Patient Testimonials

My first experience with Dr. Ockuly was five years ago when I needed a hip replacement. He took time to explain the x-rays and promised me he would do his best to fix my hip. It was a very successful surgery. Four weeks later, I had finished PT and could walk without any assistance. Next came a completely torn shoulder that could not be fixed except for a total reverse shoulder replacement. At first, Dr. Ockuly wanted me to try PT. Eighteen weeks later, Dr. Ockuly told me I was doing better than what surgery would do. Now I’m facing replacement of both knees but not before having a few years of alternative therapies.

I highly recommend Dr. Ockuly to anyone needing surgery. He is very knowledgeable and experienced. He takes time to explain the situation and what plans are available for treatment. His entire team is caring, competent, and really treats you like family. His PA, Annie Merrill, is an invaluable member of his team before, during, and after surgery.

Dr. Randall and his team performed a TKR on my right knee. My experience with everyone involved was exceptional! One month later, I am pain free and enjoying a quality of life that I never expected to regain. Libby was easy to reach and very informative with any follow up questions I had. The rehab team was excellent, and they truly made a difference in my recovery. I highly recommend Dr. Lewis for total knee replacement.

I would like to thank Dr. Ockuly and his team for their excellent work on my knee. My recovery was much easier than I ever thought it would be. Their follow up appointments showed me how much they care about the patient. It feels so nice not to be in pain with every step. Thank you very much.

Dr. Mair and his excellent team made my surgery and recovery easy and comfortable. I was very impressed with the entire process, from the initial appointment with Dr. Mair and his staff to the recovery. He and his staff answered all my questions, so I was prepared and knew what to expect. I love being able to do all the activities I had been missing when my knees were so painful. Thank you, Dr. Mair, and your excellent team!

Dr. Schmiesing and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. Beginning with my first visit to evaluate options for my knee pain, Dr. Schmiesing was understanding and listened to my concerns. He then provided me with the options available and a real-life approach to treatment for my knee pain. When the time came to schedule surgery for total knee replacement, Dr. Schmiesing and team were extremely helpful in answering all of my questions and getting me scheduled for surgery. Surgery and recovery went smoothly with no problems. The rehab process has also been a great experience. Many have said that you will wonder why you waited so long to have the surgery, which I did not believe at the time. Now I can honestly say I am happy to have had the surgery, and my experience has exceeded expectations. Thanks to Dr. Schmiesing, his team and the Excel program and post-surgery care team!

Dr. Carlson has given great attention to my left knee and entire left leg/hip issues. The speed and attention to provide a cure to my pain issues are world class. I came to TCO to find solutions and was not disappointed. The entire team of experts who I worked with moved me to the replacement surgery needed in a timely fashion and the Excel process gave me comfort on the steps I would be going through before and after surgery.
Thank you Dr. Carlson and staff!

Just had my 6 week follow up with Dr. Mittelsteadt and he by far rates a 10 out of 10!! He is one of the most personable Dr.’s I have encountered in my 80 years. Above all that he did an outstanding job on my fractured knee. His bedside manner is impeccable. His rising star status should be shining bright. I recommend him 100%.

This past year I had robotic-assisted total knee replacement of both knees because of an auto accident. The total professionalism and care of Dr. James Bircher and his staff made the experience easy to deal with. He explained each step and offered great advice on my aftercare. Thank you Dr. Bircher, his staff and TCO.

Dr. James Bircher is a tremendous orthopedic physician and I am greatly appreciative of his awesome treatment of my longtime knee pain. Dr. Bircher possesses a rare combination of great wisdom, compassion and kindness. Both my husband (hip replacement surgery) and I are patients of Dr. Bircher, further confirming our mutual confidence and trust in his medical expertise. Dr. Bircher is a truly outstanding orthopedic provider and his TCO team of Kari (PA) and Cassie (care coordinator) provide superb, enhanced patient support. My husband Bill has submitted his own patient testimonial regarding his successful hip replacement surgery by Dr. Bircher. Both my husband and I greatly thank and highly recommend Dr. James Bircher to anyone seeking excellent knee or hip orthopedic medical care.

It has been three years since an injury profoundly impacted my life, and I am proud of the progress I have made. After that life-changing event, I not only regained the ability to ski but also competed in the Minnesota High School League Alpine Ski competition during my junior and senior years, consistently ranking in the top ten. Additionally, I completed my first marathon in October 2024 during my first year of college, finishing the Twin Cities Marathon in 3 hours and 23 minutes. This achievement has qualified me to apply for the Boston Marathon, which has inspired me to pursue the upcoming Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth in June 2025.

Reflecting on these accomplishments post-injury, I am deeply grateful for the expertise and dedication of Dr. Robert LaPrade and his team, who played an essential role in my recovery. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Jake Foley, who committed over a year and 170 physical therapy sessions to my rehabilitation and return to sport. Furthermore, I owe much of my success to the ACE program, Natalie Denk, and Jeff Kalow. Natalie played a key role in helping me build strength, while Jeff focused on agility, both of which were crucial in preparing me to ski again. Together, they made the recovery process enjoyable while challenging me to reach my fullest potential.

During my sophomore year of high school, I was in Colorado training with my alpine ski team when an unfortunate turn on my skis led to a catastrophic injury. I tore my ACL, MCL, patellar tendon, and PCL. Prior to this accident, I had never faced a setback of this magnitude, and the prospect of my athletic future was uncertain. Dr. LaPrade and his team performed my first surgery in November, and for the next year, I worked tirelessly with my physical therapist, Jake Foley. Initially, I was anxious about starting physical therapy, unsure of what to expect. The process was challenging and often painful, but Jake’s unwavering positivity and encouragement made the experience more manageable, and his dedication pushed me to exceed what I thought were my limits.

By early spring, I had made significant progress, but a setback occurred when I tore my patellar tendon once again, requiring another round of surgery. Dr. LaPrade and his team provided exceptional support, ensuring that I felt reassured throughout the entire process. After my second surgery, I continued my rehabilitation with Jake Foley for another six months. His approach to physical therapy remained motivating and focused on my progress, and I always felt that he genuinely cared about my recovery.

I am where I am today thanks to Dr. LaPrade, his team, Jake Foley, the ACE program with Natalie Denk, and Jeff Kalow. The team at TCO has not only restored my ability to enjoy life to the fullest but has also helped me achieve new athletic milestones. I owe my success—earning two state medals and meeting qualifying time for the Boston Marathon—to the unwavering support and expertise of this remarkable team.