Patient Testimonials

Right after surgery I felt so much better, for I had so much pain before. The week before surgery, when I had to go off all NSAIDs and anti-inflammatories, was very painful. After surgery I didn’t need any narcotics, just hydroxyzine for 7 nights while at home. I am now walking without pain- a little numbness by the incision and a little pain up the buttocks after doing exercises, but do not need to take anything for it. My hip has felt so much better since surgery. Thank you so much.

* Debra received an anterior hip replacement by Dr. Arntson through the EXCEL program. 

This testimonial is long overdue. I recovered so quickly I couldn’t wait to get back to my normal life. I had been dealing with issues with my C6-C7 area for years after returning from a tour in Iraq. Within a year I had put myself in the ER twice with excruciating pain in my chest and back. An MRI revealed that either I medical out from my job and forget about getting back in the gym or chance it with surgery. After meeting with Dr. Deal and his team, I had confidence that there was a good chance of fixing the disc in my back – or replacing it. I had the procedure in August. I don’t think my experience was typical but after surgery I refused to take any pain medication, as I had little to no pain. The day after returning home I walked 2 miles. Two weeks later, I got cleared to go back to work on light duty with restrictions. At 6 weeks, I was cleared early with no restrictions and returned to the gym. Now, six months later, it is as if the surgery never happened. I have no scar and no pain. I can’t thank Dr. Deal and his team enough for their professionalism and dedication to their profession. Thank you!

In 2018, after an MRI showed a significant bulge in the disc at L5/S1, I received an injection which provided 100% relief. About 1 year later, after working under the kitchen sink on the garbage disposal, I woke up the next day and could barely move. Another MRI was taken and the disc bulge was now significantly larger, by my estimation at least 2x larger than it had been a year earlier. My family has a history of back problems and surgeries and I was doing all I could to prevent surgery, so we tried an injection again on both sides of the spine with zero result. In a short period of time, I was only able to move about in a wheel chair. Surgery was scheduled within a few days…and I have been pain free ever since. I could not be more pleased with the results. Dr. Deal and his team provided excellent care, answered all my questions and made me feel as if I was the only patient they had. I would recommend him to anyone having back issues. I suffered with debilitating back pain off and on for over 30 years and had always been able to stave off surgery with more conservative options. Dr. Deal helped me get over my fear of back surgery and was it ever a great decision. I’d trust him with my back anytime.

My 15-year-old daughter has seen Dr. Langer twice in the past few months for ingrown toenail removal. We appreciate how quickly she was able to be scheduled for both visits. Dr. Langer is a personable, calm and caring doctor. He thoroughly explains the situation and your options. He immediately put my daughter at ease. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Langer to anyone having foot issues!

I had CMC replacement and carpal tunnel surgery done on both hands. Dr. Bakker was so caring and did such an amazing job. I had great care from start to finish. Both hand surgeries were a great success. Dr. Bakker and his staff are very caring and very professional. I would recommend Dr. Bakker and his team to anyone and everyone! No surprise he’s voted best Dr. so many years in a row!! Absolutely the best doctor I have ever been to!!

For the past 10+ years, I had been searching for an answer to my ever worsening ankle pain which was a result of a motorcycle injury when I was 19, and I’m now 60. Dr. Tanner reviewed my history and completed his examination of my ankle. On that 1st visit he felt that he could ease 50-80% of my pain. I was on board and we scheduled the procedure that same visit. The surgery went well and my recovery was a breeze. I was off pain meds within 3 days and moved to Tylenol after that. I’m now 11 months post surgery and have absolutely NO regrets. This has given me a new lease on life, waterskiing virtually every day this past August, to hiking in Ireland in September. Now I’m back to planning hunting trips with my boys.

Dr. Bakker is a straight shooter — did a great job on my surgery. I appreciated his skill, knowledge and care. It has been a little over a week since the surgery and my range of motion has increased by 15% in each direction. Thanks Dr. Bakker and staff!

This is my second hip done by Dr. Knowlan hopefully I’m done with the hips. I give him and TCO the highest compliments, I even sent my father to Dr. Knowlan for both of his hips.

I am a two-time patient of Dr. O’Neill. The left knee was replaced 11 years ago and is working great! The right knee was done in October 2019 and is also working great! As my right knee became more painful, there was no question in my mind as to who I would trust with the surgery and care, even though this means a 4 hour round-trip commute, as I live in the Brainerd Lakes area now. Dr. O’Neill and his first class staff’s counseling had me well prepared (for a process that has changed quite a bit in 11 years) for what I realized would be a more manageable recovery. I knew that prep and dutiful follow-up therapy would have me back to a much more normal life, as the surgery itself would be done by the best guy in the business! As far as knee replacements, do not wait until pain and discomfort change your life (for me, I can’t wait for spring and kayak fishing, which wasn’t an easy in-and-out last year). Know to be ready, trust Dr. O’Neill and his staff, and be ready to rehab.

THANK YOU DR. O’NEILL AND STAFF!

I had a total hip replacement done on October 28th, 2019, performed by Dr. Owen O’Neill and his wonderful staff. Dr. O’Neill performed an anterior procedure. I was back to work in two weeks and I never had to use a walker or crutches except for my first walk four hours after surgery. I used a cane for two weeks and after that time I used the cane occasionally, especially when walking outdoors. In 2003, I had my other hip replaced by another surgeon which was done with the posterior approach. My recovery was long and very painful with that one. I had to use a walker for two months and crutches for another month after that. I realize that in the 16 years in between my hip surgeries, replacement procedures have improved, but I believe Dr. O’Neill’s method is far superior. I highly recommend TCO, Dr. O’Neill and the whole staff. It was a far better experience than my first replacement.