If someone approached you on the street and asked you what the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women is, would you know?
The answer: colorectal cancer.
Thanks to advancements in healthcare, colon cancer is now one of the most preventable cancers through proper screening, early detection, and removal of growths.
At St. Cloud Surgical Center, we’re committed to making this vital screening as accessible and stress-free as possible. That’s why we offer colonoscopies to patients aged 45 and older without requiring a referral. We aim to make an uncomfortable process less intimidating by removing this extra step.
Michael Dorle, MD has provided this service at our center for over 25 years, and starting in 2025, we’re enhancing our colonoscopy program with the return of Dr. Manuel Moran further expanding the expertise and care we provide.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GET A COLONOSCOPY
A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive, safe procedure used to evaluate the colon for cancer and other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. This procedure plays an important role in colorectal cancer prevention.
In 2021, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force began recommending men and women should get a colonoscopy every ten years starting at age 45. This adjustment from the previous recommendation of age 50 reflects a rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults.
However, each individual should weigh their risk factors when determining the age and frequency at which they receive a colonoscopy.
Average Risk: You should have a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45. If no polyps are found, the next screening can typically wait another 10 years.
Increased Risk: Individuals with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer may require more frequent screenings based on their doctor’s recommendations.
Bowel Conditions: If you experience ongoing symptoms of bowel irritation or inflammation, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, your doctor may suggest more frequent colonoscopies, sometimes multiple times a year.
Polyps: If polyps were discovered during a previous colonoscopy, a follow-up procedure may be needed to remove additional growths and monitor for recurrence.
Dr. Manual Moran, a leading colon and rectal surgeon, began conducting colonoscopies at our center years ago. We are excited to welcome him back in 2025!
PREPARING FOR AN UPCOMING COLONOSCOPY
If you’re feeling apprehensive about an upcoming colonoscopy, know you’re not alone. With this procedure, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild. However, much of what you hear about colonoscopies is not fact-based. Our mission is to make our patients feel comfortable every step of the way. Rest assured, you’re in good hands with the Gastroenterologists at
St. Cloud Surgical Center!
And if you’re still nervous, let’s address some common misconceptions.
MYTH #1 – It’s Going To Hurt
This is one of the biggest misconceptions! You’ll be sedated throughout the procedure and won’t feel a thing. Most patients don’t even remember it afterward.
MYTH #2 – I Don’t Need A Colonoscopy Until I Have Cancer Symptoms
Not just a myth, this is a dangerously false claim. Most pre-cancers are found in people who don’t have pain or symptoms. Regular screenings can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by more than 50%.
MYTH #3 – Getting A Colonoscopy Is Humiliating
As a patient at St. Cloud Surgical Center, we prioritize privacy and dignity. Our team will ensure you have a respectful and comfortable experience from start to finish.
While a colonoscopy isn’t a walk in the park, it could save your life. If you are 45 years of age or older, you can schedule your screening colonoscopy at our center without a referral.
How to Schedule Your Colonoscopy at SCSC
St Cloud Surgical Center makes Colon Cancer Screening easy. By scheduling your colonoscopy screening with us, you’re assured a timely and comfortable experience and exceptional medical care.
Step 1: Confirm you meet the age or risk criteria for screening.
Step 2: Verify insurance coverage and understand any potential costs.
Step 3: Contact SCSC directly at 320-229-3201 to set up an appointment.
Step 4: Follow the preparation guidelines provided by the center before your procedure.
When you’re ready, you can schedule your colonoscopy appointment here.
Taking charge of your health is one of the most empowering decisions you can make. If you’ve been putting off your first colonoscopy, make 2025 the year you take control. A colonoscopy is not just a screening, it’s a proactive step toward the healthiest you.
Call our experienced and comforting staff at St. Cloud Surgical Center today to schedule your appointment. Your future self will thank you.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…It’s the happiest season of all.”
Or at least that’s how the song goes.
The holidays are in full swing, and while the season is meant to be full of joy, love, and laughter, for many of us, it’s often met with a whole lot of stress. Between finding the perfect gifts, creating a menu everyone will enjoy, and ensuring Uncle Joe is on his best behavior, there’s a lot on your plate.
