Patient Testimonials

While training for the Special Olympics, Elizabeth was experiencing pain in her left leg, knee and hip. Her pain increased until one day she told her mom she “just could not run anymore.” It hurt too much. As an athlete with Down Syndrome, her tolerance to pain is high, so she went straight to TCO to be evaluated. After a diagnosis of shin splints and IT band syndrome, Elizabeth’s now friend and physical therapist, Leah Hammer, put together a plan. She listened intently and provided individualized care to quickly prepare Elizabeth for the games. The at-home exercises and weekly therapy appointments have greatly paid off. Elizabeth has gained leg strength that has significantly reduced her pain. She’s so excited to compete on a national stage and meet athletes from all over the country. Thank you TCO. Go Elizabeth and Team Minnesota!

For almost 10 years, I had right knee pain. Various doctors mentioned the solution was another cortisone shot. My ongoing agonizing pain resulted in someone recommending me to go see Dr. Bircher to have my knee looked at. His examination made it clear that the solution was a total knee replacement. I was ready for relief, so I decided to move forward. Now, I am six months post-surgery, and I am getting through the mild healing pains. Everything has been good and the relief is life changing. Now that I am without the constant knee pain limitations, my quality of life has notably improved.

From my first consultation to the result of my new knee, Dr. Bircher‘s team did a fantastic job! They were thorough in informing me about my condition and the need for a knee replacement. Their team did a great job and made me feel comfortable on the day of the operation. My follow up after the operation was also fantastic. I would highly recommend Dr. Bircher and his team to anyone looking for a knee replacement.

I am in my tenth month post-surgery. Right now, I am busy planning and training for an upcoming seven-day bike trip in Croatia. Eleven months ago, I began each morning using a walker for four hours because my pain was so intense. Dr. Deal was the third orthopedic doctor I saw for my issue which was creating pain down my right leg. He knew immediately after looking at my MRI what the problem was. He was very thorough in explaining it to me, and he answered all my questions professionally and patiently. I am now pain free and very happy that I can be active again! Thank you to Dr. Deal, his team, and the TCO staff!

Dr. Hunt has performed three procedures for me over the years, the most recent of which was a partial knee replacement a few days ago. He is not only one of the Twin Cities top orthopedic surgeons but also a truly great person. Dr. Hunt and his entire team literally bent over backward to make my surgery happen in an extremely timely manner. I am now at home recovering well, thanks to the skilled hands and kind heart of Dr. Hunt. A special thank you to Cherry, his care coordinator, and to all the nursing staff at Ridgeview and TCO. I especially want to thank my night nurse, Adriene H., and my physical therapist, Amanda N. I am extremely grateful to everyone who provided me with exceptional service and care.

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!

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.