Patient Testimonials

I had a total left knee replacement 12 weeks ago. Dr. James Bircher is number one, I highly recommend!
The TCO EXCEL program, along with the great team of doctors, nurses and physical therapy staff are all just incredible. I am doing great!

I had my first knee replaced in March of 2023. I had my second knee replaced in March of 2024. I am six weeks out from the second surgery and have resumed my activities of daily living in a more relaxed fashion than I have for a long time. I am starting to ride my bike, take walks and swing a golf club. The surgery and post-surgical physical therapy were all done in a professional manner and exceeded my expectations. Mitch and Brandon at TCO physical therapy did a great job helping with my rehab. I am climbing stairs and navigating uneven ground better than I have in years. It was a good decision to use Dr Saterbak and her team.

Dr. Wetter and his team were awesome with the replacement of both of my knees. I had a great experience with their care and attention. I would highly recommend them to help anyone who has knee pain.

I’m 61 years old and I hesitated getting the much needed surgery because my other doctor retired. Words can’t begin to describe how great I feel after Dr. Bircher took care of me. The surgery was a huge success! At 8 weeks I graduated PT, and I’m bending and straightening my knee in ways I haven’t for a decade. I’m going straight up and down steps, not sideways, and I can garden again! Dr. Bircher has a great sense of humor and very caring. He told me I wouldn’t like him the first week after surgery, but it was only on day three where I felt that. I’m not going to lie, that day wasn’t fun. I have recommended him to friends. My right knee will be in his hands in the future. I highly recommend him!

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.