Injections.
In patients’ words.

Dr. Bhalla is great! I've had back issues and intermittent pain throughout my adult years. Whenever it got intolerable I resorted to acupuncture and/or chiropractic care and on a few occasions epidurals. Someone cutting on my back was not anything I was receptive to. When sciatic episodes became more frequent and longer lasting and I was forced to postpone scheduled knee replacement surgery I reluctantly decided to again consult an orthopedic surgeon. After initial consultation, x-rays and MRI I had follow up appointment with Dr. Bhalla to discuss options. He recommended surgery. Still reluctant to go that route I opted for another try with an epidural, but to to no avail. Back to Dr. Bhalla who told me the problems were going to continue to get worse so at age 73 I finally agreed to surgery. Lower lumber fusion surgery was performed at Long Beach Memorial Hospital by Dr. Bhalla and Dr. Rao (vascular surgeon). Anterior Lumber Interbody Fusion (ALIF) and laminectomy surgeries were performed on Monday and Thursday of the same week. The week in the hospital (overall very good care and treatment) and first 2 weeks at home I experienced moderate pain and discomfort but nothing intolerable. After 2 weeks of light rehab at home I started physical therapy program. After several weeks of PT my back felt really good. It has been nearly one year since the surgery and other than minimal discomfort during the initial recovery period I have experienced no back pain! From the initial consultation through the post-op visits Dr. Bhalla thoroughly explained all the options, the details of the surgical procedure, the recovery and rehabilitation process and patiently answered all my questions. Dr. Bhalla is a compassionate and highly skilled physician and surgeon! And, kudos to his very competent and kind office staff. While back surgery is a last resort, if there is no other viable way to address your pain and problems Dr. Bhalla is the surgeon for you.

Yelp^®

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

What a refreshing experience with a very knowledgeable doctor and his NP Margo. Have had on going back problems that had become a chronic pain problem and was radiating into my groin area. Went to dr ramkumar who did some mobility testing and an x-ray. He diagnosed my issue very quickly. He offered me a hip injection which has taken away 90% of my pain. Wish I had made the decision to see him sooner. Highly recommend

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

For almost half of my life, pain was not something that happened to me. It was the backdrop against which everything else happened. I am 23. Since I was 13, I cannot remember waking up without stiffness/pain in my back. Pain has a way of changing shape over time, beginning as a symptom but becoming part of your identity. Somewhere along the way, I stopped hoping to feel better and accepted it as part of my life. As a former UCLA Division I tennis player who has always loved being active, I spent years searching for an answer: physical therapy, massage, cupping, acupuncture, strengthening, injections, imaging, and countless evaluations across the world. I never got a clear diagnosis despite seeing several orthopedists, and was told to consider chronic pain syndrome, with exploratory spine surgery as a last resort. Every opinion carried the same message: learn to live with it. Meeting Dr. Prem Ramkumar was the first time someone wasn't just listening to my symptoms; he was trying to understand my story, asking why instead of accepting the limits of what had already been tried. As a former D1 athlete, I'd worked with plenty of physicians, but he treated me with the same precision I've learned he gives medal-winning Olympians and Stanley Cup champions he treats professionally. I felt like one of his VIPs. It changed everything when he diagnosed me with hip impingement after a careful battery of tests, since my presentation was atypical. It was the first time I had an answer, and a solution. What will stay with me forever is not just the surgery itself, but the morning after. I sat on my bed and waited for the familiar stiffness in my lower back. It never came, and to this day, it still hasn't. I biked 130 miles the first day after surgery!! I began physical therapy on day three at his office, and weaned off my crutches and brace within a week. Since then, I have moved through daily life without pain. The absence of pain has been remarkable, but what surprised me even more is everything that was restored: I sleep through the night, my mind feels quieter, and the constant background noise chronic pain creates has disappeared. My mood and energy are better, and I'm standing taller. My wearable's resting heart rate and sleep scores reflect it too: my body is finally healing, not merely enduring. It isn't just excitement, but disbelief; my brain keeps searching for the pain it's so accustomed to finding. Then, little by little, I realized it isn't temporary relief. It's freedom, for the first time in a decade. People often think surgery changes your body. With Dr. Ramkumar, it also changed my relationship with the future. For years, every decision carried an invisible calculation: could my back handle this, would I wake up unable to move? Pain quietly dictated where I went and who I believed I could become. I didn't realize how much space it occupied until it was gone. Today, I believe this surgery will make me a better athlete than I was. So many others told me this wasn't possible. Dr. Ramkumar never accepted that answer. That speaks to his character: his persistence, his curiosity, his genuine commitment to patients who've spent years searching for someone willing to keep looking. He treated me as a person whose story deserved to be understood, not another MRI. As someone who now works in medicine, I've learned he believed in me when no one else would. Medicine is often described as restoring function. Sometimes it restores possibility. No review could fully express what he gave me: mornings I had forgotten were possible, confidence in my body, and a future no longer defined by limitations. If you have spent years searching for answers, feeling unheard, or wondering whether anyone will look beyond the obvious, I cannot recommend Dr. Ramkumar enough. My experience changed the course of my life, and I will always be grateful he refused to stop asking why, and fixed me. Additionally, Margo, his NP, matches that same excellence. Her clinical sharpness was matched only by the genuine care she brought to my recovery.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Kamrava and his staff were friendly and efficient. I was there for a consultation and Dr. Kamrava reviewed all of my Xrays and MRI reports. He asked questions and did some physical exam assessment testing to identify my weak and painful areas. He recommended a treatment option that he felt was necessary and I understood that although there were no guarantees the procedure (PRP injection) would be helpful for rehabilitation of torn muscle in my left hip. The procedure was done and follow-up visit scheduled.

