Patient Testimonials

I had a knee replacement by another different practice and doctor, I was in more pain than before, but they kept telling me I’m okay. Then I was referred to Dr. Joseph Nessler, and he immediately identified the problem, my replacement was not centered properly which caused the replacement to hang over the edge of my bone.

Dr. Nessler performed a knee revision (2nd replacement), and I could immediately feel the difference. A year out and am looking forward to a life with less pain and being more active. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Nessler!

I had suffered 18 years of pain in both my knees until being referred to Twin Cities Orthopedics. After meeting with Dr. James Bircher and his team, we scheduled the robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery through the TCO EXCEL Surgery & Recovery Program which helped get me back to a quality of life that I haven’t had for 18 years. Thank you Dr. Bircher, and to all of your medical team including the physical therapy staff.

I started feeling pain in my ankle that didn’t improve. After I spent weeks struggling to walk more than a few hundred steps at a time, struggling to climb stairs or stand for more than five minutes, I called my local podiatrist and got an appointment. After over 6 months of working with my local podiatrist and physical therapy teams, I was under the impression there was nothing left but surgery and given a referral to Dr. Engasser. Dr. Engasser reviewed my imaging and suggested a much simpler procedure (an ultrasound guided injection) instead. I was scheduled for the injection within 24 hours and the entire procedure took less than 15 minutes. I cannot adequately express how radically improved my life has been since that 15-minute injection.

Within days of the injection, I could climb stairs without a care. Standing? I can do it for hours. My daily step daily average is crushing my weekly steps from just a month earlier. I wish I’d known to start at TCO.

Dr. Erik Peterson is a kind and compassionate physician who really cares about his patients. Both my father and I have been patients of Dr. Peterson and I have referred several people to him. I had multiple fractures due to an accident and my father had both hip and knee pain. I highly recommend Dr. Peterson!

Dr. James Bircher is top-notch., and his team was amazing, Kari and Cassie getting me scheduled as soon as possible.  The TCO EXCEL Surgery and Recovery Program was the best care as a patient I have ever received. The TCO facility and the EXCEL program really knocked it out of the box and brought it to the next level for me.

Dr. Bircher thought it would be best to do a partial knee replacement. I did not hesitate to say yes, because of the pain, after surgery, I was up and walking the same day, physical therapy, stretching, and moving around. The nurses at TCO we’re more than kind and understanding. The aftercare I have received from Dr. Bircher’s team was/is everything you would expect from a professional team at this caliber in the game. I expect an excellent recovery. The abundance of information on pre/post surgery I received from Kari was on point and very informative.

Follow through with physical therapy and listen to your therapist. They are there to help and assist you on your recovery.

Dr. Michael R. Johnson is very personable and cares very much about his patients. I really enjoyed having him as my doctor and surgeon. He always made sure all of my questions were answered. My knee surgery went well and as planned. I am now back to full participation in sports in the expected timeline. I highly recommend others to Dr. Johnson!

Dr. Hartigan is an exceptional physician. He has the rare combination of orthopedic skills and an outstanding bedside manner. He listens well, cares, and trusts patient’s lived experience. I’ve been through multiple health care systems with my pelvic and shoulder conditions and Dr. Hartigan’s performance, empathy and personality stand out among all. Thank you, Dr. Hartigan!

I received cortisone shots in my knees and it was the most excellent experience I have had while having this procedure. It was almost painless. Dr. Carlson is an excellent doctor!

Dylan is dynamite. He’s personable, fun, and genuinely cares about my recovery and goals. He’s extremely engaged in his field and current knowledge which he applies in his support of patients. Under his careful watch, I went from a whimpering mess to achieving my goals in Yoga and Boxing. I’m back to better than normal because not only am I stronger but equipped with better movement instincts. Thank you, Dylan.

In December of 2024 I had a hip replacement, and in September of 2022 I had a total knee replacement, both done by Dr. Panek and his team. I had procrastinated in making the decision about a knee replacement, but after a consultation with Dr. Panek, I scheduled it the same day. I didn’t hesitate to schedule the hip when it was indicated. In both cases, I was up and walking the same day, and in the spring of 2023, walking 15-20k steps per day while traveling, and back to all of the physical activities I love. Today, a month after the hip replacement, I’m pain-free and walking unassisted. Dr. Panek and his team are excellent practitioners, patient and caring. The whole process from pre-surgery education, case management – Thank you Sandy! Scheduling and anything I needed – Thank you Amy! Pain management, recovery in the care suites, post-surgery care – Thank you Nathan! And, physical therapy – Thank you Blake! They contributed to the best outcomes I could’ve hoped for.