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.

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 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.

I am completely impressed by every facet of Twin Cities Orthopedics and am happy to share my experience. Getting a full knee replacement is a tough decision and they answered every question I posed. The surgery was a success, led by Dr. Bircher, who is supported by an incredible staff. The immediate post-treatment care could not have gone better. I felt like I was in a 5-star hotel, but more than that, it was the people working there who are so wonderful and genuine.

The physical therapy was harder than I expected but I received incredible coaching on what to do, with just the right amount of prodding. Thank you for fixing this problem which I have been dealing with for a very long time. I feel great and it is thanks to Dr. Bircher and the TCO staff!

I can’t thank Heather Schroeder enough! Heather pushed me to successfully recover from knee joint surgery. Her professional, caring, positive attitude was exactly what I needed. TCO has the finest staff!

I have nothing but good to say about Dr. Bircher and his entire care team! I was more than adequately educated about and prepared for my surgery beforehand. The entire process from beginning to end went smoothly. Considering what I expected, my pain was controlled and tolerable. I never would have thought in a thousand years that I would be driving again in two and a half weeks and getting around without my walker or cane in four weeks. Sixteen weeks out I feel great! I did not find the pre-surgery and post-surgery exercises at home burdensome in any way and doing them diligently really made my PT sessions productive.

So my left knee feels great after surgery and my right knee feels really good too. I’ll be doing what I can to try to keep it that way but, should my right knee deteriorate in the future I know who to contact to help me and I have no concerns about going through the process again if I have to.

I was bone on bone for years and it was time to get a new knee. Dr. Schmiesing performed the knee replacement surgery and I was walking the same day, with help of staff, who were very helpful and caring. One month later I was back at work and it’s been getting better with every day. TCO has been my go to team to take care of any problems. I will be returning to them for any further help.