Evish Kamrava, MD

The office is lovely and well organized. Dr. Millstein is an excellent orthopedist and gave me a cortisone injection in my knee. I appreciate his honest, frank style.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Was impressed firstly by the number of X-rays that were taken by the very efficient technician and then, the amount of detail the doctor had to work with. Her reasoned Interpretation of all images resulted in a very clear path to treatment for my pain concerns. Lastly, the cortisone shot she gave me in the knee was so unexpectedly successful, I woke up the next morning with no perceptible pain in that area. Now, I wish I had been offered same shot in both shoulders before starting physical therapy this week. All in all. a most throughly positive treatment with immediate positive results.

Allyson Estess, MD

From my first call with August, who assisted in scheduling and preparing for an appointment, throughout the entire check-in process, everyone was kind, informative, and patient. I am a very concerned and anxious Mother, due to the pain my son is currently experiencing. When Bernadette was examining Nicholas, she was thorough, kind with her examination, and very informative, and clear when answering our many questions. Dr. Bae gave his description and diagnosis after studying Nicholas’ MRI, and we could clearly see the extent of Nicholas injury, and intervention would be needed to repair. In making the decision for an epidural and surgery Bernadette and Dr. Bae were patient and very informative as we were making decisions about an epidural and surgery. We grateful to be working Dr. Bae and his staff to get our son healed.

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr Port at Commons Clinic is wonderful! He took my pain seriously and with care, despite an MRI that didn’t look horrific. I had 2 injections in my spine, and my sciatica is almost nonexistent! The nurses were amazing, as was the anesthesiologist. Dr Port was professional, supportive, approachable and down to earth. Thanks to everyone involved!

Michael Port, MD

Dr Port and his staff are truly incredible. They helped me when I was in severe pain on short notice. Dr Port is highly skilled - I needed a unique injection and every professional pointed me his way. Not only is he amazing at his job but he and his staff have top rate bed side manner and make you feel like a VIP. Look no further, he is your Dr.

Michael Port, MD

I had PRP to treat knee pain and it was gone after one treatment!

Allyson Estess, MD

A++. Dr. Estess was excellent advising on and tending to my shoulder injury (X-rays, cortisone injection). Her support staff were all very good and efficient and friendly. Also - modern, clean facilities. Very highly recommended.

Allyson Estess, MD

I am 74 year old. For a long time I had severe pain in right hip and leg due to the pinching of the sciatic nerve between 4 and 5 vertebrae of the spine. Physiotherapy and multiple pain relief injections did not help me. On the advice of doctors Zalkinder and Kievsky I contacted with doctor Leonel Hunt for concultation. Doctor Hunt explained to me in great detail how the surgery would be performed to free the nerve from the pinching. On July 18th this year doctor Hunt did surgery of LUMBAR LAMINOTOMY/FORAMINOTOMY, after which pains in my right hip and leg disappeared. Now I can walk freely, do housework, I will be able to walk with my dog after full recovery and look to the future with optimism and hope.I thank doctor Leonel Hunt from my heart. I wish him success in his work and advise everyone who has problems with spine to contact him for help. I'm saying it again thank so much.

Leonel Hunt, MD

I went in with a lot of right knee pain as a result of a fall on a hike. I had had an MRI but was scared and worried damage had been done. Dr Millstein appeared and went over results, fluid around the area from trauma. Gave me 2 injections and said it would take 4 months to heal. Nothing was torn nor broken. This was a relief. He was calming and professional, said he had experienced a similar injury, and assured me it will heal And pain will lessen. It is getting better. Thank goodness for modern medicine and Dr Millstein!

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr , kamrava is fantastic. Great bedside manner. Very easy to talk to and takes his time with clear explanations presenting all options. The epidural I received was easy and pain-free and so far seems to be successful. Highly recommend this doctor.

