Patient Testimonials

Ann Frett has cared for and about me and my troubled back. She has helped me make significant progress through treatment and identifying home exercises, refining them according to my feedback and her assessments. I’m grateful to her for setting up a plan that is already producing improved movement and comfort.

My back surgery went very well. Dr. Banks went above and above and beyond what I expected. Dr. Banks really took the time to give me the best outcome and result possible. My progress has been very good and I am expecting it to continue to improve, thanks to Dr. Banks. I would definitely see him again, if needed, and I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Approximately 90-95% of knee replacements are successful in that they relieve knee pain. I was in the 5-10% that experienced pain that was worse than it had been pre-surgery. Every time I sat down or got up from a chair or toilet it hurt. Every step up or step down on a staircase hurt. For two years after surgery I was in pain. Then I was referred to Dr. Bloom. He performed a genicular nerve ablation on my knee. It was like a switch had been flipped. I got up and there was NO pain. It has now been a couple of years since the ablation and the nerves have grown back somewhat but the pain is nowhere near the level it was pre-ablation. I am both incredibly grateful to Dr. Bloom and dismayed that my original surgeon (not a TCO surgeon) did not refer me to someone who does this type of procedure, despite my repeated visits complaining of pain. Thank you!

I met with Dr. Bircher after I found out the cause of my pain was bone on bone in both hips. After discussing the process, I had confidence it was the way to go. The surgery went great! I was walking with a walker within hours and walking without a cane in five days. I never had any signs of bleeding, drainage or infection. I am three months post-surgery and that hip feels great. I can’t wait to get the other hip done in a few months. Dr. Bircher’s staff is great. I wouldn’t consider seeing anyone else. I had my surgery done at North Memorial Hospital and spent one night on site. The staff there were outstanding too.

Adam Grafa is a fantastic personal trainer. He develops workouts tailored to my goals, and his specific coaching helps me make the most of my workout. It’s always a pleasure to workout with Adam and the other group participants.

Our 96-year-old mother was living life in chronic hip pain. She endured several years with multiple cortisone injections until they became ineffective. The hip joint pain was becoming unbearable. Her quality of life was poor at best, dealing with constant pain. Other orthopedic doctors stated she was too old for hip replacement and offered other alternatives that provided no relief. She couldn’t walk or sleep comfortably and often just sat in a recliner. The family had to rely on the wheel chair more often when going outside the home.

We finally met with Dr. Bircher, who was referred to us by moms primary Doctor. He listened to the family’s concerns, goals, and mom’s quality of life. He took into consideration her entire health history and not just the number of her age! After basic pre-op testing, he saw no reason we couldn’t do a total hip replacement. While we all had our reservations for hip replacement surgery, especially since mom only had her tonsils removed at a very young age and no other surgery in her 96 years!

Surgery day came and while they were prepping her, she asked for a hospital chaplain. The chaplain got called away and could not visit beforehand and asked Dr. Bircher to say a prayer. Guess what, he did! He held hands with mom and our family and lead the prayer for his hands to guide him in a successful surgery.

Our mother’s surgery went perfect and she was up walking and feeling better the same night after surgery. Even at 96, she recovered quickly and is back in her home. She is walking free of pain, mainly with a walker for safety, but she often sneaks quick distances without any assistance. We never thought we’d see her walk without in excruciating pain again.

We highly recommend Dr. Bircher for his amazing surgical skills, communication, kindness, empathy, bedside manner. He’s an all-around a great man! Thank you, Dr. Bircher and your amazing support team!

Dr. Engasser was amazing. He helped me every step of the way and was so nice throughout it all. He answered all my questions and treated me as if I wasn’t just another patient. He made me feel comfortable throughout pre-op and post-op. I would strongly recommend him. He is an amazing doctor. Thank you!

My whole experience could not have been any better; from the reception staff at TCO Waconia to the surgery team and nursing staff at Two Twelve Surgery Center, and my two physical therapists (who are fabulous). And of course, thank you to Dr. Christopher Meyer. TCO is the only facility that I recommend for a knee replacement. Thanks to everyone at TCO!

I chose to see Dr. Kelly for a second opinion on my injury. Not only did meet with me after a one day notice,  he spent an hour explaining in detail what needed to be done and how he would do it. I felt so comfortable that I agreed to surgery with him on the spot. Post-surgery has been exactly what he said it would be like. I am on week five post-op and my shoulder is feeling fantastic. Not only is he a five-star doctor, but his team is too. They are awesome people all the way around. Thank you Dr. Kelly. I’m looking forward to my rehabilitation starting next week.

I am happy to share the profound impact Dr. Norberg has had on my life since August 2023, when he performed shoulder replacement surgery on my right shoulder. As I attend my 7-month post-op appointment today, I am filled with gratitude and awe at my progress. Dr. Norberg’s expertise as an orthopedic surgeon is unparalleled, I believe he is one of the finest in the country. However, what has truly set him apart is his genuine warmth, empathy, and unwavering dedication to my well-being. Beyond his exceptional surgical skill, Dr. Norberg has consistently demonstrated a sincere interest in my recovery, making me feel valued and understood every step of the way. His ability to communicate complex medical information clearly and compassionately has been very helpful in allowing me to take charge of my health. I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Norberg to anyone seeking expert orthopedic care. If you have uncertainty and pain, I would encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Norberg.