Patient Testimonials

I have been heavily involved in Minnesota Special Olympics since I was eight years old and now, I will be turning 30 this month. Last fall, I sprained my ankle at flag football practice. I knew right away that I injured my ankle, so my dad took me to the ER. They did an X-ray and said it wasn’t broken but referred me to Twin Cities Orthopedics. The doctor at TCO Maple Grove ordered an MRI and said it was a bad sprain. I was put in a boot and eventually an ankle brace. The doctor ordered weekly physical therapy which I continued for several weeks. Unfortunately, I was unable to return to flag football that season. I met with the doctor again to check progress, and he continued the PT for a few more weeks just to be make sure everything was fully healed. I was given the go ahead to play but told to go slow.

I am part of Osseo-Maple Grove Athletic Association (OMGAA) teams and play ice hockey with Minnesota Special Hockey. A few weeks into this past season I also took a fall on the ice and injured my hand! I again went to TCO Maple Grove where they did another X-ray, and I was given a brace to wear on wrist. I was still having pain issues, so I returned to TCO and saw a doctor in the hand specialist clinic. He ordered an ultrasound of my wrist, and I have a follow-up appointment with him this week.

I also do gymnastics for MN Special Olympics. Three weeks ago, I injured my back at practice doing the vault. After a week, I was still having a lot of back and leg pain, so I went to TCO again. The doctor ordered an ultrasound of my back, and the results were a herniated disc. I start PT for my back this week. He also ordered a cortisone shot for my spine so I will likely be out from basketball and gymnastics for the season.

During this time, I will work on strengthening my body parts! In addition to playing several sports with MN Special Olympics, I also coach my sister’s bocce ball team in the summer. I have been chosen as an athletic coach for bocce at the USA games that will be held in Minnesota this summer. I am very excited! I went to Seattle in 2018 for the USA games and competed in gymnastics where I came home with five medals. I also was a part of the USA games in Orlando in 2022 for half court women’s basketball. We won a gold medal! I have always felt very supported at TCO and listened to by doctors and therapists. They always thoroughly explain at home exercises and are very clear on when I can return to sports. I am sure with all the sports I play that I will be back to TCO in the future!

I have seen Dr. Reynolds twice for low back and SI pain. He nailed the diagnosis immediately and confirmed it with an MRI. He has a fantastic “bedside manner” and is very easy to communicate with. Dr. Reynolds explains everything well. I feel like I receive great information coming in and going out. He sent me to TCO physical therapy, and I am responding fantastically to the exercises in my rehab! I have already referred him to others and will continue to do so in a heartbeat! What a great addition to TCO!

I saw Dr. Michalik for some complicated issues that I am experiencing with my lower back. He was very prepared to meet with me. I felt like he really understood what I was going through, not just physically. I left his office feeling very excited about the next steps and having him as my ‘spine guy’. I haven’t felt this confident in a really long time.

I had my C4-C7 plated and fixed by Dr. Green who was nothing short of a miracle! His team and the staff at Twin Cities Orthopedics were all perfect. Dr. Green not only kept be updated throughout my time there but also kept my wife in the loop as well. I would recommend him and TCO to anybody who needs orthopedic care.

Around 7 months ago, I had two C5-6 disc replacements with a medical provider outside of Twin Cities Orthopedics. When I addressed my concern after the second surgery, I had an X-ray done and the provider said my disc was of no concern. I wanted a second opinion, so I came to TCO to see Dr. Deal. He was highly recommended from a friend of mine. I told him my concerns and he listened. After reviewing my X-rays, he said I needed a fusion. A few weeks later, I had the surgery with him. Going into surgery, I was beyond scared. I was afraid I would go through surgery for the third time without any relief afterwards. That was not the case!

Everything about my care was phenomenal! Between the nurses, the anesthesiologist, and Dr. Deal, I was in such good hands. When I came out of surgery, I was able to move, talk, eat, and drink. My care at the EXCEL suites was great! The nurses were attentive. The physical therapist answered all of my questions and gave me some stretches to help loosen my body. During my healing process, I had so many questions. Emily, Dr. Deal’s Care Coordinator, emailed me back quickly. She was amazing with her communication! Six weeks later, I am feeling so much better. I have range of motion in my neck again, and I no longer have excruciating pain. I am beyond thankful for Dr. Deal and his team!

I’m struggling to find the words to say my heartfelt thank you to Dr. Harris and his team! I am in such a significantly better place now compared to last January before my L4-L5 fusion surgery. I can move and function again! Each time I walk into Twin Cities Orthopedics, I thank the Lord for being physically able to get out of my vehicle, walk, step up stairs, and stand proudly upright. Dr. Harris and his team cared for me so well! Thank you!

A big thank you to Dr. DuBois and his team! Everyone has been so kind from day one, from insurance approvals all the way through recovery. After a C6/C7 disc replacement, it is pure joy to get back to life and the things I enjoy. I wanted to share my painting entitled “New Parts,” to express gratitude for my upgraded spine I received for Christmas. What a wonderful gift!

I broke my collarbone in a cycling accident this fall. Prior to the accident, I had separated my shoulder on the same side as the collarbone break about two decades ago. I had the surgery completed by another physician in the Twin Cities at a different practice. The physician installed a “hook plate” to set my collarbone and repair my separated shoulder. I was taking a huge amount of ibuprofen, Tylenol, and oxycodone to reduce the pain to a manageable level, yet it was still extremely difficult to sleep.

After enduring extraordinary pain for over a month, I decided to get a second opinion from Dr. O’Keefe at Twin Cities Orthopedics. At my first appointment Dr. O’Keefe analyzed my problem quickly and suggested a plan of action. He suggested removing the plate and installing a “tight rope” device to secure my shoulder to relieve pain and increase my range of motion. With my other provider I felt like I fell through the cracks even though I communicated how much pain I was experiencing. This was not the case with Dr. O’Keefe.

Just four days after my surgery with Dr. O’Keefe, I was able to stop taking pain medication entirely. He changed my life because I was finally able to sleep again. I could also feel that my range of motion was not limited by the plate. During my post-op appointment, Dr. O’Keefe’s PA, Beth, took as much time as needed to answer all my questions thoroughly. I would recommend Dr. O’Keefe and his team without hesitation.

I had low back disc surgery in February 2025 with Dr. Harris. When I was filling out the post-op surveys that were sent to me, I wished I could thank Dr. Harris for the wonderful results I’ve had from his skillful surgery! Yes, it was painful at first, but with each week I continued to improve until I had no pain at all. I am now able to enjoy every day!

I saw Dr. Eggers for pain in my lower back and hips. I was thoroughly impressed during my initial visit. After listening to my symptoms, I found that his knowledge was confirmed by an MRI that I received shortly after that consultation. He was also very honest about his practice. I sincerely appreciated that. I was also comforted that he would take the time to discuss my condition, concerns, and treatment. I feel that I am in excellent hands when seeing Dr. Eggers.