Patient Testimonials

I would like to share my experience at TCO and with the EXCEL Program. I had a full knee replacement on Dec. 22^nd and I would like to thank everyone who’s helped me along the way. Thanks to Danica for all of the help she provided via phone to get the ball rolling. The EXCEL Program staff, starting with Nate, made my surgery a smooth process. Thank you to Dr. Brian O’Neill who provided excellent care. To the staff in the recovery area, thank you for starting me on my road to recovery. From there I started my PT and was so pleased from day one. My PT, Brittney, gave me the understanding and all of the tools I need for the best recovery. I understood it was up to me to complete the PT in order succeed. Thank you for pressing me to do my best, even when I ate a little humble pie. Brittney helped me understand the pain process as I was healing. She was always a positive person, challenging me to do better with different exercises. Thank you, Brittney. I know with the care that I have received through this process, I will succeed.

Several years ago, I developed severe degenerative knee joints, and I was unable to walk more than one block without severe swelling and knee pain. My active life as I knew it was ending. I sought the consultation of Twin Cities Orthopedics, and the care of Dr. Andrea Saterbak. She was caring and professional through her unique surgical talents, she replaced both of my knees.

TCO provided excellent physical therapy throughout my recovery. I was soon back bicking, but one of my dreams was to ski the American Birkebeiner, a 35 mile cross country ski race in northern Wisconsin. I am happy to say I finished the race this year. Many thanks to Dr. Saterbak and the entire team at TCO!

Everything about Dr. Owen O’Neill, his team, TCO and the EXCEL Program were top notch. From pre-surgical prep, through surgery, post-op and rehab I have been impressed. If you want peace of mind for your orthopedic medical matters then Dr. O’Neill is your clear choice. My recent Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery was a great success!

I have had several prior knee surgeries from competitive sports injuries over the past 25 years, all performed by the same renowned and outstanding knee surgeon. That doctor was the “go to” person for knee surgeries! I always knew that I would eventually need a TKR so when “my” doctor retired 2 years ago, I started researching the current state of TKR technology and the very top surgeons who had the expertise in using that technology. Having professional experience in the med-tech industry, I knew what I was looking for and took my time evaluating the top docs in the field.

Dr. Owen O’Neill was a clear standout surgeon with an outstanding team and years of experience in the TKR arena. He was also an expert in the latest medical devices and surgical techniques with a proven track record. And I decided “that’s the doctor” I want to be “my” doctor, taking care of my knees and any future orthopedic medical matters I may encounter. I am strongly recommending Dr. O’Neill to my friends and fellow athletes.

To say I am a little hard on my body is an understatement. I have had multiple issues with both of my knees. I knew it was time to be seen again so I put out a Facebook request for “a great knee guy”. That’s when a private message was sent to me from a longtime family friend. She told me the story of how her mom met Dr. Ridley and how wonderful her mom’s surgery and recovery went. So I looked into Dr. Ridley. Keep in mind, I am NOT an elite athlete but I am a very, very active (almost) 60 year old.

Our first visit was to chat about both of my knees. After x-rays and MRI’s were done, we had answers and made a plan. We planned to “clean up” my right knee with a same day surgery and a total replacement for my bad left knee. Both surgeries were done at the TCO Blaine clinic. My right knee surgery was done in October 2021 and I was in and out without any issues. My left knee surgery was in Jan 2022 and I stayed in the EXCEL Program care suites at the Blaine facility. That suite was seriously the nicest place to recover in. I cannot brag enough about the staff, my suite and my fabulous care. When I was ready to be sent home after both surgeries, Dr. Ridley had all of the medications, PT, Q&A and just about anything else you could want ready to go.

Dr. Ridley calls to check in on you and then his staff does a few days later! I have had my share of doctors that are unlike Dr. Ridley. He listened to me when I explained the issues I was having. He made me feel like a part of the team when it came to surgery day and recovery. I have already referred him to a few family members and friends. So if you’re in pain, don’t hesitate. Dr. Ridley is seriously the best you can get!

My experience with Dr. O’Neill and the EXCEL Program team could not have been any better. From the preparation to surgery and follow-up, things exceeded my expectations. Speaking from experience, if you are in need of a hip replacement, this is your guy!

