Patient Testimonials

Dr. Schmiesing ?and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. Beginning with my first visit to evaluate options for my knee pain, Dr. Schmiesing was understanding and listened to my concerns. He then provided me with the options available and a real-life approach to treatment for my knee pain. When the time came to schedule surgery for total knee replacement, Dr. Schmiesing and team were extremely helpful in answering all of my questions and getting me scheduled for surgery. Surgery and recovery went smoothly with no problems. The rehab process has also been a great experience. Many have said that you will wonder why you waited so long to have the surgery, which I did not believe at the time. Now I can honestly say I am happy to have had the surgery, and my experience has exceeded expectations. Thanks to Dr. Schmiesing, his team and the Excel program and post-surgery care team!

Dr. Carlson has given great attention to my left knee and entire left leg/hip issues. The speed and attention to provide a cure to my pain issues are world class. I came to TCO to find solutions and was not disappointed. The entire team of experts who I worked with moved me to the replacement surgery needed in a timely fashion and the Excel process gave me comfort on the steps I would be going through before and after surgery.
Thank you Dr. Carlson and staff!

Just had my 6 week follow up with Dr. Mittelsteadt and he by far rates a 10 out of 10!! He is one of the most personable Dr.’s I have encountered in my 80 years. Above all that he did an outstanding job on my fractured knee. His bedside manner is impeccable. His rising star status should be shining bright. I recommend him 100%.

This past year I had robotic-assisted total knee replacement of both knees because of an auto accident. The total professionalism and care of Dr. James Bircher and his staff made the experience easy to deal with. He explained each step and offered great advice on my aftercare. Thank you Dr. Bircher, his staff and TCO.

Dr. James Bircher is a tremendous orthopedic physician and I am greatly appreciative of his awesome treatment of my longtime knee pain. Dr. Bircher possesses a rare combination of great wisdom, compassion and kindness. Both my husband (hip replacement surgery) and I are patients of Dr. Bircher, further confirming our mutual confidence and trust in his medical expertise. Dr. Bircher is a truly outstanding orthopedic provider and his TCO team of Kari (PA) and Cassie (care coordinator) provide superb, enhanced patient support. My husband Bill has submitted his own patient testimonial regarding his successful hip replacement surgery by Dr. Bircher. Both my husband and I greatly thank and highly recommend Dr. James Bircher to anyone seeking excellent knee or hip orthopedic medical care.

It has been three years since an injury profoundly impacted my life, and I am proud of the progress I have made. After that life-changing event, I not only regained the ability to ski but also competed in the Minnesota High School League Alpine Ski competition during my junior and senior years, consistently ranking in the top ten. Additionally, I completed my first marathon in October 2024 during my first year of college, finishing the Twin Cities Marathon in 3 hours and 23 minutes. This achievement has qualified me to apply for the Boston Marathon, which has inspired me to pursue the upcoming Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth in June 2025.

Reflecting on these accomplishments post-injury, I am deeply grateful for the expertise and dedication of Dr. Robert LaPrade and his team, who played an essential role in my recovery. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Jake Foley, who committed over a year and 170 physical therapy sessions to my rehabilitation and return to sport. Furthermore, I owe much of my success to the ACE program, Natalie Denk, and Jeff Kalow. Natalie played a key role in helping me build strength, while Jeff focused on agility, both of which were crucial in preparing me to ski again. Together, they made the recovery process enjoyable while challenging me to reach my fullest potential.

During my sophomore year of high school, I was in Colorado training with my alpine ski team when an unfortunate turn on my skis led to a catastrophic injury. I tore my ACL, MCL, patellar tendon, and PCL. Prior to this accident, I had never faced a setback of this magnitude, and the prospect of my athletic future was uncertain. Dr. LaPrade and his team performed my first surgery in November, and for the next year, I worked tirelessly with my physical therapist, Jake Foley. Initially, I was anxious about starting physical therapy, unsure of what to expect. The process was challenging and often painful, but Jake’s unwavering positivity and encouragement made the experience more manageable, and his dedication pushed me to exceed what I thought were my limits.

By early spring, I had made significant progress, but a setback occurred when I tore my patellar tendon once again, requiring another round of surgery. Dr. LaPrade and his team provided exceptional support, ensuring that I felt reassured throughout the entire process. After my second surgery, I continued my rehabilitation with Jake Foley for another six months. His approach to physical therapy remained motivating and focused on my progress, and I always felt that he genuinely cared about my recovery.

I am where I am today thanks to Dr. LaPrade, his team, Jake Foley, the ACE program with Natalie Denk, and Jeff Kalow. The team at TCO has not only restored my ability to enjoy life to the fullest but has also helped me achieve new athletic milestones. I owe my success—earning two state medals and meeting qualifying time for the Boston Marathon—to the unwavering support and expertise of this remarkable team.

Dr. TJ Ridley pieced together my broken patella. Dr. Ridley has that rare combination of being not only a highly qualified and gifted orthopedic surgeon, but he is also genuinely caring, understanding and friendly. His energy is contagious, a straight shooter and will quickly evaluate and focus in on the best ways to help you. Thank you Dr. Ridley!

Dr. Scott Anseth performed work on both my left knee and right hip. A year after my knee replacement, I was skiing, not slowly, in Colorado. He took the time to listen to concerns and objectives, and his team was very professional in moving me through the process. After my right hip surgery, I’m able to walk without a cane after 7 days.

I’ve seen Dr. James Bircher over the last few years for different injuries and ailments. Most recently he performed a robotic-assisted total knee replacement, Dr. Bircher excels in kind, compassionate care as well as being an exceptional surgeon. He was patient in guiding me through the process, I felt well informed before, during and after the surgery. I appreciate his skilled ability and kind demeanor. Would highly recommend Dr. Bircher to others!!

Dr. Joseph Nessler is a great surgeon. He always takes his time to answer my many questions, even took time out of his busy schedule to x-ray my low back when I came in for my knee revision follow up appointment. I never have to wait long to see him, and he is always professional with a great bedside manner.

I always tell family and friends to go see Dr. Nessler and any of the providers at TCO. I have always great customer service from billing, scheduling and physical therapy.

Keep up the great work!