Patient Testimonials

Dr. TJ Ridley and his team at Twin Cities Orthopedics are truly amazing. I had a left rotator cuff repair with him, he listened to my concerns and always made sure we were taken care of. He’s very educated and really good at what he does!!!

Last year, I experienced excruciating pain in my right elbow. I saw five orthopedic doctors in five months with no results. I was finally referred to Dr. Adam Bakker at TCO in Eagan. Dr. Bakker ordered new X-rays (the first ones since seeing the first ortho doctor).
He thoroughly checked the X-rays and my elbow and found the exact spot for an injection. This injection has left me pain-free until recently, and I intend to see Dr. Bakker for another injection.

I could not have gone any further with the pain I was experiencing. Dr. Bakker’s injection was deeper than any of the other doctors, which I believe was the difference from the others, which felt more like a pin poke. Dr. Bakker kept searching my elbow until he found the perfect position for the injection. He listened to me and alleviated my pain almost immediately, totally different from the other physicians.

I believe he saved my life, as I could not continue in that much pain. I didn’t have a life. I couldn’t dress myself at all. My husband had to take time off work to help me do anything. The pain was sporadic. I never knew when I was going to be screaming from pain.

Thank you, Dr. Bakker, so very much for everything you did for me.

Dr. Edward Kelly recently replaced my left shoulder joint, and I am so appreciative of the success after several years of pain. He was very thorough in the recommended preparation before the surgery. Following these procedures, reading the handbook, renting the shoulder ice machine, etc., gave me peace of mind. The same-day outpatient surgery went as scheduled and following it, I had minimal pain for the first month. Now, after the second month, my arm movement is ahead of schedule and pain-free. The recommended physical therapy is going very well. I would send friends to Dr. Kelly for such a surgery.

I “happened” to become a patient of Dr. Edward W. Szalapski at the end of 2023 into 2024, and I am very pleased.

In 2023, a friend had an emergency accident damaging her left shoulder. Dr. Szalapski was assigned as her doctor. I reviewed his background and saw that he did reverse total shoulder replacement! I met with him, and he reviewed the X-rays that the previous doctor had taken. He saw my shoulder needed surgery.

Dr. Szalapski and his team are quick, to the point, thorough, and always ask if I have any questions or concerns. My surgery and recovery have gone well. I recommend and thank Dr. Szalapski.

I went to see Dr. Mark Fischer because I was having extreme pain in my right shoulder. He was thorough and professional in diagnosing where my pain was coming from. I can hardly believe I am pain-free after suffering for so many months. Do not hesitate to see Dr. Fischer with your orthopedic concerns. He is the best!

Through my shoulder surgery, Dr. Ridley was the kindest and most amazing doctor to work with! I’m very grateful and thankful to have had him as my surgeon.

I wanted to write a letter of appreciation for the physical therapists I teamed up with to rehabilitate my shoulder after an injury. PTs Mike Carey, Travis Rasinski, and Peyton Landowski were all incredible to work with. As I progressed through the healing process, they were able to implement techniques and exercises that made my shoulder stronger. They targeted my injury to help increase my strength as I progressed. It was good to get their opinions regarding what I was going through, and they offered great solutions, which I am still using to recover completely. I feel my shoulder functioning at almost 100 percent.

I also want to thank Patient Service Representative Jana Munger for her customer service and for working with me on my scheduling. These employees are a wonderful asset to the Staples community.

Dr. Ridley performed reconstructive surgery on my son’s shoulder, allowing him to return to football within months of the procedure. Pretty impressive and only possible because of the skill, expertise, and compassion that Dr. Ridley exudes in his practice. He brings to the table a personalized approach and experience as a collegiate athlete as well. We are incredibly thankful that my son has been able to continue to compete at a high level and remain free of any further injury to his shoulder. Thank you, Dr. Ridley!

Dr. Hartigan did an outstanding job on my rotator cuff repair. He has a great bedside manner and sense of humor.

If you’re seeking a consultation for a shoulder concern, you must schedule an appointment with Dr. Hess! He took the time to listen to my concerns and asked several follow-up questions to ensure he fully understood my issues. I was suffering from calcific tendonitis, and we initially decided to try cortisone injections. Unfortunately, my condition was too advanced, so Dr. Hess recommended surgery as the best course of action. He thoroughly explained all possibilities and set clear expectations, making me feel completely comfortable with the decision. Despite my apprehension about undergoing surgery for the first time, Dr. Hess and his team treated me with the utmost respect and professionalism.