Patient Testimonials

I kicked the can down the road until encountering Dr. Michalik. No one knew what to do about the excruciating knee/leg pain following a knee replacement, and likely a compressed nerve that orthopedic surgeons didn’t care to deal with. As a retired registered nurse with 50 years of experience, I am acutely aware of physicians having confidence and competence in their learned and acquired skills, especially neurological distribution and functions. Dr. Michalik checked all of my boxes and adapted all available technology to work his magic for near instantaneous cessation of my life. He stopped my pain through the rare combination of knowledge, creativity, and human compassion that carries through to his wonderful staff who share the same qualities. Give them your complete confidence for resolution of your back and limb pain.

After two years of chronic nerve pain in my lower back, Dr. Deal performed a F5-S1 TLIF surgery. I am one year post-surgery and it has been life changing for me. I went home from the hospital with zero nerve pain. The first two weeks were the hardest part of my recovery, but after three months I was able to get back to more normal activity. I am so thankful that I went to Dr. Deal. From the beginning to my last appointment, I felt listened to and Dr. Deal was so patient with all of questions. The follow up care was amazing and I felt that Dr. Deal and his team truly cared about my recovery. I can now walk four miles a day and stand up all day with no pain.

I had lumbar microdiscectomy in October 2023, performed by Dr. Deal. Everything went perfectly smooth from my first visit, to surgery and the follow up appointment. I was instantly pain free and only used Tylenol. No pain meds necessary after surgery.

Dr. Knowlan and his team are nothing short of amazing. My hips and knees were bone on bone and several friends recommended him to me. Normally these procedures would take 4 years, replacing one per year. I didn’t want to deal with it that long, and Dr. Knowlan did all four procedures within a 9 month period. I’m now able to do things I haven’t been able to do for years, like going up and down stairs, crossing my legs, sitting cross legged, and putting on my socks by myself. These things are no big deal to the average person, but a very big deal to someone who can’t do them. I don’t need my scooter or walker anymore. I couldn’t be happier with the results. The team at Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center and the EXCEL Care Suites were also amazing. I felt like I was treated like royalty. I would do this again in a heartbeat, though I wouldn’t recommend doing the surgeries so close together. I’ve dealt with chronic pain most of my life since I have scoliosis, so the recovery pain wasn’t that big of a deal for me.

I received a left total knee replacement in October 2022. I am totally satisfied with the results.  I have full mobility and no pain. Dr. Szalapski also performed a left shoulder replacement in 2014 and a right shoulder reverse replacement in 2018. Again, the results were 100% satisfaction with no pain and full mobility. I highly recommended Dr. Szalapski!

My injury came from stepping onto a step stool. I went to urgent care and was told see an orthopedic doctor. TCO was the only provider I could get in to see someone within a couple days instead of weeks. Dr. Bircher was very attentive and evaluated my knee and talked through my options. I went with the injection but after some months the pain returned and I decided with Dr. Bircher’s guidance to have total knee replacement. I cannot say enough about how smooth the surgery and recovery went. The EXCEL Program was wonderful and the physical therapists, Kristina and Jared, were the best. At 3 months post-surgery I am walking 4 miles a day and feel great. Thank you Dr. Bircher!

I have been with Dr. Lewis and his PA, Libby since 2014 when I broke both of my legs. They did an awesome job of taking care of me, considering I have sever osteoporosis! Over the years, my legs gradually got very bent and I walked with a bad limp until I needed a total knee replacement on both knees. Now I have very straight legs and I’m not walking with a limp! Thank you both for doing an excellent job at taking care of me. Dr. Lewis and Libby are the #1 doctor and PA in my book!

From the very first time after knee replacement surgery, Victoria (Tori) was very professional, skilled, attentive, diligent, focused, and highly communicative for my recovery. I am no longer in need of physical therapy since her assistance has made my healing progress at a rate I did not expect (I am 79 years old). She answered all of my questions and was very helpful during my therapy/recovery process. I am most grateful for her very caring and comforting approach. It made my apprehension a minimal issue in recovery. I want to thank Tori for her assistance and professional approach.

Dr. Schmiesing did my surgical knee replacement. Of course, I had some trepidation about the procedure and the recovery. It was a much easier surgery than I expected and the after-care is wonderful. Being 5 weeks out, I feel I am progressing quite well. I would highly recommend Dr. Schmiesing for any type of surgical procedure and if I need future orthopedic procedure I would definitely have him do it for me.

This testimonial is long overdue. I had both knee replacements done by Dr. Randall Lewis. One surgery took place on 10/13/21, and the second one was on 1/26/23. Both surgeries were as successful as possible seeing that I have had absolutely no problems with either knee since the procedures. The surgeries went so well that with each knee operation, I was able to walk up the stairs to my second level bedroom the night I got home.

As for Dr. Lewis, other than his surgical skill, he is very pleasant to talk with and makes one very comfortable regarding the decision to go forward with the operation. I am 85 and with the new knees, I’m able to comfortably play 18 championship holes of golf, 3 times per week and all summer long.