Patient Testimonials

When I came to TCO Maple Grove with a painful hip condition, I had “muddled through” years of pain. I couldn’t walk normal distances or stairs without holding on to someone or something to steady myself. Activities like dressing, driving, getting in and out of a seat were challenging. I passed on social gatherings that involved walking. When I saw Dr. Bircher and his staff, he asked me specific questions about my symptoms, my lifestyle, and my goals for an improved lifestyle. Then he and his staff gave me their diagnosis and goals to aim for. I also had other health issues related to exercise, blood pressure, and breathing. He worked with my other doctors to coordinate the timing, treatments, and specific surgical requirements to assure my safety and a positive outcome. It worked! I am enjoying activities again and I am improving at a pace that’s comfortable for me, based on my goals and abilities. Don’t wait. See Dr. Bircher ASAP if you are in pain. Life can be fun!

Before coming to TCO, my shoulder injury was misdiagnosed three times. When I met Dr. Butterfield, he did a thorough exam and ordered an MRI to determine the actual cause of my injury. Dr. Butterfield was able to find the problem quickly and we decided the best treatment was surgery to repair a SLAP tear in my shoulder. I was walked through the entire process from start to finish and after my surgery and physical therapy with Seth, I was back to 100% quickly. I work and play hard, and having my shoulder back to normal has enabled me to get back to work and playing hockey again. I couldn’t be happier with my experience at TCO and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone.

It was a great experience from the first visit until the last. It’s been six weeks since surgery and I’m walking an average of six miles per day. Dr. Schmiesing did a great job with the surgery and the follow up care. The EXCEL Program was a lot of help too, along with my physical therapist, Jacob. I would have this surgery all over again, if needed!

Dr. Wetter made the whole process easy. Any questions I had were always explained. I would highly recommend. The EXCEL Program at TCO was great!

It is with gratitude that I write this testimonial for Dr. Hoel, his PA-C, Christina Erdmann and his care coordinator, Julie Patricelli. In January 2023, Dr. Hoel performed my cervical fusion which was necessitated by my myelomalacia. This condition caused me to lose my balance and drop things. Almost immediately after the surgery, I noted a reduction in my symptoms, which was a bonus since the goal of the surgery was simply to stop the progression of my condition. Not only were the surgical results excellent and the recovery very tolerable, but also my interaction with Dr. Hoel, Christina and Julie could not have been better. All three of them responded to my many questions promptly and with patience.

Dr. Bircher truly cares about his patients. He took his time with me, answering my questions before surgery and afterwards. I am very satisfied with how my hip surgery turned out. I chose Dr. Bircher because he has a genuine concern for his patients.

I could not have asked for a better experience. Dr. Ridley and all of the staff are always so kind and compassionate. Dr. Ridley performed an arthroscopic hip surgery for treatment of hip impingement and labral tear. Dr. Ridley personally called me before surgery to see if I had any questions and he also called me after surgery to see how I was doing. I would recommend him to all my friends and family. I am now 6 weeks post-op and my hip is feeling better than ever! Dr. Ridley is a kind and compassionate physician and I will continue to see him for my future orthopedic needs!

My broken arm did not heal correctly without surgery, so I contacted Dr. Bakker. Dr. Bakker is confident, caring and skilled. He knows how to talk to you directly without wasting time but somehow makes you feel like he is not in a rush. His confidence helped me relax and feel comfortable with all decisions. Best of all, the surgery was a success. He even called me a day or two after surgery to see how I was doing. Dr. Bakker’s team was also very efficient and supportive. In person, on the phone and through email or text reminders.

It has been about 5 months since my accident and I have been to 6 different TCO clinics for different reasons. All of them have been professional, clean, and efficient. Making appointments were easy and I rarely had to wait very long to get in. This includes physician visits, PT, CT, etc. at Plymouth, Blaine, Edina, Coon Rapids, Maple Grove and surgery in Eagan. I have nothing but good things to say about the facilities and staff.

We would like to thank Dr. Hartigan who replaced our 89-year-old mom’s shattered hip last year. He gave us another year with her, as she passed away earlier this year of natural causes. The entire Theis family thanks you!

For the past four years, I have been working with Dr. Charles Eggert to solve my hip problems. My hip pain was so excruciating that it was hard to walk and enjoy the activities I liked to do such as hiking, playing basketball, and weightlifting. I tried physical therapy first, and then decided to have surgery with Dr. Eggert.

I did my post-op PT at TCO Waconia Therapy and Sports Performance. I had a goal of playing basketball this season so Greg Gunderson, DPT, OCS and Jeff Kalow, PTA, collaborated with Dr. Eggert to help me recover and get back to sports.

I do not know where I would be without the care that I received from TCO. I made it back on the court and can do my other activities! My TCO team pushed me weekly, taught me to never give up, and contributed to my love for orthopedics.