Pain experiences · Patient experiences
13 five-star reviews for Dr. Allyson Estess discuss pain experiences. Patients share stories of attentive listening and clear explanations. Read their words, learn what mattered to them, and bring the questions that matter to you to your next visit.
Read the full patient accounts and original sources below. Review totals reflect the source ratings available here.
A person behind your care
As a former Division-1 and U.S. National Team soccer player, Dr. Allyson Estess understands the physical and emotional demands of injury—because she’s lived them. Today, she’s a fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon who specializes in arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, knee, and hip, as well as soft tissue injuries and fracture care for both adults and children.
Patients describe Dr. Estess as deeply attentive, thorough, and kind. She’s known for her calm, unrushed bedside manner, and for explaining diagnoses and treatment plans in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether you’re an athlete returning to competition or simply ready to move without pain again, she’s fully invested in your recovery—and the life you want to get back to.
Outside the OR, she spends time with her husband and kids, competes in triathlons, and loves reading, the beach, and staying active year-round.
Bring what matters to you
Read what our patients share about pain experiences. Each clinician section brings together accounts that mention this subject, so you can explore the details and follow the source.
In their own words
These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result.
This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that mention pain experiences. You can read every rating and written review on the full clinician profile.
13 written reviews
Highest rated first · Newest within each rating
Great young doctor. Great results 2ND DAY, 6 days in AND NO PAIN. THANK YOU
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr Estess is an amazing surgeon and has fabulous bedside manners and very patient with my in pain aunt. Everyone in our family fell in love with her and we appreciate her very much.
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr. Estess is very knowledgeable, a terrific listener and very good communicator. She explained what was causing my knee pain and told me what could be done and why. Couldn’t ask for more and everyone I interacted with in the office was also great.
Allyson Estess, MD
I visited Dr. Estess for ongoing knee pain and couldn’t be happier with the experience. She listened carefully to my symptoms and explained what was going on with my knees and the treatment options available. She took the time to answer all my questions without rushing, and I left with a clear plan going forward. Highly recommend her for anyone dealing with knee issues
Allyson Estess, MD
So this is more for Dr. Estess’ services (as opposed to her office), but had to give thanks where due. Dr. Estess recently did an emergency procedure on my broken ankle at Marina Cedars hospital, and she couldn’t have been cooler. Friendly, knowledgeable and professional, she put a stop to the excruciating pain of that night, putting me on the road to recovery. Her staff was also super helpful re: next steps, thorough and responsive via phone/email. So appreciative of Dr. Estess’ time and skills. Her gentle yet proactive approach is what all patients hope for.
Allyson Estess, 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
Fantastic experience!. After months of crippling chronic hip pain..and after Dr A ‘s pricedure ..I now feel like a milllion bucks ! So grateful.
Allyson Estess, MD
I had PRP to treat knee pain and it was gone after one treatment!
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr. Estess is wonderful and thorough! My knee pain came on quickly and was very severe. We discussed a Cortizone shot and decided to move forward with it so I could enjoy my Fourth of July while taking it easy. I had an MRI on my knee 24 hours after I saw her. My follow up is Tuesday (MRI diagnosis) for a game plan. Until then, I have been following doctor’s orders to take it easy. I am so grateful we were able to take my pain down a bit so I could enjoy my vacation. The entire team at the office are friendly and caring! I highly recommend Dr. Estess for your care!
Allyson Estess, MD
I saw Dr. Estess in January 2025 for an elbow injury and it was completely misdiagnosed by her. Instead of recommending me to have a MRI exam, she prescribed physical therapy which has made my injury and pain worse. I don't live in California and was travelling, so I needed reliable medical advice on how to recover. The PT has made it worse and I'm experiencing significant pain every day now. I requested them to order a MRI for me 2.5 months later after many PT sessions with no improvement and they couldn't be bothered to call me about the results after the MRI report was faxed to them. They still won't call me for how to treat my injury because I can't come into their office and probably because they can't bill my insurance for a phone call. The MRI report indicated a complex injury (including synovitis, joint effusion, tennis elbow) that stemmed from a grade 2 UCL sprain. I needed to drain the excess fluid in my elbow, take anti-inflammatories, and rest. Been dealing with this injury for 3 months now that doesn't require surgery. I would've been better off seeing a doctor that is flexible with video/phone call appointments and I regret coming into this office.
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr Estess is not just fantastic as a physician, but she has incredible integrity. I went to see her to get a second opinion on a major surgery I was scheduled to have only a few days later. She carefully evaluated all my data, took her time examining me and understanding the pain I had, and identified the real cause of the issue. I will never forget her saying, "I am a surgeon and I LOVE doing surgery. But, I don't think the pain you're having is going to be fixed with the surgery you're about to have." She turned out to be correct and saved me months of painful rehab that would have been unnecessary. To say that I am grateful that I went to see her would be an understatement. Don't think twice about seeing Dr Estess if you need orthopedic / sports medicine consultation. You will be in good hands.
Allyson Estess, MD
Dr. Estess is a great doctor. I came to her complaining of ongoing lower back pain and she provided me with a few options. One of which was to get an MRI just to be safe, so I decided to go with that. Turns out, I have two herniated discs in my back! No idea how! Again, she went over a few options with me and I'll be starting physical therapy soon to see if it helps. I'd recommend her to anyone. I felt very comfortable the entire time and I felt like she really listened to me :)
Allyson Estess, MD
Dealing with pain after an accident, & I needed a second opinion. Dr Estess was very patient with me, made me feel comfortable and helped me to better understand my situation. I'm very grateful to have found her!
Allyson Estess, MD
A little more understanding
Pain management
When pain continues, you deserve a careful assessment and a plan you can use. Good care makes room for daily life, practical goals, and honest conversations about what remains uncertain.
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