Patient Testimonials

I ruptured my quadricep tendon a year ago. It tore right off the knee cap and one week later, Dr. Kelly surgically repaired it. With plenty of physical therapy, and one year later, I am back to normal. I am running, playing tennis, paddle boarding etc. It’s wonderful! I am completely 100% satisfied.

When I first tore my ACL while Nordic skiing, I was scared I would never run as fast again. The thought of missing my sophomore track season and my junior cross country season scared me, but my perspective changed when I came to TCO.

My family chose TCO because of its good reputation for getting athletes back from injury, and I am super glad we made that decision. Dr. TJ Ridley and my physical therapists, Lee Burtraw, DPT, Beth Kadrlik, DPT, and Kate Cayton, DPT, helped me return to cross country faster than I ever imagined. My PTs gave me different challenging exercises each week which was fun and kept me active throughout my recovery process.

By the end of the cross country season, I was faster than ever due to my newfound strength from PT. I achieved a personal record at the cross country state meet and even qualified for state in Nordic skiing and track for the first time!

Huge shout out to Dr. Ridley for doing such a great job on my surgery and helping me through the recovery process. All the TCO staff I interacted with inspired me to look into being a physical therapist or a sports physician! If anyone has torn their ACL or has any other injury, I highly recommend TCO for a great overall experience.

Dr. Bircher is the best! I’d been fighting a knee replacement for years. When I met him in November, I knew my knee was pretty bad. We talked about knee replacement but he could tell I wasn’t ready. He told me I would know when I was ready. That reality hit me in February of this year. I couldn’t have asked for better results after the surgery. I was accepted into the TCO EXCEL Program, which I strongly suggest you try if you are able to. The nursing staff was exceptional at the hospital right after surgery as were the nurses at the Recovery Suites. The EXCEL nurse coordinator kept in contact with me to make sure all was well. Everyone involved was great.

Before I had my surgery, I told Dr. Bircher all I wanted was to be able to come back and tell him that I wish I had done the surgery sooner. I was happy to oblige! I am now scheduled for a total knee replacement on my other knee. I know not all surgeries have the same results but I am counting on Dr. Birchers skill to pull it out! Dr. Bircher always made sure he answered all my questions and spent as much time with me as I needed to feel comfortable. He is concerned, compassionate and very skilled. That is not something you find in too many doctors/surgeons these days. I look forward to a normal life again!

Dr. Bircher performed a full knee replacement in April and upon completion of 12 weeks of physical therapy at TCO Brooklyn Park, I’m back to working out at my health club and enjoying my life again without knee pain. The staff at TCO are totally amazing in working with patients to obtain the necessary range of motion in our recovery.

Dr. Saterbak is one of the best doctors I have seen. I would recommend her to anyone that needs a shoulder or knee replacement. She is very understanding and has time to talk and listen about your aches and pains. She comes up with a treatment plan and is very good at it. 5 stars all the way!

I was suffering with a swollen leg and agonizing pain for one full year until I met Dr. Bircher and his entire care team at TCO. I was seeing another physician and he thought everything was going okay and that it could take a full year to see progress.

I went to see Dr. Bircher and he took an X-ray of my knee. He saw right away what the issue was and assured me that he could help me. He arranged my surgery in less than one month. Two weeks after surgery I was feeling better with no pain. Now, three months later, I can jog around with no pain or swelling. I feel so much better now.

I was so depressed before seeing Dr. Bircher and his staff. I can teach Martial Arts again. I fully trust Dr. Bircher and I wish he could have helped with my previous orthopedic issues.

My experience with everyone at TCO, Dr. Bircher, Cassie, and the physical therapy team at TCO Woodbury was exceptional. My questions and concerns were answered promptly. I feel like I had a lot of support with my recovery. I would recommend anyone to see Dr. Bircher because my experience was excellent.

I had a total knee replacement in November 2022. It was a successful surgery and I was doing great until I slipped on ice four weeks after the surgery. I tore the quadricep muscle from the knee and was barely able to move. I was referred to Dr. James Bircher, a specialist in injury repair. Dr. Bircher was absolutely fantastic. He took the time to explain what had happened to my knee, explained the surgical repair procedure and possible outcomes. He really took the time to listen to me.

What really impressed me was that he was never rushed. I felt as if he listened to me and took the time to thoroughly understand the issues surrounding my injury. When I had questions after our initial meeting, he called me back that day. He met with me a second time before the surgery, just to alleviate my fears and concerns. When it was time for the actual surgery, three weeks after the injury, he took great care of me. He made sure I understood everything and that I was as comfortable as possible. The surgery was very successful and Dr. Bircher remained in close contact with me after the surgery, making sure I understood how the healing would go. He also called me at home once I was discharged from the hospital.

I believe Dr. Bircher is one of the best doctors/surgeons I have ever met. His caring compassion and his skills and expertise make for the perfect combination. I would highly, highly recommend Dr. Bircher!

Dr. Bircher and staff were professional, personable and knowledgeable. I would recommend him!

I’m so happy to have my mobility back. Thank you to Dr. Knowlan and team for excellent care and support. This is my second joint replacement from Dr. Knowlan. If I need another I will be back!