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!
Have you ever been in a crowded room, struggling to hear the person next to you? Or maybe at a live concert, where the singer’s words become inaudible? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Now, imagine feeling like this every moment of every day. For roughly 20% of the population, this is a daily reality.
For the 1.5 billion people worldwide with some degree of hearing loss, these experiences can be overwhelming. Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the United States, and by 2060, an estimated 30% of Americans will experience some level of hearing impairment. Fortunately, advancements in technology have dramatically improved the lives of many, and increased awareness about hearing loss has led to earlier interventions.
However, there are cases where even the best hearing aids fall short. Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss—a nerve-related hearing impairment—may find that no hearing aid can fully restore their hearing, no matter how advanced. When patients reach this point, it’s time to explore other options, bringing us to an exciting innovation now offered at St. Cloud Surgical Center: the cochlear implant. We recently spoke with Dr. Stephen Cragle from the St. Cloud Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic about his journey with cochlear implants and how he has introduced this life-changing technology to our center.
Stephen P. Cragle, M.D. has worked at the St. Cloud Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic since 1992
For over twenty years, Dr. Stephen Cragle has immersed himself in the world of cochlear implants. As a general otolaryngologist with expertise in all areas of the head and neck, Dr. Cragle became particularly fascinated by the intricate connection between our ears and brains. This passion, combined with his 30+ years of experience as an ENT physician, made him the ideal candidate to introduce cochlear implants to Central Minnesota. As of September 2024, he remains the only surgeon in the region performing these life-changing procedures.
While Dr. Cragle has seen significant success with his treatments, establishing his cochlear implant practice wasn’t without challenges. Despite recognizing the strong demand for such a program in Central Minnesota, insurance companies were initially reluctant to support it, and patients faced difficulties securing reimbursements. As a result, the idea was put on hold until 2014, when Dr. Cragle attended a course by Cochlear Corporation in Denver. The experience reignited his commitment, and he resolved to bring cochlear implants to his patients—no matter the obstacles.
After completing his training with the Cochlear Corporation, Dr. Cragle launched his first cochlear implant program at the St. Cloud Hospital in 2015. There, he perfected his surgical technique and helped many patients restore their hearing. As his expertise grew, Dr. Cragle saw an opportunity to bring cochlear implant procedures to an outpatient setting and approached St. Cloud Surgical Center. Finally, in 2024, the center welcomed its first cochlear implant patient. This move allowed Dr. Cragle to perform the surgeries more efficiently while offering patients a more cost-effective option for their treatment.
The W’s of Cochlear Implants: What, Who, and Why
What is a cochlear implant?
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that vastly improves the volume and clarity of sound for patients with profound hearing loss.
The implant consists of four key components: a microphone, a speech processor, a transmitter and receiver (or stimulator), and an electrode array. Together, these components bring sound from the external environment to the auditory nerve.
First, the microphone picks up sound from the patient’s surroundings and sends it to the speech processor, which arranges the sound for processing. The transmitter and receiver (stimulator) then convert the processed signals into electrical impulses. Finally, impulses are sent to the group of electrodes, which deliver them to specific regions of the auditory nerve, bypassing the eardrum, ear bones, and cochlear fluids and directly stimulating the hearing nerve.
Though small in size, this sophisticated device has a profound ability to transform lives.
Who are cochlear implants for?
Cochlear implants are designed for patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Two main types of patients may benefit from cochlear implants:
Patients born deaf or hard of hearing
Patients who have developed hearing loss throughout their lives
At St. Cloud Surgical Center, we perform cochlear implants on patients ranging in age from 12 to 92. However, we do not currently perform the procedure on children under 12.
A patient may be a strong candidate for cochlear implants if their sensorineural hearing loss is so severe that even the most advanced hearing aids are no longer effective in maintaining conversations.
If you or someone you know has sensorineural hearing loss, Dr. Cragle and his team of audiologists at the St. Cloud Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic can perform a series of tests to assess the extent of the hearing loss. These tests measure word comprehension, speech clarity, and word recognition.
Why would someone choose cochlear implants?
For individuals struggling with sensorineural hearing loss, everyday life can be a constant challenge. Many patients with this level of hearing difficulty who consult Dr. Cragle have a word recognition score as low as 20%. This means they only understand one out of every five words. With such limited comprehension, it becomes incredibly difficult to carry on a phone conversation, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, or even visit with loved ones in a group setting. However, with cochlear implants, we can improve that score to 75%, or three out of four words, allowing people to rejoin the conversation and regain a sense of normalcy.
For Dr. Cragle, witnessing the transformation in his patients after receiving their implants is nothing short of remarkable.
“When we put in a cochlear implant, and grandpa now hears the grandkids, it’s a new life for him. It’s absolutely amazing. And that’s why I do what I do.”
The Cochlear Implant Process
The first step is the surgery itself, which typically lasts about two hours. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision behind the ear and remove a small section of bone to create a tunnel into the inner ear. This tunnel allows the wire from the device to pass underneath the eardrum and into the cochlea. Once the wire is in place, the rest of the internal device is implanted beneath the skin, just under the skull bone, behind the ear.
After surgery, the incision is sutured, and a tight dressing is applied to reduce swelling. The dressing remains in place for the first two days, as controlling swelling is essential for a smooth recovery. Patients usually go home the same day to rest and recover comfortably.
Once the swelling subsides—usually around 3 weeks—the external device (hearing aid) can be placed. This involves attaching a small magnet to the back of the head, which connects to the internal device. The external electronics are housed in a unit that hooks behind the ear, similar to a traditional hearing aid.
At this point, the audiologist begins the programming process, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the patient.
