Patient Testimonials

Dr. Knowlan,

Just wanted to thank you for the new hip I got one year ago today (9-29-15). We spend our winters in Colorado and before the surgery you told me I should be able to downhill ski by January, so that’s exactly what I did. I took my first couple runs on January 4^th and slowly built up my stamina. Throughout the winter, I skied more and became better than I ever have in the past. I was able to accomplish this without any falls or sore muscles. Thanks to you and all the good physical therapists that I worked with very diligently. Thank you very much!! Great jobs!

Sincerely,
Janet

Fabulous! Was back at work the following week and on an airplane to the coast by myself within 3 weeks of the surgery. The EXCEL program was simply great. It allowed me to heal at my own pace. Dr. O’Neill said; “go ahead – your knee will make strange sounds but remember you can’t hurt the device”. That’s all I need to hear and I was off. There was no stopping me. This surgery was a non-event in my life – just the way it should be.

I had an amazing experience at TCO! Dr. McCarthy went above and beyond by operating intricately around my tattoo with precision and perfection leading to a fantastic result!

Thanks TCO and Dr. McCarthy for everything! I will always refer others here!

First, a bit of back story: I had been living with moderate to occasionally severe right shoulder pain for several years. I sought treatment at another major orthopedic group on two different occasions. In both cases, after an examination and couple x-rays, I was referred to physical therapy, with no definitive explanation for my pain. After the requisite therapy, I had little to no improvement. I was discouraged to say the least. In the latter half of 2015, the pain reached a level where I could no longer sleep on my right side, waking up in pain, and having to sleep only on my left side. My family doctor recommended I see a specialist at TCO. Upon making the initial call to TCO, I explained my situation, and a very friendly and helpful person recommended Dr. Kelly. I asked if I could go ahead and set up an appointment, expecting a wait of a few weeks to be seen. They actually scheduled me for an initial consult the very next day. It was the first of several positive surprises with TCO. After being shown to an exam room, I was greeted by Dr. Kelly and two members of his care team. I noted a few things right away – they showed empathy and concern, and took the time to actually listen to my story and my condition. My shoulder was thoroughly examined, and I was then sent for x-rays. After coming back to the exam room, Dr. Kelly reviewed the results of my x-rays, and then used a portable ultrasound to further examine my shoulder. He then showed me the cause of my pain – a significant calcium deposit on one of my rotator tendons. Dr. Kelly recommended the Tenex procedure, which would utilize a small incision (about 1/2 inch) on the shoulder to allow access to the calcium deposit where the device would use ultrasonic pulses to break up the calcium and vacuum the debris. For the first time in years, I was finally optimistic that I had a physician that cared enough to find the right solution to a chronic problem. The procedure was scheduled for about 10 days later. Arriving at the surgical suite, I was quickly shown to a pre-op room, where I only needed to remove my shirt, and wait comfortably with warm blankets. I was soon taken into the surgical suite, where Dr. Kelly was waiting with his team. I was given a local anesthetic to numb my shoulder, and then laid down on my left side. Dr. Kelly did an awesome job of keeping me informed of each step of the process, which relaxed me, especially since I was fully awake for the procedure. The entire Tenex procedure took about 20 minutes to complete, and was nearly painless. After a final shot of cortisone to reduce the inflammation and speed the healing process, I was bandaged up (no stitches!), and sent to the recovery room. After a brief time, I was discharged and was even able to drive myself home. I experienced some minor discomfort for a few weeks while the shoulder healed, but the previous pain I had was gone. It has been about 4 months since the procedure, and I am 100% pain free, and have unrestricted motion of my right shoulder for the first time in years. I truly appreciate the care I received from Dr. Kelly and his team – it was a first-class experience. If you’re experiencing similar pain, don’t wait like I did – the fix was so simple and the results so positive that I wish I had done it long before. I highly recommend Dr. Kelly and TCO. It was a life changing experience for me.

I cannot thank Dr. Comfort enough for the exceptional, life changing outcome I have experienced since my total knee replacements.  I went from having tears while walking to get my mail to pain-free walking the dog, gardening, boating/kayaking, traveling, dancing with my husband and skipping with my granddaughter in just weeks after my knee replacement surgeries!  My life has completely changed for the better, renewing my desire to be active, laughing more and really becoming a better person mentally and physically. I am truly the person saying “I wish I would have done this sooner!” – I will gladly recommend Dr. Comfort and his staff David and Molly to each and everyone that is struggling to make the decision for knee replacement surgery.  Molly worked with my insurance company and promptly had my procedures approved and scheduled.  First knee was done mid-June and the second 3 weeks later in July 2017.  Recovery was fast and progress was seen and felt daily.  Best decision I have every made and my family and friends have been asking me to speak with their friends to recommend TCO and Dr. Comfort.  To wake up and get out of bed, go up and down stairs without pain is amazing, dancing with my husband and skipping with my granddaughter, is absolutely priceless! Thank YOU Dr. Comfort, David, Molly and all TCO staff!

I can’t believe how life-changing this procedure was for me. I went from virtually not being able to walk to walking a mile within 10 days of the operation! This is miraculous and I am truly grateful to Dr. Brian O’Neill.

I have seen Dr. Gesensway for several years. I have diabetes which has brought on pain and stiffness in my hands due to trigger fingers. With each surgery performed, he has brought back normal function to my hands. He is so amazing. His technique, knowledge, bedside manner, and genuine concern is outstanding. I am truly blessed to have him in my life.

After months, if not a year or two of pain, including unsuccessful physical therapy and cortisone, I was at my wits end with the pain and weakness in my left elbow. Although I had tennis elbow, I play golf, not tennis. My condition made everyday things like grasping and lifting very painful. I found Dr. Kelly and couldn’t wait for the Tenex procedure. I am now one year post Tenex procedure and have to say I am fully healed and had the best golfing season ever this summer. No pain, no side effects. Procedure itself was quick and painless. I was fully awake and drove myself home. Insurance covered procedure as well per our coverage. Felt great in a day or two, and took it easy for a couple of weeks. My only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner.

Twin Cities Orthopedics,

I had my left hip totally replaced on March 20th, 2017. This was my second hip replacement, and I was invited to participate in the EXCEL program at TCO, where I would be having my surgery and recovery done in a non-hospital setting. It was a great way to get this done. My surgery was scheduled early in the morning at the surgery center, and after coming out of the anesthesia, I was brought by van to an assisted living facility. There, I had a room to myself with my care giving staff in the room next to mine. They provided excellent around the clock care including checking on my well being and physical therapy sessions. I was ready to go home by 11:00am the very next day.

The staff members I came into contact with through the entire process were all great! Very professional and caring people that were, in my opinion, some of the best care givers out there. I had Dr. O’Keefe as my surgeon and he did a great job with my hip replacement (he had done my right hip back in 2014 as well).

I’d surely recommend the EXCEL program for anyone qualified to do it. For me, it was a great way to get my hip replacement done. I’m enjoying being able to do the activities I enjoy a lot more comfortably now.

Thanks,
Michael C.

After suffering a severely torn meniscus which left me in constant, excruciating pain and unable to walk, I luckily found Dr. Steven Meisterling. He correctly diagnosed my injury and performed surgery. The overall experience including the first introduction appointment, the surgery prep team, the actual operation and the follow up care was just an amazing and positive experience. I literally owe the quality of my life to Dr. Meisterling and his team. My recovery was 100% full function of my knee. Thank you so much for everything you did for me. A very grateful patient, Ben T.