Evish Kamrava, MD

After years of dealing with chronic numbness and tingling in my arms, I finally found relief thanks to Dr. Ortega and his incredible team. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed, heard, and taken seriously. I had tried everything—physical therapy, cortisone shots, rest—but the symptoms persisted. Dr. Ortega took the time to review my MRI in detail, explain my condition thoroughly, and walk me through all my options. Just weeks later, he successfully performed surgery to replace three damaged discs in my cervical spine (C4–C7). I’m now just two weeks post-op and already feeling a huge difference. While there’s still some soreness from the recovery process, the intense pain caused by spinal cord compression and disc herniation is gone. This review may be a little early, but I couldn’t wait to share my gratitude. Once I’m fully healed, I look forward to writing an update—but for now, I’m just excited to be getting back to the active lifestyle I’ve missed for so long. Thank you, Dr. Ortega, for helping me take my life back.

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

My 89 y/o father had lived with generalized, constant and severe pain for 3 years. Over this period, he had been prescribed multiple forms of pain medications. He also received medical massages, chiropractic care, acupuncture treatments, steroid injections and two epidurals. Unfortunately he received little relief and nothing long term. Because of his age he felt fearful of surgery. But his pain became so unbearable he was willing to take a chance with surgical intervention. He was referred to an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Brandon Ortega. From the initial consult and all following visits Dr Ortega displayed a level of professionalism, expertise and care that far exceeded our expectations. It has been 3 months since his procedure. My father is now 100% pain free. We are extremely grateful to Dr. Ortega and his staff ( Elena) for the exceptional care he has received. Thank you Dr. Ortega for your professional care and compassion of my father.

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

I have had the pleasure of being a patient of Dr. Millstein since 2023. He has improved my quality of life immensely. I’m 67 years old and have bad knees. With Dr. Millstein’s recommendation of physical therapy along with cortisone injections I am able to function without pain. He is so kind and considerate, extremely knowledgeable! I highly recommend him! Do not hesitate to reach out to his staff for any questions you might have. They are all great! Make an appointment today and start enjoying your life with less pain and more joy. If I could rate him higher than 5 stars I would. 💫

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Lee was my ankle surgeon after a bad break 8 years ago. My ankle started aching after all this time, so I went back to see him. I didn't have to wait long forcan appointment. An x-ray in the office showed nothing mechanically wrong with the hardware and no arthritis. We decided to try a cortisone shot. Getting the shot was absolutely painless. Almost a week later and doing well. Dr. Lee is just the best!! Highly recommend.

David Lee, MD

Simply the top regenerative orthopedic doctor available in S. California. He doesn’t push unnecessary treatments and is very thorough and meticulous in his approach to treatments and injections. All steps are thought through and PRP, Exesome, stem injections are guided by ultrasound. Dr.K is the best.

Evish Kamrava, MD

Dr. Milstein is the consummate caring empathetic, knowledgeable professional. I have been seeing him for my various orthopedic issues (knees, elbows, shoulders) over the last 5+ years or so, and he has without fail evaluated diagnosed and prescribed the correct treatment. Without hesitation I would recommend Dr. Milstein for any orthopedic related need. 8/27/24-I saw Dr. Milstein, accommodated me on very short notice. Once again Eric (he’s treated for so long I feel I can use his first name!) evaluated my issues, after fully informing me advised cortisone shot, I agrred. He injected smoothly, painlessly. He has had a great track record with of hitting the ‘right spot’ and I am confident he’s done it again. He’s that good!

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr Estees was efficient, professional, caring, patient. Took time to explain the diagnoses and treatment options. She went ahead and gave me cortisone shots that relieved the pains for now!

Allyson Estess, MD

Dr Millstein is personable, knowledgeable, practical and efficient. He explained the shoulder pain came from bone on bone caused by arthritis. He treated me with a cortisone shot which has made a world of difference. We have a treatment plan for the future and I feel comfortable that he will be a good partner in helping me keep active.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

I have worked in healthcare most of my career and Dr Bhalla in my opinion is the best of the best. A few years ago I needed back surgery and I got to the point that I could barely walk or do much of anything. I went to three spine surgeons for opinions and I left two of the offices amazed at the suggested treatment plans. One surgeon said I needed anterior and posterior lumbar fusion, the second wanted to send me on the epidural merry go round with a pain pump. Thank goodness for Dr Bhalla- he was spot on with the most appropriate yet minimally invasive surgery. I was thrilled that they had a robot assisted protocal and the added gift of having Dr. S Bhalla ( father) assisting Dr. A Bhalla ( son). I was in and out of Long Beach Memorial quickly, and from the time I woke up from surgery had no pain, no complications had no trouble with rehab - although the surgery was so successful my recovery was fast. Years later- still no pain, great range of motion, ability to weight train with no issues etc. I am still amazed at the outcome - in addition Dr. A and S are extremly compassionate and caring. I wonder if the added positive vibes help with recovery ? Also- I have had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Dr Bhalla and she is one of the top Dermatologist in the area and is very caring and compasionate. Anyone would be lucky to have them as their physicians. PS I am " hard grader" as I evaluate healthcare professionals for a living- best of the best!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr Eric Millstein has gold fingers in injection

Eric S. Millstein, MD