Patient Testimonials

I would recommend Dr. Bircher to anyone needing a knee replacement. My experience was an A+ on every level. Dr. Bircher and his team took the time to answer my many questions, and they helped make the surgery process much easier than I expected. The day of my surgery, Dr. Bircher asked if I would like to pray with him. It was very meaningful to me, and it helped give me peace before entering the surgery room. I am very grateful for my new knee. The progress I have made in recovery is exactly how Dr. Bircher and his team explained it would be. I am very grateful to finally be pain free. Thank you to Dr. Bircher and his entire team.

After decades of knee pain, I was finally in the position to address both knees replacement. I was so happy to find Dr. Schmiesing and make the personal connection which put me in the mindset to move forward. Thanks to Dr. Schmiesing and his staff, I am back to doing the things I enjoy without my knees buckling or having to endure pain and discomfort.

A huge thank you and shout out to Dr. Jason Holm, Aaron Klatt, and Alex Barney. I fell off my bike in May when the brakes locked up resulting in a bad landing on my left knee. I had not fallen off my bike since I was a kid. I have osteoporosis so I was anxious about this whole thing. I had to be at TCO Burnsville early that Thursday. Living solo at age 76 added to the challenges of this experience but I was able to be picked up and have someone stay with me for a few days to help in my recovery.

After healing from my procedure, I was finally able to prepare for a trip to see my kids and grandkids in Atlanta. I worked hard during my physical therapy appointments with Alex and learned how my new knee now functions. I powered through our sessions, and I challenged myself to whole way. Alex told me to listen to my body, especially if my body was telling me not to do specific exercises for a little while and take a break. I realized what was manageable and what wasn’t. My appointments started as twice a week, but I was able to stretch my appointments to once a week then once a month. I went through withdrawal as my PT appointments lessened, but I realized I was finally able to handle life much better as recovery went on.

I am so much happier now post-surgery. I have lost 15 lbs. since the procedure and have been more active at home and out-and-about. I was finally able to swim again during Labor Day, and I have been going to the Eagan YMCA to work specifically on strength exercises and swimming. My first time back to the pool, I realized I can do strokes that I could not do prior. I do stretches in bed and I can now bend to get up and down from the floor. My leg is truly functioning again!

Conveniently, I have a high pain tolerance, and I didn’t need much pain medication. Icy Hot became very helpful for any achy pains during recovery. Overall, healing happens if you are patient with the directions and put in the work. Thank you again to the masterful team of Dr. Holm, Aaron, and Alex! I will be forever grateful for your professional help in giving me back a positive quality of life after many years of frustrating limitations.

I cannot say enough about Dr. Mittelsteadt and his wonderful staff! I had an EMT step on and break my left foot in three places about 5 years ago. Dr. Mittelsteadt was going to do surgery the following winter, which was about a year later, but something came up with my health so we couldn’t do it. That went on for 5 winters! Dr. Mittelsteadt saw me through all those years, with steroid shots and different braces. He was very understanding and patient. Plus, he is funny! Of all the doctors I have, he’s my favorite by far. Right after I went back to work from my ankle surgery, I fell and broke my kneecap. He took care of that as well. I fall and break things all the time, so I am sure I will be seeing him again!

For months, I had been training for a significant hiking trip on Kodiak Island in Alaska; a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Just before my trip, I injured my knee and was worried I would have to cancel. Dr. Hofkens immediately made time to see me, provided excellent treatment, and helped develop a plan that allowed me to continue with my trip safely.

Thanks to his expertise and care, I was able to complete the hike and fully enjoy the experience. Dr. Hofkens was incredible throughout the entire process, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of a skilled and compassionate physician.

In the fall of 2020, I was walking across my deck with an extension cord and tripped over the cord end. As I lay on the sidewalk assessing for possible damage, I rotated my leg left and right. Unfortunately, my right foot looked like it had quit, as my toes remained pointing skyward. I had made it to the age of 72 without breaking any bones. We were assigned to Dr. Ockuly and his team. My wife and I were introduced to Dani, who is Dr. Ockuly’s Care Coordinator. If we had any questions or concerns, Dani called back incredibly quickly and was very professional. If she didn’t have the answer, she found out and called us back promptly. During the consultation, we shared our faith life with Dr. Ockuly, who responded in kind. This deepened the relationship greatly and added significantly to the trust between patient and doctor.

Sometime after that, my wife was involved in a car accident. I drove to the emergency room and met her there after the EMTs had arrived. Lo and behold…she had unfortunately broken her arm and wrist. These were the first broken bones for her as well. During a break in the action, I slipped outside and left a message with Dani. She quickly called me back, and we scheduled an appointment with Dr. Ockuly again. I was so grateful to have his team help me get scheduled on the spot.

In my retirement, I took a job as a school bus driver. I am blessed with wonderful kids on my route, and they make me happy. One part of my job I did not like was taking the 200-yard walk from the base office to my bus, and the same walk again at the end of my shift. My arthritic knees made the journey so painful. This summer, Dr. Ockuly and his team replaced both knees. WOW! Though some discomfort remains, I am taking long, confident strides. At my follow-up appointment this week, I told Dr. Ockuly, “Thank you for using your God-given gifts to repair me so I could share my God-given gifts with others!” At that point, Dr. Ockuly offered me a tissue as I was starting to tear up! As I left, I thanked Dani profusely and received a hug from Annie, who invited us to her church to see their adoration chapel. My incisions are healing very well, and my final knee X-rays proved the surgery was perfect.

Dr. Ridley and his surgical team are truly amazing. He operated on both of my knees, and the experience exceeded my expectations. I would recommend Dr. Ridley to anyone. He genuinely listens and cares about his patient. Thank you very much to Dr. Ridley, his team, and the EXCEL staff.

I want to thank Dr. Arthur and Sarah Docken, PA-C for their care in getting my knee back in order so I could run. I was able to finish the Twin Cities Marathon. I couldn’t have done it without their help.

Dr. Chris Meyer and the TCO Team at the Ridgeview Two Twelve Surgery Center in Chaska have done a fabulous job for me. I had both knees replaced within the last three months. The scheduling, documentation, surgery, overnight stay, physical therapy, and follow-up has been a 10 out of 10 experience from start to finish. I was hesitant to have these old knees replaced at 73 years old, but I feel young again. I never had any pain after surgery, other than stiffness as I followed Dr. Meyer’s orders on best practices for rehab. He told me, “There are no extra credit points for pushing this along. Lay low for 2 weeks. Attend PT and your knee will heal just fine”. I followed instructions and I was on my way to normal range of motion within three weeks. The staff are professional, personable, friendly, and well trained. Thank you and great job to everyone!

I recently had a total knee replacement done by Dr. Hunt. The experience was quite beyond my expectations. It amazes me how efficient the whole process has become. The entire staff was exceptional, responsive to every inquiry, and focused on providing the best care possible. The surgery went flawlessly with Dr. Hunt and his team did a superior job. The scarring was minimal. They had me up and walking right after surgery. Physical therapy started on day three of my recovery. The booklet from TCO explaining the procedure from start to finish was right on target and answered all questions. It accurately described expectations for the entire timeline from pre-op, surgery, and recovery. The facilities at the TCO Chaska location were also top notch. Even the food was great. My wife and I want to thank the entire TCO team.