While cochlear implants are highly effective, they offer a different way of hearing that takes time to adjust. Some patients report that familiar sounds, like dogs barking, may initially resemble a mouse squeaking or that running water may have a ringing tone. Over time, however, the brain adapts to this new method of hearing. For many, cochlear implants bring about life-changing improvements, allowing them to enjoy activities once again, like dining out, talking on the phone, and engaging with family and friends.
If you are experiencing profound hearing loss and have not seen success from previous treatments, it may be time to talk to your provider about a cochlear implant. The solution you have been looking for could be right around the corner. Contact us today for more information.
We’ve conducted many interviews over the years with our providers, and it’s clear they all have their way of defining success. Yet, one common theme emerges from all responses: having a happy patient. Watching a patient’s life transform from the work we do here is incredibly humbling. Many of us have dedicated our lives to patient care, including Dr. Andrew Mulder, our resident joint replacement expert who specializes in primary and complex revision hip and knee replacement surgery. We recently sat down with one of his patients to discuss his hip replacement last spring.
SCSC: Hi, Brice. Thanks for sitting down with us today. What brought you to St. Cloud Surgical Center?
BRICE: Hi, thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and talk about my experience. My name is Brice. I am a retired dentist living in Central Minnesota. After years of pain, Dr. Mulder replaced my right hip in April at the St. Cloud Surgical Center.
SCSC: It sounds like you were ready for surgery, but did you have concerns before you came to the center?
BRICE: Yes, I was very concerned about the healing process. I had no idea how I would heal afterward, and I voiced my concerns about that. To my surprise, I found the healing process to be pretty amazing. To go home the same day that I came in was truly remarkable.
SCSC: Well, that’s what we do best here! Besides recovery, how do you feel about the overall surgery experience?
BRICE: My experience at the St. Cloud Surgical Center was wonderful. From the moment I walked in the door, I was taken care of. Everyone was accommodating, and the surgery could not have gone better. Like I said, I walked out the door and into my car to head home the same day.
SCSC: I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re so happy to hear that. When patients come for surgery, they interact with many different staff members. What was that experience like?
BRICE: From start to finish, I thought everyone did their job wonderfully. The communication between staff members was excellent. You can tell they know how to talk with one another. When someone needed help, a team member was always willing to lend a hand.
SCSC: That’s our team! Doing the math, you’re almost four months post-surgery. What does it look like for you now?
BRICE: My life after surgery has been much more comfortable. I don’t limp anymore; I’m not using a crutch. I said goodbye to my walker. I’m happy to say my hip is doing well!
SCSC: That’s incredible Brice, truly. It brings us so much joy to see our patients back, living a life they love after surgery. With the review, can I wager to guess you’d recommend our facility to a friend or two?
BRICE: Most definitely! I would, and I already have, recommended the St. Cloud Surgical Center to a few friends. So, there may be some people already considering surgery here because of me!
SCSC: Well, in that case, thank you for your referral! There is no better marketing for us than word of mouth. We appreciate you being a patient of ours.
The St. Cloud Surgical Center is a leading provider of hip replacements in the United States. With hundreds of hip replacements under our belt using innovative technology, like MAKO SmartRobotics™, we can perform world-class joint replacements in an outpatient setting at high volume. With hip replacements increasing in popularity, we’re proud to offer this kind of procedure at our St. Cloud, Minnesota facility. By 2030, orthopedic surgeons will complete nearly half a million hip replacements annually. Could you be next?
Hip replacements are a common and safe procedure in an outpatient setting. While many factors can contribute to a patient’s needing a hip replacement, none are more common than arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, and post-traumatic arthritis are the most common forms of this disease.
Osteoarthritis: Occurs when cartilage in the hip joint wears away, and the bones rub together.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Occurs when the immune system attacks the joint, causing pain and stiffness.
Osteonecrosis: Occurs when there is a lack of blood supply to the joint.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Inflammation that occurs in your joints after trauma.
All forms of arthritis can be debilitating. Arthritis can directly impact your lifestyle and, when left untreated, can cause significant mobility issues. If you are experiencing pain that you believe may be caused by arthritis, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to address your concerns. Together, you can come up with a treatment plan for care. If you reach a point in your journey where conservative measures have not eased your pain, surgery may be your next best step.
Preparing for Your Hip Replacement
As our patient Brice mentioned, from start to finish, our team is here for you. And that includes the weeks leading up to your surgery and the weeks post-op. You’ll never feel out of the loop or surprised during this process. We’re here to help!
To prepare for a hip replacement surgery, we encourage our patients to do the following:
Speak with your healthcare team, including your surgeon, about what to expect. Being prepared can make all the difference in your experience. Before your procedure, a representative from our center will contact you with information about arrival time, support persons, and more. You will be given a guidebook with information to review and refer to as needed.
Start living a healthy lifestyle NOW. A plan for physical therapy and exercises will be discussed with you by a team of professionals which will get you ready to hit the ground running.
Have a support person in place. You’ll need someone to bring you to the center and be with you once you return home.
Stock up on groceries, make meals in advance, and ask for help when needed!
Set up your home for recovery.
Keep the remote, phone, medicine, snacks, and water nearby. You won’t be able to move as easily in the beginning stages of your recovery.
Wear shirts with pockets to help you carry things around the home. This will allow you to brace yourself if needed.
Make your bathroom safe. Post-surgery, you are a fall risk. Our team will review this with you prior to surgery but having a balance bar, shower seat, and devices will aid you after surgery.
St. Cloud Surgical Center is a special place to have your joint surgery. We have continuously been ranked among the best surgical centers in Minnesota and have some of the best surgeons in the country on our team. Our commitment to culture and willingness to adapt to the latest technology allows us to offer patients first-class, cost-effective joint replacement solutions. If you need a joint replacement, remember to ask your doctor about coming to our center. We’ll be ready to welcome you with open arms!
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