Brandon A. Ortega, MD.
Physical therapy reviews.

Dr. Ortega has been amazing, life changing!! I was in so much pain by the time I was referred to him, I was barely sleeping, and missing a ton of work because of the pain and feeling off balance. I was initially referred to physical therapy which was helping both my neck and a shoulder condition. I wasn’t understanding how so many symptoms (pain in my arm, fingers tingling, feeling off balance) all stemmed from my neck. When Dr. Ortega spoke with me about Complete Disk Replacement surgery I was relieved. Though the procedure on my neck sounded scary it HAD to be better than how life had been. I was actually excited for the surgery and couldn’t stop smiling any time it was brought up. Surgery day couldn’t come fast enough. Dr. Ortega took time to explain the surgery and what to expect after it. There were literally no surprises. I felt very little pain after surgery, mostly from the incision itself. There was some discomfort in my neck, almost felt as if there was a lump in my throat. This went away in about 6 weeks. I was off all pain meds within days of surgery. I was nervous about swallowing and stuck to a liquid diet for a few days. Swallowing was back to normal with in a week or two, ice pops became a favorite! . My voice was a little raspy for a short time as well, cleared up within a month. I just had my 6 month post-op appointment and I can’t tell you enough how amazing I feel! The pain and tingling are completely gone (went to physical therapy for some time…work the process). I can sleep through the night again! I did have one odd symptom around 3 months post op, when I tilted my head down I felt a static sensation from neck to my fingers which lasted a second. Dr. Ortega was able to see me next day, checked X-rays and everything looked great. My nerves were heeling and the sensation went away after a couple of weeks. I know the thought of surgery on your neck sounds very scary…if Dr. Ortega is your surgeon, rest easy…he knows what he’s doing. He takes the time to explain everything about the surgery (CDR), what to expect after, answered every question I had which eased my mind. He gave me my life back! Thank you Dr. Ortega!!

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

I met Dr Ortega a little over a year ago on my first appointment and afterwards I went down to my car and cried. Finally, I had hope that I could get my life back! I was so grateful that finally I was referred to a doctor that knew and understood everything I have been experiencing since 2017. Dr Ortega was very thorough in explaining the Cervical Radiculopathy ACDF procedure. I wanted to wait a year before writing this review and I have to tell you that it’s so wonderful to be able to sleep and to wake up and not have the constant pain and weakness in my neck and on my right arm and shoulder. The surgery and care afterwards was exceptional without any problems. Physical therapy in the same office was better than I have experienced elsewhere. They helped me get my strength back with stretches and exercises to maintain the muscle strength. Thank you Dr Ortega for truly giving me back my life!

Brandon A. Ortega, 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 testimony is giving God all the Glory for Dr. Brandon Ortega and his team. Many days I wanted to give up but didn’t! I believed God would heal me someday! It was 2012 when I truly started feeling the spinal pain. I was also experiencing joint pain! It began getting worse throughout the years. It was 2023 when I first met with Dr. Brandon Ortega who is part of the Optum Group. Dr Ortega is a Dr who took the time in explaining my condition. Dr. Brandon explained my condition which was, Cervical Nerve Root Disorder. He explained MRIs, X-rays and so forth. Dr. Ortega is just one of the many Drs. left in the medical profession who takes the time with his patients! Thank God. This has been my experience in such short period of time. Prior to Dr. Ortega, I saw many Specialist regarding my medical issues.I tried every Conventional Medicine and Physical Therapy to help relieve the painful suffering, I was dealing with. Not to mention years of depression. Dealing with the fact, that this aliment had left me drained was not easy. My health was rapidly declining. It was sometimes difficult for anyone to tell unless, I was having difficult days which kept me indoors. I was a silent sufferer! Dr. Ortega was honest enough to let me know, the only medical solution to stop the pain would be surgery. He discussed the procedures. I saw and read all the necessary information I needed to know and see. I sort the Lord on this matter. It was then I knew in my heart, that Dr. Ortega was the right Dr. in performing this procedure! I had my surgery on April 8th 2025. It has been one of the best decisions made. I am feeling 99.9% better in my life today. I thank God everyday. If do cry, it’s tears of joy! Anyone who has ever suffered from chronic pain can tell you, it will rob you of whatever joy you had or have. I’m am far happier than I have ever been. I’m slowly but surely recovering and getting back to enjoying life once again! Thank you Lord🙏🏼🙏🏼Thanks to Dr. Ortega and his awesome team at the Institute and Memorial Hospital 🙂

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

I was experiencing chronic shoulder pain, some tingling in my fingers, and weakness in the grip in my right arm. It hindered my ability to do regular daily activities and I was unable to sleep without waking up with pain every time I rolled over. Dr. Ortega reviewed my MRI and explained the pain and weakness was caused by degenerating discs from C4-C7 and spinal cord impingement due to a bone spur and arthritis. He took time to explain the different options that were available to me to help alleviate the pain and I chose to have a combination of artificial disc replacement for three discs and fusion of my C5-C6 and C6-C7 vertebrae. I went into the operating room at about 8:30am and was sitting at home in my easy chair eating yogurt at 2:30. I had immediate relief from my shoulder pain and weakness. I had a little difficulty swallowing for a couple of days following surgery but that resolved itself. I also had some neck pain from the surgery but I was able to manage it with Tylenol, a nerve medication, and a muscle relaxant, without the use of narcotics. I was pain free after three weeks and after undergoing some physical therapy to regain range of motion and to strengthen my core and the muscles of my neck and shoulders I have resumed my normal active lifestyle. If the combination of artificial disc replacement and fusion is an option for you I would highly recommend you do them at the same time. I had a great experience and a great outcome!

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

Dr Ortega and team of specialists really made my surgery seamless from beginning to end. I had C-3 through C-7 cervical surgery with 2- fusions and 2 disc replacements. I am 4 weeks from surgery date and am healing so well with no problems. I would recommend Dr Ortega and team to anyone who has a spine problem and pain. I am now starting my physical therapy and no pain.

Brandon A. Ortega, MD