Patient Testimonials

I recently had a preventative mastectomy due to being at high risk for breast cancer. After the surgery, my team recommended that I start physical therapy with Renata Braudy.

My situation was not the norm, so I was worried about how it would go. Immediately after meeting Renata, I knew I was in great hands. It was evident that she not only had a ton of knowledge but also a passion for taking care of women post-mastectomy.

What stood out to me was Renata’s ability to not only treat my symptoms but also explain the underlying causes, empowering me with knowledge about my body. She developed a plan that was specific to my goals and always valued my input. This personalized plan helped me regain strength and mobility, and I was able to get back into the gym and lift weights just as heavy (and even heavier!) than I was before surgery. I’m forever grateful for the role Renata played in my recovery.

I recently had my right knee replaced. I was hesitant, but after talking with Dr. Edward Szalapski, I made the decision.

I was walking without a walker after just one week, and continued exercising at home and at physical therapy.

Fourteen weeks later, I am walking without pain and can do everything I want. Dr. Szalapski is the best!

Dr. Shammash’s care coordinator, Christina, is compassionate, talented, and knowledgeable. My emails were answered promptly, and problems were quickly solved. More than once, she went out of her way to make my life easier. I’ve had a chronic illness for decades, and to have this exceptional care at this stage means everything. I highly recommend them both!

I just wanted Dr. Erik Peterson to know my knee is fantastic! I recently took first place in a pickleball tournament. I also competed in a basketball tournament in Copenhagen, Denmark, where my team took second place. Thanks for the new knee and for allowing me to be a gym rat!

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.

I have been going to Twin Cities Orthopedics for over 18 years. Dr. TJ Panek repaired both of my rotor cuffs in 2006, and my shoulders have been as good as new ever since.

In 2023, I had a total knee replacement done. It was a great success. My physical therapists, Scott and Katie at Vadnais Heights, were absolutely amazing. They were extremely caring and informational, and my knee is doing fantastic.
Dr. Nicholas Meyer has done some reconstructive hand surgery and other procedures for me. I’ve had great success with all of those.
I’ve also had a successful foot surgery with Dr. Troy Vargas.

Dr. Edward Szalapski did a wonderful job of putting me back together after my brief excursion into the sport of pickleball. I discovered that the concrete surface of the court was far harder than my bones. His emergency total hip replacement was 100% successful. Within just a few weeks, with diligent physical therapy, I was pain-free and once again blessed with 100% mobility. It’s as though the surgery never happened, and I simply have a brand-new hip that should be good for yet another 75 years!

I was thrilled with the care I received from Dr. Christopher Meyer‘s entire team. The educational materials were excellent. I felt very comfortable, and I knew exactly what was going to happen. My recovery also held no surprises. It went better than expected because as Dr. Meyer would confirm, I followed his directions exactly. Highly recommend.

I am extremely pleased with the outcome of my hip replacement surgery. Dr. Owen O’Neill and his staff were exceptional. I had some pain the first couple of days, but within a week, could walk without the assistance of a cane. Eight weeks post-operation and I am back playing Pickleball two hours per day without pain. I also do an hour of low-impact aerobics, weights, and cycling. I would highly recommend Dr. O’Neill to anyone needing a hip replacement.

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.