Patient Testimonials

I met Dr. Szalapski and had my first hip replaced at 42 years old – scared to death! It went perfectly and no limp. I had my knee replaced at around 50 years old and my other hip done a year later. Last year, I had my shoulder replaced and was told I may only get 70% of my range of motion back – I got 100%. I would never think of anybody but Dr. Szalapski to perform my surgeries when I have had the best care and absolutely no complications!! His support team and Jessica are the best also! Bonus he has a good sense of humor.

My primary care provider suggested Dr. Kelly as she had worked with him for years, and said he was the best with shoulder repair. I met him and some of his team in 2017. I decided to follow the physical therapy route, and waited for another year. An entire year after our first meeting, my torn rotator cuff started to interrupt my sleep and I was having more bad days then good. I went back and met with him. He asked me, “are you ready to do this surgery?” I asked him, “are you?” He then told me he was ready last year. I still laugh about that. I had my surgery on 12/27/18. The pain management plan was very clearly laid out for my husband and myself to follow when we got home. I am so grateful for that thought out plan, a sheet of paper with a graph to follow. I think it made a challenging situation much more manageable. The recovery went better than I thought, and I was back to light duty work in three weeks. I respect Dr. Kelly and his team of compassionate care givers. Thanks for a new chance at life.

I strained the ulnar collateral ligament in my left elbow during a high school hockey game in January. I missed 3 1/2 weeks of the season while I rehabbed at the Twin Cities Orthopedics in Woodbury with Brett Petersen, physical therapist. I returned to play for 3 games, only to separate my right shoulder during the section semifinal game on February 27th. I resumed seeing Brett to rehab my shoulder for the high school baseball season. Unfortunately, my right arm is my throwing arm. I was unable to throw a baseball or swing a bat. It has been 6 weeks and I’m happy to say I played in my first baseball game earlier this week! Brett not only helped get me back on the field sooner than I thought, but has also taught me the proper way to strengthen and warm up my arm before I play in order to stay healthy throughout the season. Thank you Brett! I’m hoping to have a great season!

Right shoulder is perfect. Dr. O’Keefe is an excellent surgeon. I will be having him do my left shoulder in the near future. Recovery was easy.

My arm had been hurting for weeks now. It hurt when I threw a ball while playing softball. Every doctors visit recommended rest, and rest only. I even tried going to the chiropractor but it didn’t help. Someone told my mom and I about physical therapy. We thought we would try it out. My physical therapist, Mike Dixey, specialized in elbow and shoulder care. My first day of therapy I walked in very nervous, and I wasn’t sure of what to expect. Then I met a silly guy who was easy to talk to and pushed me so I could get my arm better. He then told me I needed to come into physical therapy twice per week for six weeks. I then looked forward to physical therapy each week. It was coming to an end and I was sad. He has inspired me to become a physical therapist when I grow up. Mike told me I could come into Twin Cities Orthopedics and shadow him someday. I plan to do that when I get my license. Mike gave me my own exercises to do at home after physical therapy ended. I haven’t stopped doing these exercises since, and this was two years ago. My arm is better and I’m still able to play the sport I love.

My superior capsular reconstruction by Dr. Norberg was great! The surgery was very successful and I am very happy with the results.

Thank you Dr. Wetter and your assistants. They did a great job, no long waits, everyone was very nice and professional. I highly recommend. Carmen B.

I had a wonderful experience with TCO, especially Dr. Meyer and his team. I have shared my shoulder surgery experience and referred other people looking for an Orthopedic Surgeon.

I first met Dr. Murar in the Fairview Southdale Hospital ER in early February of 2018. My husband brought me in after a fall that resulted in a traumatic injury to my shoulder. Dr. Murar explained the extent and seriousness of my injury and that because of the type of fracture, he recommended a reverse total shoulder replacement. He offered me support and encouragement in the face of such a big surgery.

My family told me how generous Dr. Murar was with his time when he met with them after surgery. He made sure that they had all their questions answered and he did not seem in a hurry. My daughter was impressed at how encouraged I was after talking through everything with Dr. Murar in the ER. Clearly, Dr. Murar is able to communicate in a difficult and serious situation and help his patients understand the best plan for the best outcome.

Throughout my recovery I always felt that Dr. Murar was available and accessible if I had questions or concerns. This was especially important to me during the early days of my recovery, I never felt like I was left to myself to try to figure things out. The entire TCO team – Dr. Murar along with care coordinator Kelly, TCO physical therapists Kevin and Nate gave me the support, guidance and tools that I needed to keep making progress.

Today I am almost at the one year mark since my surgery and I am strong and have returned to a full and active lifestyle, spending time with my husband, children, grandchildren and friends.

I am very grateful for what Dr. Murar has done for me and I highly recommend Dr. Murar to anyone who has an orthopedic need.

Barbara A.

I broke my collarbone right before Christmas and there were other health issues that caused me to fall. While they weighed heavily on my mind, Dr. Bakker and his prompt, professional, and expert care did not. His care coordinator scheduled surgery right away. Throughout the whole process, Dr. Bakker engaged with me as a person rather than an object which some practitioners can do sometimes without even realizing it. He answered all my questions with patience and gave me the confidence that all would be well. It was! I am healing fast and following his aftercare plan to a tee because….I trust him. He also let me know about his observations about the health of my bones. I was able to arrange for DEXA scan promptly and begin to find other measures to avoid further complications. Thank you, Dr. Bakker!