Patient Testimonials

I was referred to Dr. Szalapski in November 2017 from a friend. I had total knee replacement in 2019 with very happy results. Dr. Szalapski’s assistant, Jessica, was a huge help. Love her! His team was great and very caring. I’m so happy I could walk again with no pain. I went back again to see him in September 2020 to get my right knee replaced. Tracy, on his team, was awesome and I’m glad that they did not do staples on the incision but glue instead. That healed much faster and looks much better than it would have with staples. Thank you Tracy! I am on my way to a great recovery. Once again, thanks to Dr Szalapski and his team. I also loved the Excel Program! That was the best place ever instead of being in a hospital! There was excellent care and awesome nurses with great, private rooms too!

The EXCEL program at TCO took a tough knee procedure and made it easier. From Dr. Meyer to every nurse and staff member, they exceeded my expectations. The physical therapy team of Mike and Nikki were amazing! Keep up the great work you do!

Excellent experience from start to finish. From the pre-surgery information meeting all the way through my 8-week post-surgery follow-up, I remained happy. I have already referred two people to Dr. Anseth and will continue that practice. Thanks!

Dr. Crowe and his team are top notch! My back and leg pain are gone! The EXCEL program with TCO was a great program during this virus pandemic.

In July of 2019, I was suffering from what was thought to be additional spine issues but I ended up needing both of my hips replaced. I was referred to Dr. Steven Meisterling by several Twin Cities Orthopedic employees; he practiced in the East Metro where I live and performs surgery at the Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center. Dr. Meisterling started by giving me immediate injections in both my hips but those injections brought no relief so in October 2019 we decided I needed a new hip. The big question was which one would go first? We decided on the right hip and on October 8, 2019, Dr. Meisterling did a total right hip replacement at the Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center and I was in the EXCEL Program. I was in and out in 24 hours and the recovery was great. Unfortunately, my left hip deteriorated rapidly so we scheduled for the left one to be replaced on January 23, 2020! My left hip replacement was a bit worse and was a harder recovery for me but Dr. Meisterling and his care team were the best and checked in, got me signed up for PT in the dead of winter and followed up during the Covid pandemic. Dr. Meisterling is kind, compassionate, and caring. Less than a year post hip replacements, I am walking, swimming, riding my bicycle (no, I haven’t tried my Harley yet!) and doing stairs with ease. I am forever grateful to Dr. Steven Meisterling and his team!

Dr. O’Neill is a fantastic surgeon. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone needing orthopedic care. He is extremely knowledgeable as well as compassionate and kind. I underwent a total knee replacement on 3/2/20 with much anxiety prior to surgery but after meeting with Dr. O’Neill and his team I felt so reassured and confident going forward. Dr. O’Neill was very attentive during my care suite stay and with my follow-up care. Dr. O’Neill was readily available with any questions I had during my home recovery. The EXCEL program is a wonderful program with great care from nurses, physical therapists and Dr O’Neill. I am SO SO glad I found Dr. O’Neill and went with the EXCEL program instead of the hospital route. PT staff were great and the RNs and coordinators kindly took care of my requests promptly. My recovery was great as well. At the end of week one my flexion was 110 degrees and 140 degrees by beginning of the 3rd week! I am now able to walk without pain! Dr. Owen O’Neill IS THE best surgeon. I can not recommend him highly enough! #1 Physician.

I am truly grateful for Dr. Anseth, Heidi and his entire team. I had the pleasure of being in the EXCEL Program and am thrilled to share that this program, Dr. Anseth and his team are second to none. The entire process from when I first met him to the successful recovery of my hip replacement was all very smooth. As one who has not had a lot of surgeries I was a bit nervous when I made the decision to get my hip replaced. But, I knew I was in the hands of a very capable and highly competent surgeon who has hired the best team. TCO has the EXCEL process down to a science. In every step of the way I felt like a patient that they valued from beginning to end. Pain management was highly mastered. The entire team is all very knowledgeable and highly professional. Dr. Anseth IS a Top Doctor! Today I walk with no pain. I thank him for restoring the quality of my life and being the awesome doctor that he is! It is an honor to endorse him and his practice. TCO is second to none!

Visited TCO in late November 2019 and saw Dr. Hunt for a sore shoulder. I thought it was related to an old rotor cuff repair but instead was a wore out joint. I had the shoulder replacement done 12/11/19 and was home in one day. Other than the surgical block I needed no other pain meds. Dr. Hunt and the EXCEL Program were great.

Right after surgery I felt so much better, for I had so much pain before. The week before surgery, when I had to go off all NSAIDs and anti-inflammatories, was very painful. After surgery I didn’t need any narcotics, just hydroxyzine for 7 nights while at home. I am now walking without pain- a little numbness by the incision and a little pain up the buttocks after doing exercises, but do not need to take anything for it. My hip has felt so much better since surgery. Thank you so much.

* Debra received an anterior hip replacement by Dr. Arntson through the EXCEL program. 

Prior to my surgery I could not play golf and going up or down stairs was difficult and painful. My overall activity level was low. I was also suffering from mild depression due to my poor knee joint health. Dr. Meyer had replaced my right knee joint two years ago and the results were excellent. My most recent surgery was again through the EXCEL program and Dr. Meyer did an outstanding job replacing my badly deteriorated left knee. My recovery progressed well and my overall experience exceeded my expectations in every respect. I quite literally have my life back with two new knees. I cannot recommend Dr. Meyer and the EXCEL program highly enough. Both were outstanding.