I could not be happier or have enough good things to say about the care, concern, and time that Dr. Hunt provided leading up to my surgery and afterwards. The entire EXCEL Program experience was top notch from beginning to end. The entire team was fantastic every step of the way. The best part is that I have a whole new knee and physical therapy is going great. I would highly recommend Dr. Hunt, his team, and the entire EXCEL Program. They make it effortless with everything packaged together!

My experience with TCO and the EXCEL Program was very positive. I was somewhat apprehensive and had some anxiety prior to surgery. However, Dr. Arntson helped relieve those feelings by explaining everything to me. He is a wonderful doctor and made me feel so comfortable. It was obvious to me from the moment I walked into the surgical center that all of the staff, nurses, therapists, and my doctor want to be here. They gave me the best medical care I have ever received in any medical setting.

The PT staff were a tremendous help and provided me with exercises to do at home. As a result, my recovery has gone very well so far. The nursing staff was outstanding and answered any questions that I or my coach asked. I am looking forward to a more active life and thank everyone at TCO and the EXCEL program for their exemplary care.

Nothing short of medical miracles are being performed by Dr. Owen O’Neill! It’s hard to find the words to describe the pre- and post-surgical experiences I’ve had with him and the entire TCO team…other than “surreal”. I had my first anterior hip replacement by Dr. O’Neill in 2016. I knew, in time, my other hip would need to be replaced as well. Prior to meeting with Dr. O’Neill, I initially consulted with 3 other surgeons regarding the condition of my hips. There was no question after consulting with him that he was the surgeon for the job!

On November 9^th, my other hip was replaced by Dr. O’Neill. For both surgeries, I was a part of the EXCEL Program and was treated with the utmost professional care, respect and compassion. It was beyond any other surgical experiences I’ve had. The entire process (for both hip surgeries) went extremely smooth; including the pre-op appointments, information and billing, to the follow-through, staff communications, etc.

Like many other patients, I was up and moving around within 4 hours of my surgery. I was walking and doing laps around the nursing station and looking at the stunning new TCO EXCEL Care Suites. It’s crazy to comprehend that a person is even capable of walking or climbing stairs after having a new “part” put in. I was so extremely happy with my recovery from the first surgery. Within a few weeks I was able to return to work and resume many of my normal activities.

Dr. O’Neill and his amazing staff are hands-down some of the most qualified, experienced, kind, and thorough medical professionals and care-givers a patient could hope for. One of the other big stand-out components of my experience was being part of the TCO EXCEL Program. What a master-minded, brilliant concept! It’s comprehensive, thorough, extremely well-organized, patient-focused, with beautiful and comfortable care suites. Not to mention, includes one post-op bill that you are informed about prior to your surgery! Hip, Hip, Hooray! I have 2 new hips now and I’m looking forward to getting outside to indulge in my winter sports and activities, soon!

It’s been one year since my total knee replacements. I had my first one repaired on Oct 23, 2020 and the other one on Dec 3, 2020, exactly 6 weeks apart. I cannot say enough about the care that I received from Dr. Barry, the EXCEL Program nursing team, my physical therapist, Chris Kuhn, and Rebecca Munson, PA. The kindness shown to me during this time was amazing!

On my first visit with Dr. Barry, I expressed to him how important it was for me to get back to normal life, which included kickboxing. He thought that was possible to attain with hard work. With the direction of Chris and a list of at home physical therapy, I went back to kickboxing in March of 2021 and it feels amazing. I could not have done this without the help of this wonderful team! For the first time in a very long time, I have straight legs and almost pain free!!! Thank you everyone!!!

Dr. Peterson and his staff were amazing. I would highly recommend Dr. Peterson and the TCO EXCEL program. I had a bi-lateral knee replacement; my left knee in May 2021 and my right knee in August 2021. The care suites used after surgery was the best experience I have ever had. With each stay, there were 2 RN’s to 2 patients. If I needed assistance they responded in a matter of seconds. Dr. Peterson has an outstanding bedside manner. He listened to all of my needs, he is very caring, and kind. He made a very scary experience not so scary.