In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, around 38% of people report increased stress levels during the holiday season. And all that stress, well, it can quickly build up to affect your mental and physical well-being during a time of year when we’re supposed to be the happiest!
If you struggle with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we encourage you to set some boundaries and practice more self-care.
Not sure how to do that? Keep reading!
We’re sharing five tips to help manage stress while prioritizing health and happiness.
TIP ONE: Prioritize Your Health
We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Humans are creatures of habit. That’s what makes us efficient, and we’re often living at our healthiest when we stick to a daily routine. During the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, people often kiss their routines goodbye, making it hard to stay on top of their physical and mental health. But taking care of yourself should always be the top priority!
First things first, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can increase stress and make you more prone to illness. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule, even during the holidays.
Next, eat mindfully. It’s easy to overindulge during holiday meals, but eating mindfully can help you feel better in the long run. With that said, please enjoy the Christmas cookies and eggnog; simply aim for balance rather than deprivation.
Last but not least, stay active! We know this time of year makes it hard to get outside in Minnesota, so instead, turn to your local gym or in-home workouts. When you’re feeling extra stressed, movements like walking, yoga, or strength training can release lots of positive endorphins!
TIP TWO: Set Realistic Expectations
This is a big one.
Holidays don’t need to be perfect, and neither do you. Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to unnecessary stress. At the end of the day, the people around you just want to see you happy.
Start by planning ahead with a simple schedule for shopping, meal prep, and activities to avoid feeling rushed. Instead of focusing on making everything “just right,” embrace the joy of the season and remember that the holidays are about connection, not perfection. Often, the best memories come from unexpected moments, so let go of the need for everything to be flawless and leave room for spontaneity.
When in doubt, plan it out and remember to go with the flow!
TIP THREE: Manage Gift Giving
Financial concerns, including gift buying and managing costs, are the number one stressor for families during the holidays, especially if you’re on a tight budget. It’s important to remember the reason for the season. Hint: it’s not the gifts.
If you’re struggling with financial overwhelm this year, set a budget and stick to it. There are many thoughtful yet affordable gifts to give the ones you love. You could even make something homemade!
Give Experiences. In today’s world of overconsumption, think about an experience you could give inside, such as memberships, concert tickets, family outings, or even a homemade meal.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to simplify. It’s okay to give fewer gifts or skip it altogether if it’s adding too much pressure. Perhaps try drawing names so you only have to buy one family member a gift.
TIP FOUR: Do Less
When in doubt, do less.
Trying to do everything can leave you feeling burnt before the holiday season is even over. If you’ve suffered from this feeling in the past, this year, consider scaling back on activities and instead choose simple traditions that bring you joy. If you don’t want to be the one to host the holiday party, don’t. You are not obligated to open your home or attend every gathering. This time of year can be great practice for exercising your right to say “No.”
The holiday season is meant to be a happy time. If something isn’t bringing you the joy it once did, give yourself permission to skip it.
TIP FIVE: Reach Out for Help If Needed
If you’ve made it this far, you can see there are many reasons why the holiday season may be stressful for you, and sometimes, that stress is too much to handle on your own.
If you find yourself in that situation, please know you are not alone. Chances are, many loved ones in your life also feel the weight of it. Take the time to talk with someone about how you’re feeling. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with a friend, family member, or counselor.
And in that same vein, ask for help! This can be very hard to do but think about how nice it would be to have an extra hand in the holiday shopping, meal prep, and ensuring everyone has a memorable experience this year. Pretty nice, right?
You’re not in this alone. It’s time to step off your island and lean on your village.
The holidays are meant to be a time of celebration and connection, not stress and burnout. You can embrace the season with peace of mind by prioritizing your health, managing expectations, simplifying your plans, and asking for help. Remember, you don’t have to do it all—just focus on what matters most.
Here at St. Cloud Surgical Center, we operate on a set list of values, one of which is service excellence. If you head to our About page, you’ll see that it means, “we seek to exceed the expectations of patients, physicians, and each other in everything we do.” When you enter our doors, we want you to immediately feel you are among a community of healthcare professionals who built their careers on trust and care. We know each patient’s journey is unique, and we’re committed to providing comfort and support from the first step. At the heart of that journey is the partnership between our facility and the surgeons we work with, who bring together skill and compassion to provide exceptional care.
