Shoulder pain was starting to limit Heidi Olesen’s daily life. Simple movements hurt, her favorite activities felt out of reach, and persistent throbbing kept her from sleeping. Seeking relief, Heidi turned to Riverwood’s Orthopedic team — the same experts who had helped her regain mobility after bilateral hip replacement surgery with Dr. Erik Severson years earlier. In August 2025, she underwent rotator cuff and bicep tendon repair with Dr. Jeffery Klassen.
“I have tremendous trust in the Orthopedic team,” Heidi says. “The quality of care is outstanding.”
From the start, the process was seamless. Heidi received an iovera° cold therapy nerve block to help manage pain before surgery, giving her significant relief. Communication was clear, every step was carefully planned, and RN Care Coordinator, Nikki Studaker, helped Heidi feel confident and prepared.
Her hospital stay reflected that same excellence. From admission to discharge, Heidi tells us the surgical and anesthesia teams were not only highly skilled, but deeply compassionate.
“They were extremely thoughtful in their approach,” she recalls. “Every detail mattered.”
Riverwood’s Physical and Occupational Therapy teams played an important role, too, preparing her for surgery and helping her regain strength afterward.
Six months later, Heidi’s back to the life she loves – with no pain, no limitations, and no regrets. She credits the outcome to Riverwood’s commitment to long-term patient success.
“It’s the expertise, the coordination, and the kindness,” she says. “Riverwood truly made a lasting difference in my quality of life.”