Patient Testimonials

I suffered from severe knee pain, which significantly impacted my quality of life. Dr. Bircher performed total knee replacement surgery, which allowed me to regain my ability to climb stairs, exercise, and do my usual chores. Before the surgery, I researched Dr. Bircher and discovered that he had received his training at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, where he became their chief resident. Then, following his residency, he took an orthopedic fellowship with the Cleveland Clinic. With such impressive credentials, I felt confident entrusting him to perform my knee replacement surgery. I was so impressed by his compassionate, warm manner. He made me feel well cared for. At just over three months post-surgery, I look forward to gardening again. Thank you, Dr. Bircher.

For over two years, the pain in my right knee grew to where it limited a lot of my activities. It was especially painful walking and going up and down the stairs. Dr. Lewis and his PA, Libby, helped decrease the pain with steroid injections. When that no longer helped, we decided I needed a knee replacement. At the end of January, I went to TCO Chaska. In every step of the process I was treated with respect and kindness. Everything that was going to happen was thoroughly explained. I was confident in my surgeon and his team. I trusted them completely. Surgery was a complete success. I was up walking and had physical therapy the day of surgery.

I’m walking around the lakes with my friends and enjoying every step. My knee feels stronger than it has in years. The best part is there’s no pain. Thank you, Dr. Lewis and Libby, for giving me my active pain free life back. I highly recommend Dr. Lewis. Life is so much more enjoyable when you aren’t in pain.

Under Dr. Peterson’s care I received a total knee replacement in September of 2023.  Post-surgery I was able to go on an adventure trip to New Zealand — 24 days of travel, over 80 miles hiked with significant elevation changes. I also biked, swam in the ocean, and kayaked twice.  I experienced absolutely no trouble with my knee and needed no ice or pain relievers!  Thank you to Dr. Peterson for his care which enabled this trip of a lifetime to happen!

My whole experience could not have been any better; from the reception staff at TCO Waconia to the surgery team and nursing staff at Two Twelve Surgery Center, and my two physical therapists (who are fabulous). And of course, thank you to Dr. Christopher Meyer. TCO is the only facility that I recommend for a knee replacement. Thanks to everyone at TCO!

I had an amazing experience with the EXCEL Program. Steph, EXCEL RN Coordinator’s, initial phone call was caring and considerate. She arranged for an orientation to see the recovery suites with Leah Zimmerman, EXCEL Program Director, and we were so relieved and pleased. Leah was so gracious, open to answering every concern and question, and so delightfully reassuring. I also attended the pre-surgery education class. The class was so helpful and important to attend.

After my knee replacement surgery, I was taken to my room. Lauren and Caryn, my Registered Nurses, were delightful, joyful, and skilled in every way. They were personable and answered any question I had. I felt encouraged and amazed at how much I could do already, with expert coaching and support. It was such a pleasure and relief to see Dr. Scott Anseth after my procedure. He described what he did for my knee and that I should not be surprised by the bruising. I enjoyed how he demonstrated the importance of being able to straighten my leg and bend my knee when I am ready. I was so reassured that I made the right decision and that I was in the best hands for care.

My recovery continued at home with check-ins. Any “speed bump” I encountered was met with acceptance, compassion, and effective problem solving. The reception desk folks at physical therapy were always cheerful, helpful and respectful. Shoutout to all my therapists for those pre-operative exercises. Heidi, Sarah, and Jordan, were significant in my recovery.

I continue to feel so grateful for this opportunity to enhance my quality of life with a new knee. Every detail was covered every step of the way with a multitude of skills and talents, along with personal care and concern for me. Thank you, TCO!

I had a complete knee replacement on my left knee in December 2022. From the very first meeting I had Dr. Michael Nemanich, I knew I was in the right place and in good hands at TCO. He made me feel so confident about the surgery and reassured me that everything would come out perfectly as planned. The surgery was a complete success and my knee works so well. He was so professional, kind, caring and really listened to my concerns because I have other underlying health issues. He made me feel so excited about having my new knee. I couldn’t be more happy with the outcome. My knee works exactly like it did when I was younger and I can now get back to what I love doing because of him. Thank you, Dr. Nemanich for taking such great care of me. You are amazing at what you do. You will be doing my right leg in the next year or two, to work your magic again! I would also like to thank your office team and surgical team for doing such a fantastic job. They all made everything goes so smoothly and so easy for me.

Dr. Owen O’Neill came highly recommended and now I know why! On December 1, 2023 I went in to surgery with a very messed-up knee. I had huge bone spurs that started to limit my very active life at 69 years old. Surgery went very smoothly. Dr. O’Neill and his team were very attentive, caring and competent. The pain was manageable. I rented the ‘NICE’ cooling system, did my PT, and only needed the walker for one week. Then I used a cane for another week. I kept up with my exercises well and ‘graduated’ the program. I now have over 130 degree bend, which will just keep improving. I can do 6 flights of stairs without a problem. I swim, take nice long walks, and am just enjoying an active life again! I obviously I needed to do my part too, but clearly Dr. O’Neill is a very big part of this success. I am most grateful to him, as are my husband and family!

I was referred to Dr. Bircher. He was very kind and a willing listener, as I was not an easy case! I dealt with multiple infections in the past. So he ran tests before he did anything, which I was very grateful for. Once we found out there was no infection, he did a metal removal from past surgery first.

Then he went ahead with the right knee replacement in July of 2023. In December of 2023 I had my left knee done. Dr. Bircher and his team were great! They called me at home multiple times to check in with me about healing and pain management. He was always quick to return calls and answered all of my questions or concerns.

He was also willing to give me a referral to a spine doctor who I have been going to now as well. If I do need more surgery down the road I will be going back with Dr. Bircher and his group. I would definitely recommend him and his team!

Dr. Mittelsteadt and his staff were amazing. I tell everybody about him and TCO. I could not imagine having a better experience. If I ever have to have surgery again I’m going back to TCO! I stayed at the EXCEL Care Suites for a night. Recovering was really nice and the nurses were amazing there too. Thank you so much to TCO for a great experience on something I was regretting. It was not bad at all.

During the month of July 2015, I had a full knee replacement on my right knee. My recovery time was 90 days before I could walk without a wooden pole. However, in order to remodel the first level of our single-family home in November 2015, I still had to maintain a daily intake of pain medication to perform manual work seven days per week. This intake continued until December 2015.

I was introduced to Dr. Bircher at your new TCO Plymouth location and I had a full left knee replacement in February 2024. Physical therapy was performed at TCO Maple Grove. Something was very different this time and the healing process was entirely different. That same month, I ceased taking pain medication and Tylenol. There was obviously a much faster recovery time than my 2015 procedure.

The question is, “what changed to cause such a difference in recovery?” I don’t think the actual replacement procedure, nor the replacement devises have changed much in eight years. There is only one major factor that could alter the healing time as much as it did, and that would be the knowledge and skill of Dr. Bircher. In addition, Dr. Bircher has great bedside manner.

In summary, I would like to mention and give credit to the two PT’s that pushed me and guided me through the post-op recovery process. Elsie Olsen and Therese Owen have great personalities and skills. They worked hard and encouraged me to complete the recovery process properly and in a short time frame. Both of them are very pleasant to be around!