For Todd Olesen, patient and maintenance employee, hip pain didn’t appear overnight—and it certainly didn’t go away quickly. What started as a twinge turned into a four-year journey of managing daily discomfort that worked its way into every part of his life.
Even simple things, like getting a good night’s sleep or tackling projects around the house, were harder than they should have been.
When Todd scheduled his hip replacement surgery with Dr. Severson at Riverwood, relief was finally in sight.
From his first appointment, Todd found the process to be smooth and straightforward. He credits the orthopedics team’s organization and expertise for putting him at ease from the start.
“The orthopedics team knows what they’re doing, and they made sure I did, too,” he said.
The surgery itself went well, and while recovery came with its expected limitations, Todd found that the support from Riverwood’s Physical Therapy team helped him move forward faster than he anticipated.
More importantly, Todd feels the difference every day. He’s sleeping well, in a better mood, and pain no longer holds him back. While life after surgery feels full of possibilities, he says the best part is enjoying the little things again—like yard work with his wife. Their next project? Adding some chickens to the mix.
For others who may be dealing with joint pain, Todd’s advice is straightforward:
“Don’t wait thinking it’ll get better on its own. Make an appointment and see what your options are,” he said. “You’ll enjoy your life a lot more after you do.”
Riverwood Healthcare Center provides advanced, patient‑centered orthopedic care designed to restore mobility, reduce pain, and help you get back to doing what you love. To learn more, call (218) 927-5181 or visit our orthopedic page.