Orthopedics is the best! Dr. TJ Panek is a skilled surgeon with healing hands, a great heart, and a user-friendly bedside manner. He is truly passionate about what he does. The staff at TCO and EXCEL are also very passionate, and  it’s easy to see that they love what they do. I would recommend Dr. Panek and TCO to anyone who needs orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Bircher recently performed my left knee replacement surgery. Last January, he performed my right knee replacement. Both surgeries went very well. Dr. Bircher is an excellent and caring surgeon. My recovery went without any issues, and I was back to normal in about eight weeks. I followed all the directions regarding medications and physical therapy. I am 100% pleased with the outcomes of both surgeries.

Dr. Bircher and Twin Cities Orthopedics are best in class. The supporting staff including the surgical team, nurses, physical therapists are confident, efficient, caring, and friendly. I stayed overnight at the EXCEL care facility and that team is so good at what they do. They are such happy people. A stationary bike in home was offered, and I decided to try it. I was advised that using the bike as prescribed can cut recovery time in half. Dr. Bircher could monitor my progress and determine when I could transfer to each level. I can already tell it makes a difference. I used the “Nice” machine for both surgeries and I maked it so easy to do icing as prescribed.

I had my right knee replaced two years ago at another medical facility which was my mistake. For my left knee, I changed my insurance, so I was able could go to Twin Cities Orthopedics. I had my surgery on June 9, 2026 with Dr. Bircher. By the end of the first week, I didn’t need a walker or cane. My surgery was such a huge success! The EXCEL team was amazing! The moment I walked into the Plymouth Orthopedic Surgery Center, I felt I was in good hands. My Physical therapy was great and I finished it in only six weeks! I will be heading back next summer to see Dr. Bircher and fix my other knee. I would highly recommend TCO to everyone!

I received a hip replacement by Dr. Bircher and his team a few months after my husband died. I had been experiencing pain in my right hip, knee, and groin while giving care to my husband, but I didn’t realize my condition was strictly due to my hip. I was able to get prompt surgery after being expertly diagnosed by Dr. Bircher. I am 85 years old and live with my labradoodle, Roger. I was able to return home after a one-day hospital stay with the EXCEL program and was surprised how easily I was able to manage myself and Roger with only a few assists from my son.

I live on nine acres of land which was my husband’s outdoor kingdom. I didn’t think I would be able to maintain it and that I would have to move. However, I convalesced quickly and have no hip pain. I have been able to do much of the yard work and continue to live here with some outdoor help. I don’t think I would have been able to stay in our home and be this active again without such a good surgical outcome. I am very grateful for the opportunity I now have to continue living in my home for as long as possible. A big thank you to Dr. Bircher and his team!

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.