Patient Testimonials

Over twelve years ago, I underwent a partial knee replacement at Twin Cities Orthopedics. Following the surgery, I regained the ability to engage in various physical activities, including golf, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball. The surgery had a profound impact on my life. In 2025, my other knee was causing significant limitations on my daily activities. Without knee replacement surgery, I encountered difficulties with stairs and even lifting my leg to get into a car. The doctor who had done my partial knee had retired and after finding online resources and friends, I went to Dr. Bircher for a consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Bircher provided me with a comprehensive diagnosis and recommended surgery. However, he refrained from pressuring me into a quick procedure. Instead, he offered me a detailed treatment plan and recovery timeline, assuring me that he would address the issue when I was ready.

I had the surgery in mid-November. Two and a half weeks later, I am walking without crutches or a walker, and most importantly without pain medication. Both the procedure and recovery process have undergone significant advancements since my partial knee replacement years ago. Dr. Bircher used robotics during the surgery to ensure the utmost precision. As someone with experience in aerospace manufacturing, the use of robotics made sense. Additionally, he recommended acquiring a pedaling machine for in-home recovery, which could potentially reduce my recovery time by up to 30%. While I do not recall specific details about my partial knee replacement, I can confidently say that it took over a month before I could pedal a stationary bike. With Dr. Bircher’s guidance, I began pedaling on my first day home. Dr. Bircher and his team are exceptional. If you are experiencing knee issues, I strongly recommend seeking treatment from his team.

Dr. Kelly repaired my rotator cuff a few years ago and recently replaced one of my knee joints. Both surgeries went flawlessly. I will be forever thankful for his meticulous professionalism, kind bedside manner, and sunny disposition.

I am pleased that I chose Dr. James Bircher to do both of my knee replacements. I had my right knee replaced a little over a year ago and my left knee replaced three months ago. Both surgeries were outstanding and the recovery times were amazing. Dr. Bircher and his entire team were very personable and informative. I recommend Dr. Bircher to anyone who needs knee replacement surgery.

I have been putting off my knee replacement since 2020, when I was first diagnosed. I had heard nothing but good things about Twin Cities Orthopedic. The list of doctors was a bit overwhelming, so I looked at testimonials and found that Dr. Bircher’s name came up often. Dr. Bircher and his staff were more than helpful. Everything went well with no surprises. After two months, I am back to doing everything I was doing before the surgery including swimming! Thank you to Dr. Bircher and his team for everything!

After over a decade of arthritis on the inside of my knee, the pain was becoming unbearable. Dr. Bircher and his team performed a partial knee replacement, and I was back in my feet and on the road to recovery in no time. I just past three months post-op and the pain I had endured for years is completely gone. I am still feeling better every day. I am grateful I chose Dr. Bircher for my procedure.

I had a full knee replacement in August. After two previous scopes, I was out of cartilage and experiencing a lot of pain. I met with Dr. Schmiesing to discuss my situation. It was an obvious next choice to have the surgery. Dr. Schmiesing gave me the option to have him do the surgery or opt for a robotic placement of the knee for 100% accuracy. I chose to go with him doing most of the surgery with robotic assistance. It turned out great! It has been a slow and painful recovery, but I was dedicated to working with the physical therapy staff to hit my range of motion goal. I hit the goal and continue to make sure I am continuing my strengthening and stretching. It has been producing encouraging results. I am not sure yet if I will return to playing pickleball, but I am back to kickboxing, weightlifting, and cardio daily. Thank you to Dr. Schmiesing and his team for being the best in the business!

The right total knee replacement that Dr. Lewis performed was phenomenal. The results I achieved after six weeks are amazing. The physical therapy post-op has been very crucial to my own personal success. However, I also went through pre-op physical therapy which also helped my recovery a ton.

I have been a patient at Twin Cities Orthopedics for 30+ years. I had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Jason Barry and Rebecca Munson in March 2023. Dr. Barry has treated me for bilateral rotator cuff pain and bilateral knee issues. In March 2024, I underwent my first reverse right total shoulder replacement. In April 2025, I had the same procedure done on my left shoulder. Now, I just had my right total knee replacement in Sept 2025.

I was very apprehensive of having my right knee replacement because I had my left total knee replaced in 2019 by a different surgeon. I continue to have nothing but pain from that surgery. I don’t know what the difference between the two knee replacements are, but I am so happy with the outcome of my right knee replacement. I have the utmost faith and confidence in Dr. Barry and his team. To say they care about their patients is an understatement. I am a retired nurse, and their team has some of the best, most competent physician/PA staff I know. I also would like to mention that Seth Engberg and Jared Hansen at TCO Blaine Physical Therapy made a huge difference in my positive recovery. Thank you to the whole team for improving my quality of life!

I had my right knee replaced in April and my left knee replaced in September. My friends were amazed with how quickly I recovered from both surgeries, and I told them it was simple. I had Dr. Bircher who has both great credentials and an amazing personality. He explained that I needed to lose weight and do specific exercises to have an easier recovery. He is not only amazingly talented but loves what he does. His teams built the same way. Not only do all his patients love him, but the vendors they work with feel the same way about his team. I went from a wheelchair to being stronger than I have ever been before. I cannot thank Dr. Bircher and his team enough!

I could not be more pleased with the care I received from Dr. Bircher and his team. I had a total knee replacement on September 25, 2025. Everything concerning the procedure went well, and Dr. Bircher advised me that we had good procedure. The Rom-tech device that Dr. Bircher had ordered was crucial in my rehab. I used it 5 times a day! Last week, I did my 6-week post op with Dr. Bircher and he was very pleased with my progress. I am too! I cannot recommend Dr. Bircher and his team highly enough. After I heal completely, I am going to have my other knee replaced. I will be having it done by Dr. Bircher as well.