One of our valued partners, Dr. Kim Schaap, is an orthopedic surgeon dedicated to helping patients get back to doing what they love. With a talent for putting things back inplace, Dr. Schaap brings years of experience to our team, ensuring that every patient’s path to recovery is carefully constructed.
We recently interviewed Dr. Schaap to learn more about her journey and what being a woman in medicine means to her. Take a look!
SCSC: Hi, Dr. Schaap; thank you so much for sitting down with us today. Can you tell us briefly about yourself and what you do at St. Cloud Surgical Center?
Dr. Schaap: Thank you for having me. My name is Dr. Kim Schaap. I am an orthopedic surgeon at St. Cloud Surgical Center and a partner at St. Cloud Orthopedics, where I have been practicing since 1999. My area of expertise is sports medicine and minimally invasive total knee replacements. Years ago, I did more shoulder and hip replacements, but as we all seem to do, I have focused on the procedures I am really good at and enjoy.
SCSC: You’ve been practicing for a long time. An expert, no doubt! As a valued partner at SCOA, why do you continue to encourage partnerships between our organizations?
Dr. Schaap: There are many reasons why I support our partnership with St. Cloud Surgical Center. For most surgeons here, the biggest reason we stay is our ability to be nimble. The pace is fast, and we’re able to handle a lot of cases efficiently. We rest easy knowing that our patients get excellent care, and if we ever feel like things aren’t working well or new technology would help us in our pursuit to be the best we can be, the leadership here will listen. That’s not always the case in healthcare, especially with big systems. You have to go through many, many channels, and it takes a lot of time for change to happen. That’s not the case here.
SCSC: Speaking of technology, you’re a fan of the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Knee Replacement procedure. Can you talk more about that?
Dr. Schaap: Absolutely. The Mako technology we use at St. Cloud Surgical Center is a combination of two successful things: Mako robotic technology and the Stryker Triathlon knee replacement system and components. Alone, both were successful in their own right, but together, I felt they could change the future of orthopedics, and they have. Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Knee Replacement has become an incredibly successful platform and has helped us become more precise surgeons. Not better surgeons, but more precise.
SCSC: Not better, more precise. That’s a great way to explain it. Are patients ever nervous about the use of robotics in their surgical plan?
Dr. Schaap: The use of robotics, I feel, is incredibly important now as the expectations of patients have increased or become much more likely to expect an outpatient procedure, a quicker recovery, the ability to expect that they will be up and moving much more quickly than it used to be. Twenty-five years ago, when I started, it was customary for patients to stay in the hospital for three, four, or even five days. And now it’s rare for patients to stay in the hospital at all. The use of robotics has been one of the factors that has allowed that. The Mako procedure improves joint mechanics more quickly.
SCSC:Thank you for taking some time to talk about Mako. In the second half of this interview, we want to hear more about your experience as a woman in medicine. What inspired you to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon?
Dr. Schaap: My interest in medicine, particularly orthopedic surgery, began at a very young age. I grew up on a farm, and we always fixed things. I saw a lot of overlap in that experience and orthopedic surgery. It’s pretty concrete; something is broken, and be it with a plate, rod, etc., you fix it to function again, just like tractors on the farm. As I began to explore the medical field through my education, my love of sports also impacted me. I played sports in college and had access to a lot of different training rooms, where I saw many injuries from high ankle sprains to torn ACLs.
SCSC:It sounds like you were destined for this path. What, if any, challenges have you faced during your medical career as a woman?
Dr. Schaap: I’ve been working as a surgeon for more than 25 years, and I’ve seen the proportion of men vs women in the field shift. When I went to medical school, more men than women were in my class. It’s different today. That said, I’ve found that the same principles apply. As a woman in the medical field, you’ll earn respect as long as you are capable and confident but not overbearing. Respect others, and others respect you.
SCSC:So true. Aren’t we all just looking to be respected in our careers?
Dr. Schaap: Exactly. And the perception of female surgeons, although it’s taken some time, has changed too. Of course, it’s common to see a female pediatrician or OB-GYN, but our Academy of Orthopedic Surgery is still about 6% women. I’m excited and hopeful to see that growing, though!
SCSC: Interesting. Do you feel respected by patients as a female surgeon?
Dr. Schaap: Oh yes, patients are very accepting, especially once they get to know you. I did just as much training as my male counterpart, and I might add that women in our seem to probably have a little more empathy and better listening ears—not always, but sometimes.
SCSC: You can’t drive respect; you earn it. That’s so powerful, and I think it’s true for women everywhere. Thank you, Dr. Schaap, for your time today. I have one final question for you regarding the future of orthopedic surgery. What do you think is on the horizon?
Dr. Schaap: As orthopedic surgeons, we always look for ways to improve and hit our next target. While a lot has changed in the last twenty years regarding total knees and hips, there’s room to do better. Total shoulders, I think, are on the horizon. And we may even see some opportunities for the use of robotics in spine surgery. Our goal is simple: allow surgeons to be surgeons still, while simultaneously taking some of the human factors out of the process. Again, our thinking is not better, just more precise.
If you are experiencing pain that may need assistance from an Orthopedic Surgeon, don’t wait to contact one of our experienced providers. The solution you have been looking for could be right around the corner. Contact us today for more information.
Break out the sweatbands and stirrup pants; it’s time to get physical! October is Physical Therapy Awareness Month, and we’re excited to highlight this important yet sometimes overlooked aspect of healthcare. While we don’t perform physical therapy at our center, we partner with incredible physical therapists who help our patients on their road to recovery every single day.
We found that nearly all surgeons agree on two key points:
Even at a surgery center, medical intervention is not always the first option—it’s only necessary when other modalities have been ineffective. Sometimes, a little PT is all you need to get back in the game.
If surgery is required, it’s crucial for patients to participate in physical therapy as recommended by their surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.
In this edition of the SCSC Blog, we’re spotlighting physical therapy—its long history as a medical modality and its vital role before and after joint replacement surgery. PT is essential to improving outcomes and speeding up recovery for patients undergoing surgery at an ambulatory surgery center like St. Cloud Surgical Center.
Let’s dive in!
First things first, what does a Physical Therapist do?
By definition, a physical therapist is a health professional whose educational pursuits have made them experts in human movement and the musculoskeletal system. They work with patients who have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that limit their bodies’ ability to move or function in a specific way. Their goal is to improve the quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed exercise.
Physical therapists can help patients:
Maximize mobility
Prevent future problems
Improve physical function and fitness
Regain or maintain their independence
Lead active lives
PT can be a great recovery tool, but many of our patients have found success in using PT beyond the recovery process, especially as they age. Consistently, physical therapy can enhance strength, flexibility, and balance—all essential components for longevity and independent living as you age.
A Brief History of Physical Therapy in America
Physical therapy has roots dating all the way back to 435 BC, when Hippocrates were believed to have first used massage, hydrotherapy, and manual therapy to treat patients with chronic pain. However, it wasn’t until the early 1900s, following World War I, that physical therapy was considered a valid profession. As soldiers returned from war needing rehabilitation, physical therapists, or “reconstruction aides,” who were trained to help them recover.
In those early days, a two-year education program was all that was required to become a PT specialist. Today, the educational standards have evolved, with most physical therapists earning a master’s degree or clinical doctorate. And that’s a good thing! Most education means improved outcomes for both patients and professionals and ensures a higher standard of care across the board.
With physical therapy recognized as a valid and very needed profession, their role in our healthcare system has expanded. Over the past two decades alone, their scope of practice has broadened, allowing PTs to specialize in a variety of areas, including:
Orthopedics
Neurology
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
Sports
Acute Care
Pelvic Health
Oncology
Chronic Pain
This variety enables physical therapists to treat a wide range of patients, from those recovering from joint replacements and sports injuries to those managing chronic pain.
Physical Therapy and Your Upcoming Surgery
Not every patient who comes to St. Cloud Surgical Center will need physical therapy. In fact, with the wide range of specialties we offer, most patients won’t be required to complete PT once they leave our doors. When we talk about the role PT plays in recovery, we’re typically referring to our joint replacement patients.
Our expert orthopedic surgeons perform hundreds of joint replacements each year. Some of the most common surgeries include total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, total hip replacement, and, more recently, shoulder surgeries. All of these procedures require intensive physical therapy post-op to ensure your body regains full mobility. Certain hand and wrist procedures—such as carpal tunnel release, trigger finger surgery, and nerve repairs—may also require PT, though these can often be done at home.
Prior to your procedure, you will meet with your surgeon and care team to discuss several important topics, including your post-op physical therapy requirements. If you’ve never had a major surgery before that involved PT, this might seem like a very overwhelming conversation. To help ease your mind, we’ve prepared a list of questions you should ask your physician:
Is there anything I can do before surgery (prehab) to improve my recovery? If so, what specific exercise should I be doing?
Are there any specific movements or activities I should avoid before surgery to prevent further damage to my joint?
How soon after surgery will I start physical therapy, and what should I expect in those early sessions?
What are the key goals of physical therapy after surgery, and how long will I need to participate in PT to regain full mobility?
How will my progress be monitored during physical therapy, and how do we determine when I’ve achieved my recovery goals?
The Path to Full Recovery
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re feeling a little intimidated—but don’t be! At St. Cloud Surgical Center, we partner with the best physical therapists in the area and trust they’ll use their wealth of knowledge to guide you through the ups and downs of your post-surgery recovery.
Physical therapy is often an essential part of surgery as it helps patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and prevent complications like stiffness or scar tissue formation.
Pain Management: PT techniques like gentle stretching, movement exercises, and modalities like ice or heat therapy can help control pain without relying solely on medication.
Restoring Function: Through guided exercises, PT helps patients restore strength and function in the operated joint. This can be crucial in regaining independence with everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and returning to work.
Preventing Complications: Regular movement is key to preventing complications like blood clots or joint stiffness. PT encourages early, safe movement post-surgery.
Personalized Care: Each patient’s rehabilitation program is tailored to their specific needs, helping them progress at the right pace.
Let’s take a look at some common PT exercises for two of our most frequent procedures: knee replacement and total hip replacement. Keep in mind, these are general guidelines, and each patient’s needs may vary.
Knee Replacement
For partial and total knee replacements, your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend different levels of activity.
The following exercises may be used to help increase circulation and mobility:
Quadriceps Sets
Straight Leg Raises
Ankle Pumps
Knee Straightening Exercises
Bed-Supported Knee Bends
Sitting Supported Knee Bends
Sitting Unsupported Knee Bends
Total Hip Replacement
The PT process for a total hip replacement is very similar to that of the knee replacement. You’ll focus on building up the strength and flexibility of your hip and can expect to participate in varying levels of activity.
The following exercises may be used to help increase circulation and mobility:
Standing Iliotibial Band Stretch
Seated Rotation Stretch
Knee to Chest
Supine Hamstring Stretch
Hip Abduction
Internal/External Hip Rotation
One of the best exercises during early recovery, for both knee and hip replacements is simply to walk! Post surgery, you will start with short distances and work your way up to longer distances and time frames. At first, you can expect to walk with the assistance of a walker or other mobility device, but with time, you will regain your independence.
The biggest concern with early walking is your fall risk. While walking is important, it’s equally important you listen to your care team and avoid pushing your limits. Eventually, you’ll be able to increase your walking distance, the weight you put on your knee/hip, and the resistance you use for your daily exercises.
If you find yourself feeling discouraged, remember, physical therapy is a long game, but crucial to your final outcome.
Ambulatory surgery centers like the St. Cloud Surgical Center are designed for same-day surgery, allowing patients to return home after their procedure. Within this model, physical therapy becomes especially important, as it ensures patients receive the education and exercises they need to succeed at home. A structured PT plan can make all the difference in a patient’s recovery and is vital to ensuring optimal outcomes. During Physical Therapy Month, let’s all celebrate the dedicated professionals who help patients take those critical steps toward better health.
If you have questions about an upcoming surgery and the physical therapy requirements you may have, please feel free to contact us or connect with your care team directly. Your health is our number one priority!
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